Today, August 4, marks yet another revolution around the sun for Barack Obama, the nation’s 44th president. It’s been a busy year for the now 65-year-old, with the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which he and his wife, Michelle Obama, are devoted to civic engagement, culture and leadership development — no wonder people have deemed this Obama Day!
To join in on the celebration, EBONY is taking a page out of Obama’s playbook and highlighting some of his favorite and eclectic musical choices.
Happy Birthday, Barack Obama! Enjoy these songs the former leader of the free world has in rotation and get the party started!
“Nice to Each Other” by Olivia Dean
One of Obama’s favorite songs of 2025, this breezy song is all about allowing a relationship not to be confined by traditional boundaries, instead focusing on honesty, affection, tenderness and care. Mutual kindness has always been Obama’s vibe, so this totally tracks.
Luther” by Kendrick Lamar
Another 2025 banger that Obama adored, from the Kendrick Lamar playbook. This smooth rap track featuring SZA is all about wanting to build something everlasting with someoneone, even when others don’t support. It’s built around a sample of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s “If This World Were Mine,” giving it a undeniable R&B feel.
“Another Star” by Stevie Wonder
Chosen by former president Barack Obama in his inaugural 2015 White House x Spotify playlist, this Stevie Wonder classic has the right mix of bounce, sing-along, and flavor to get anyone on their feet and ready to boogie. If you were lucky to be in the mix for Obama’s 60th b’day celebration, this was one for the playlist.
“Classic Man” by Jidenna feat. Kendrick Lamar
Nothing can be more swag-surf-inducing than Jidenna’s instant hit, “Classic Man,” the remix of which featured Obama’s favorite rapper from 2016, Kendrick Lamar. With a host of A-list celebrities, close friends, family, and former staff members attending Martha’s Vineyard, this song is the perfect one to have on while showing off your haute couture.
“U Got The Look” by Prince
Another must-have joint from Barry’s 2016 favorites list, “U Got The Look” is still a “heck-a-slammin’” number to burn up the dance floor thanks to Sheila E.’s live percussion and Sheena Easton’s vocals. This is a “World Series of love”-type of track that he and Michelle can get down to every birthday celebration.
“Ekombe” by Jupiter & Okwess International
Included in this list with the implicit instructions to dance and keep moving, the Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo band’s 2018 jam may find Obama going viral for hitting the Ndombolo one good time. Chosen by the former president in that same year, “Ekombe” is a guaranteed bop that will get you up and active like you were in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign.
“Wild Thoughts” by DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
Ramping up the couples’ dance portion of the party, “Wild Thoughts,” with its Carlos Santana sample and hip-sway-inducing melodies, was a 2017 selection from Barack Obama’s summer playlist—and still a forever vibe if there was one. As mentioned above, the guest list is being kept on the hush, but you can imagine that when this one floods out the speaker, it’ll be hard to keep anyone from getting their DJ Khaled on.
“Savage” (Remix) by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
With 2020 turning out to be that year where we all spent mostly at home, Obama revealed that the H-Town collabo between Megan and Beyoncé was in heavy rotation with him and his family. Making his pandemic-powered playlist in that year is “Savage” (Remix)m a cool number played at his power shindig.
“Juice” by Lizzo
A semi-cool-down cut, “Juice” is for when the drinks are flowing, the conversations are going, and Barry is in the corner getting love from the missus. Picked for his 2019 Spotify playlist, Lizzo’s funk-heavy rap with an 80’s-inspired melody is a near-perfect feel-good song that is perfectly in-sync with his birthday celebration.
“Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin
Continuing the funky winning streak, this Aretha Franklin staple made Barack Obama’s inaugural favorite’s list in 2015, and will always be a forever classic on dance floors from sea to shining sea. The former POTUS was only 11 when “Rock Steady” came out, and surely you can imagine him hitting some Soul Train-esque moves at his oceanfront Martha’s Vineyard estate that will have Sasha and Malia’s TikTok pages lit.
“Essence” by WizKid feat. Tems
It’s no secret that this song is obsess-worthy, as WizKid and Tems cooked up an instant classic with this sensual number from the former’s Made in Lagos album. Picked for his 2020 favorite’s playlist series, Obama had to consult his daughter Sasha to include this one, which may result in a happy father-daughter birthday dance to celebrate his 60th revolution around the sun.
“Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic
It seems Barack Obama is also eagerly waiting on that Silk Sonic album. The first single from the Bruno Mars-Anderson .Paak collab, “Leave the Door Open,” which made the former president’s 2021 summer playlist, is a perfect end-of-the-night number to play to put a bow on a perfectly (and hopefully fully vaccinated) night with family and friends.
Kevin L. Clark is an editor and screenwriter who covers the intersection of music, pop culture and social justice.