Nigerian afro-fusion & Afrobeat star artiste, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy has Oulu scored another credit to his name as he’s emerged as the only Nigerian and African artiste featured in the official inauguration playlist of incoming US president and vice-president, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ahead of Inauguration Day.
The president-elect and vice president-elect have released a 46-song playlist in honor of their upcoming administration and Burna Boy’s hit track ‘Destiny,’ has been included in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration playlist. The playlist was put together by American music producer and rapper DJ D-Nice and actress, Issa Rae’s Raedio in partnership with the Presidential Inaugural Committee to fit the Biden/Harris team’s theme “America United”.
‘Destiny’ is the 13th track off Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated ‘African Giant’ album.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee’s CEO, Tony Allen, explained the criteria behind the song selection in a statement, published in The Insider. “During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected. Whether you are a country soul, a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop head, a classical sort, or just love that old-time rock and roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites, and heals.
He said the playlist is meant to” honor music as a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected through a challenging year”.
“These songs and artistes reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country,’’ he noted.
The star-studded playlist which is now available on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify, and TIDAL and other streaming platforms, includes 46 tracks.
Asides Burna Boy, the multi-generational playlist also includes tracks by SZA, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige, Dua Lipa, Marvin Gaye, and the late Bob Marley, among others.
CNN said the playlist is part of the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s push” to provide opportunities for Americans to participate in the inauguration from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden and Harris’s inauguration will be broadcast live on Wednesday and includes a star-studded lineup of performers, including Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, James Taylor, Lady Gaga, Jon Bon Jovi, Fall Out Boy, Ant Clemons and the Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Springsteen among many others.
Lady Gaga will sing the American national anthem while Jennifer Lopez will also perform some of her songs, as earlier announced by the Biden-Harris inaugural committee.
The #InaugurationDay ceremony lineup is here! 🥳
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 14, 2021
Invocation – Fr. Leo O’Donovan
Pledge of Allegiance – Andrea Hall
National Anthem – @ladygaga
Poetry Reading – Amanda Gorman
Musical Performance – @JLo
Benediction – Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman pic.twitter.com/IkTAwH3wgu
Burna Boy appears to be a favorite in the White House, having made former U.S. President, Barack Obama, and wife, Michelle’s playlist in 2019 and 2020 respectively. In August 2020, he appeared on former US president Barack Obama’s summer playlist alongside fellow Nigerian stars Davido, and Wizkid. Alongside Fireboy DML, among others, Burna also appeared on the FIFA soundtrack.
The feat of having one of his songs on the inauguration playlist of the 59th presidential inauguration ceremony, comes days after Burna was enlisted on Sia’s ‘Hey Boy’ remix.
Stream the full playlist below:
Read also: Burna Boy tapped for Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack.
