South African-born music superstar Tyla has millions of fans across the globe and it appears that Barack Obama is one of them.
The former US president has included the 22-year-old Grammy Award winner’s hit track “Jump” on his 2024 summer playlist.
It features American rapper Gunna and Jamaican musician Skillibeng and it was shot in Johannesburg in May.
Obama recently took to Instagram to post his summer 2024 playlist, alongside the caption: “With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!”
The song, which features the viral lyrics “They never had a pretty girl from Joburg/See me now and that’s what they prefer”, features on Tyla's debut self-titled album, which was released in March.
It made Obama’s list alongside the likes of Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em”, “Love Me JeJe” by Tems, Sting’s “If You Love Somebody Let Them Go” and “365” by Charli XCX.
This is not the first time that Tyla has made Obama’s music playlist. Last year, he also included her award-winning single “Water” into his summer playlist.
The former US statesman is renowned for his love of music. During his tenure as America’s president, he would often invite musicians to the White House to perform for him.
His inclusion of “Jump” on his latest playlist is yet another proud moment for Mzansi, as Tyla’s list of achievements keeps growing.
The song’s music video is authentically South African. In one scene, Tyla is eating Glo Slos. In another, she’s enjoying an Apple Munch Ice Lolly and in a separate one, the pop star is seen getting her braids done.
Meanwhile, Tyla is looking to add to her illustrious list of accolades as she has earned her first nomination at the prestigious MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), joining fellow first-time nominees Burna Boy, Lojay, and Pheelz from the African continent.
In the Best R&B category, Tyla will also compete against music icons Alicia Keys, Usher, SZA, Muni Long and Victoria Monét.
After she took home the golden gramophone for Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards in February, Tyla also won Best New Artist and Best International Act for “Water” at the BET Awards in June.
This past weekend, she was also a big winner at the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs).
“Water” won Song of the Year, Song with the Highest Airplay and the prestigious International Achievement Award at the ceremony, which was held at the Joburg Theatre.