Despite dozens of reggae releases hitting streaming platforms in 2026, former U.S. President Barack Obama is revisiting a classic, adding Damian Marley and Nas’ 2005 collaboration ‘Road to Zion’ to his annual summer playlist.
Obama, who has repeatedly added acts like Spice and Koffee to his bi-annual listings, unveiled his annual summer playlist on Wednesday, and among the dozens of songs selected for 2026 is “Road to Zion” by Damian Marley featuring Nas, a track originally released over two decades ago on Marley’s acclaimed 2005 album Welcome to Jamrock.
“Road to Zion” was the second U.S. single from Marley’s Grammy-winning album.
The song explores themes of struggle, perseverance, spirituality, and the pursuit of a better life. Damian Marley reflects on the hardships faced by people living in poverty and the sacrifices required to achieve success while remaining true to one’s values. The “road to Zion” serves as a metaphor for the journey toward freedom, peace, and redemption.
Nas complements Marley’s message with verses about social inequality, systemic challenges, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Produced by Stephen Marley, the track blends reggae and hip-hop influences and samples “Russian Lullaby” by Ella Fitzgerald. Its powerful message and the chemistry between Marley and Nas later inspired the duo to collaborate on their 2010 album, Distant Relatives.
The music video, filmed in Kew Gardens, New York, features cameos from artists including Chali 2na, George Clinton, and The Game, and tells a symbolic story of liberation and reunion.
Obama’s 2026 summer playlist spans an eclectic mix of genres, including rock, soul, jazz, hip-hop, pop and folk music. The list features artists such as David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, The Police, Chaka Khan, Coldplay and Luther Vandross, alongside newer acts including Doechii, Tyla and BossMan Dlow.
Here are all the songs from Barack Obama’s Summer Playlist 2026:
- “Song of Good Hope” — Glen Hansard
- “the one” — Gabriel Jacoby
- “girl, get up.” — Doechii & SZA
- “West Memphis” — Yebba
- “Doors” — Noah Kahan
- “Can’t Hide Love” — Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Going Shopping” — The Strokes
- “idea 1” — Kelela
- “Make Me Wanna” — October London
- “I Feel Good” — Fred Hammond
- “One Eyed Jack” — Charley Crockett
- “Inglés en Miami” — Rawayana & Manuel Turizo
- “White Flag” — Vince Staples
- “Rubber Band Man” — Mumford & Sons featuring Hozier
- “Motion Party” — BossMan Dlow
- “La Father (Remix)” — Vale Pintos, Brytiago, Casper Mágico & Héctor “El Father”
- “Fiesta” — Gvrden Boy
- “Self Aware” — Temper City
- “She Did It Again” — Tyla featuring Zara Larsson
- “Friends Again” — Baby Rose featuring Leon Thomas
- “Anyone Who Had a Heart” — Luther Vandross
- “Ain’t Nobody” — Chaka Khan
- “Emmanuele” — Abel Selaocoe
- “Message in a Bottle” — The Police
- “Modern Love” — David Bowie
- “The Book” — Sheryl Crow
- “Award Tour” — A Tribe Called Quest featuring Trugoy the Dove
- “Revolution” — The Beatles
- “Hit the Ground” — Lizz Wright
- “Charlie Brown” — Coldplay
- “Don’t Worry Baby” — Los Lobos
- “Let’s Get It On” — Marvin Gaye
- “I Ka Barra” — Habib Koité & Bamada
- “(I Know) I’m Losing You” — The Temptations
- “Do the Do” — Howlin’ Wolf
- “Road to Zion” — Damian Marley featuring Nas
- “Where Is My Husband!” — Raye
- “In the Dark” — Nina Simone
- “Heart of Gold” — Neil Young
- “Ran to Atlanta” — Drake featuring Future & Molly Santana
- “Folsom Prison Blues” — Johnny Cash
- “Hold On, I’m Comin'” — Sam & Dave
- “Candela” — Buena Vista Social Club
- “Yada Yada” — Anderson .Paak
- “You Go to My Head” — Ledisi featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
- “Strode Rode” — Sonny Rollins
