Former President Barack Obama has featured "Candela" by the Buena Vista Social Club on his summer 2026 playlist, shared this Thursday on Instagram. This Cuban classic stands out as the sole representative from the island in Obama's annual selection of 46 songs.
The track, penned by Faustino Oramas, affectionately known as "El Guayabero," is nestled among esteemed artists like Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, Neil Young, Drake, and Anderson .Paak. Obama's diverse mix spans genres including soul, blues, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and African music.
In addition to the playlist, Obama penned a heartfelt note dedicating the selection to the memory of Irish musician Glen Hansard, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in Dublin at the age of 56.
"It starts with a song that Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a remarkable musician who sadly died this week. Our thoughts are with his family," the former president expressed.
The playlist also embraces Latin artists such as Rawayana and Manuel Turizo with "Inglés en Miami," as well as Vale Pintos, Brytiago, Casper Mágico, and Héctor "El Father" with "La Father Remix," highlighting the rising influence of Spanish-language music in Obama's musical tastes.
"Candela" is part of the Buena Vista Social Club's self-titled album, recorded over six days in March 1996 at Havana's EGREM studios and released in 1997 by World Circuit Records.
According to the record label, the album became a global sensation, selling over 8 million copies and playing a pivotal role in popularizing Cuban and Latin American music worldwide.
Produced by American guitarist Ry Cooder, the album won the 1998 Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album and was added to the U.S. Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in April 2022.
The official YouTube video for "Candela" has garnered over 16.5 million views.
Obama's appreciation for Cuban music isn't new. In December 2021, he included "Patria y Vida" among his favorite songs of the year, and in summer 2022, he featured "Guantanamera" in a rendition by Wyclef Jean, Celia Cruz, and Lauryn Hill.
The trend of releasing summer playlists began in August 2015 when the White House partnered with Spotify during the presidential vacation in Martha's Vineyard, evolving into a cultural event eagerly anticipated by millions annually.
The global fascination with the Buena Vista Social Club's legacy is experiencing a resurgence. In June 2025, the Broadway musical based on the project triumphed at the 78th Tony Awards, securing five wins and firmly establishing the Cuban musicians from that historic recording as essential figures in global pop culture.
Cuban Music and Obama's Playlist
What Cuban song did Barack Obama include in his 2026 summer playlist?
Barack Obama included "Candela" by the Buena Vista Social Club in his 2026 summer playlist.
Why did Obama dedicate his playlist to Glen Hansard?
Obama dedicated his playlist to Glen Hansard, an Irish musician who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin at the age of 56.
How has the Buena Vista Social Club impacted global music?
The Buena Vista Social Club's album became an international phenomenon, selling over 8 million copies and significantly contributing to the global popularity of Cuban and Latin American music.