In celebration of Commonwealth Day, King Charles III has debuted an intriguing playlist, showcasing a diverse range of musical talents, including icons like Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and Grace Jones. This playlist, which features 17 artists, reflects the monarch’s long-standing appreciation for music, as noted in a recent podcast.

The Significance of Music

In his podcast titled “The King’s Music Room,” Charles articulated the profound impact of music on human experience, stating that it “has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places.”

Commonwealth Day Celebration

As the head of the Commonwealth, a group comprising 56 nations predominantly linked through the British Empire’s history, King Charles’s playlist comes at an important time. Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday of March, marked by various events throughout member countries.

Curation of the Playlist

The selection of songs may have been influenced by Errollyn Wallen, a Belizean artist appointed as the Master of the King’s Music, a position that dates back to the reign of King Charles I in the 17th century. Wallen’s expertise likely contributed to the playlist’s richness.

Featured Songs from the Playlist

Beyoncé – “Crazy in Love”

The playlist includes notable contributions from artists outside the Commonwealth, emphasizing Charles’s personal ties to their music, with Beyoncé’s iconic hit being a prime example.

Daddy Lumba – “Mpempem Do Me”

During the podcast recorded at Buckingham Palace, the king reminisced about his visit to Ghana in 2018, where he enjoyed the rhythms of Ghanaian singer Daddy Lumba. This personal connection highlights the cultural significance music holds across nations.

Miriam Makeba – “The Click Song”

Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” is celebrated for her resistance against apartheid. Charles humorously noted the challenges of pronouncing the title of her 1960s hit, “Qongqothwane,” which translates in English to “The Click Song.”

Diana Ross – “Upside Down”

Reflecting on the joys of his younger days, King Charles expressed a sense of nostalgia with Diana Ross’s upbeat 1980 track. “When I was much younger, it was absolutely impossible not to get up and dance when it was played,” he remarked.

Kylie Minogue – “The Loco-Motion”

Australian artist Kylie Minogue performed this memorable track at St. James’s Palace in 2012. The king remarked on its “infectious energy” that compels listeners to dance.