Narendra Modi, Barack Obama to King Charles III: World Leaders Who Share a Passion for Music, ft. Ricky Kej, Beyoncé and Bob Marley

For centuries, music has been more than entertainment for world leaders. Whether through personal playlists, traditions or collaborations with musicians, these moments offer us a glimpse of the people behind the podium. Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, whose work has promoted peace, sustainability and global unity, has also found musical common ground with leaders around the world. Here are five leaders whose musical choices made headlines.

1. Narendra Modi (India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media feeds are a regular platform for regional compositions as he spotlights local artists and musicians. Most recently, while sharing images of the newly constructed Jodhpur airport terminal, he chose Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Ricky Kej’s track Kesariya Balam. PM Modi also shares a longstanding association with Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej. After Kej won his first Grammy Award in 2015, he met the PM, who congratulated him and discussed using music as a vehicle for India’s soft power and environmental awareness. Later that year, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, Modi and then French President François Hollande jointly launched Kej’s album Shanti Samsara.

2. King Charles III (United Kingdom)

Few heads of state have publicly embraced music quite like King Charles III. Earlier this year, he launched The King’s Music Room, an Apple Music radio show featuring songs that have shaped his life.His playlist spans generations and genres, including Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Beyoncé, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Davido, Michael Bublé and Raye. Charles described music as something that “brings back happy memories” and lifts the spirit, revealing a surprisingly eclectic taste that reflects his travels across the Commonwealth.

3. Barack Obama (United States)
Former US president Barack Obama has turned his summer and year-end playlists into a global cultural phenomenon.Every year, millions wait to see what he’s listening to.His selections have ranged from Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan to Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Billie Eilish and emerging independent artists.Obama’s playlists are among the most influential celebrity-curated playlists in the world, often a mix of classics and contemporary music.

4.Emmanuel Macron (France)

French President Emmanuel Macron has often used music as a tool of cultural diplomacy. From hosting global music stars at the Élysée Palace during France’s annual Fête de la Musique celebrations to championing French and international artists, Macron has consistently put the spotlight on music as a bridge between cultures. His association with musicians goes beyond ceremonial events, showing France’s long-standing commitment to the arts as an instrument of soft power. It is interesting that Ricky Kej and Macron are well-acquainted with each other and spent quality time together together during Macron’s India visit in February 2026.

5. Justin Trudeau (Canada)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has often championed Canadian musicians in public, be it Drake, The Weeknd, Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen or The Tragically Hip.Trudeau has repeatedly turned to music, whether to mark Canada Day or to congratulate artists on their international achievements, to spotlight the country’s cultural footprint. In fact, Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh’s last concert in Canada, he even dropped by to congratulate the artist. His public engagement with musicians has also helped build up Canada’s creative identity on the world stage.