In a special radio show, King Charles III reveals his eclectic musical tastes, ranging from disco to highlife, highlighting the vibrant diversity of the Commonwealth. The monarch's carefully curated playlist offers a personal glimpse into his love for music across generations and cultures.
King Charles III has unveiled an eclectic and unexpected taste in music, ranging from disco to highlife, as part of a special radio show titled The King’s Music Room, aired on Apple Music. The 76-year-old monarch, in collaboration with Apple, curated a playlist that features a blend of his favorite songs from across the Commonwealth, celebrating its diversity and cultural richness. The show was recorded to coincide with Commonwealth Day on March 10, a moment to honor the 56 countries of the Commonwealth, many of which were once part of the British Empire. Notably, Charles III serves as head of state for 14 of these nations.
During the program, the king shared some of his personal favorites, revealing a deep appreciation for various genres such as disco, reggae, and afrobeats. One of the highlights of the playlist is Kylie Minogue’s iconic track The Loco-Motion, which Charles describes as having an “infectious energy.” He confesses that upon hearing it, he finds it almost impossible to stay still. The upbeat song, first popularized in the 1960s and later re-recorded by Minogue in the 1980s, perfectly fits Charles's lively musical tastes.
Another surprising revelation comes from the king’s affection for highlife music, a genre originating from Ghana. Reflecting on his first visit to the country in the 1970s, Charles shares how the rhythmic beats of highlife left a lasting impression on him, urging him to dance. He recalls dancing to a song by Ghanaian artist Daddy Lumba during his last visit to the West African country in 2018. Lumba is often regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest musicians.
The monarch’s playlist also includes Upside Down, a song by the legendary Diana Ross, who, though not from the Commonwealth, has made a significant impact globally. Charles admits that when he was younger, it was impossible not to get up and dance whenever the song played, adding with a chuckle that he now wonders whether he can still manage to dance to it.
Music, according to Charles, serves as a bridge across various cultures, uniting them in their shared love of life’s joys and diversity. In line with this sentiment, reggae icon Bob Marley is featured with his classic Could You Be Loved. The king fondly recalls meeting Marley and experiencing his contagious energy firsthand when the Jamaican singer performed in London. He also remembers Marley’s powerful words about the "inner voice" of the people.
In addition to Bob Marley, the playlist includes a number of Caribbean hits, such as Millie Small’s My Boy Lollipop and Hot Hot Hot by Montserratian artist Arrow. On a more nostalgic note, Charles highlights The Very Thought of You by 1930s crooner Al Bowlly, a song that he associates with his beloved grandmother, who often played music from that era.
Turning to contemporary artists, the king showcases Crazy in Love by the incomparable Beyoncé. Other modern tracks include Love Me Again by British singer Raye, and Kante by Nigerian artist Davido, alongside an array of songs from across the Commonwealth. These include The Click Song by South African singer Miriam Makeba, La Vie en Rose by Jamaican star Grace Jones, and Indian Summer by sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar.
The radio show, which airs on Apple Music 1, offers a unique glimpse into the king’s personal musical world. The playlist is a testament to the wide-ranging tastes of a monarch who, though steeped in tradition, embraces the vibrant and diverse sounds of the modern world. Recorded in the King’s office at Buckingham Palace, The King’s Music Room celebrates the unity and variety that the Commonwealth represents, brought together by the universal language of music.
With AFP
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