Tamil Nadu-born musician Ganavya makes it to Barack Obama’s 2025 music favourites, joining global stars like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Rosalía
Tamil Nadu-born musician Ganavya has made it to former US President Barack Obama’s annual list of favourite music for 2025, joining global stars like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Rosalía.
Obama shared the list on social media, continuing his tradition of highlighting standout books, movies, and songs from the year.
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Who is Ganavya?
Ganavya Iyer Doraiswamy, known mononymously as Ganavya, is an Indian‑American musician, singer-songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist raised partly in Tamil Nadu. She is known for blending South Asian classical music, spiritual jazz, and experimental sounds to create a unique and evocative musical style.
Trained in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam from a young age, Ganavya has developed a distinctive sound that bridges traditional Indian music with contemporary jazz and ambient influences. She has released several acclaimed albums, including Aikyam: Onnu (2018), like the sky I’ve been too quiet (2024), Daughter of a Temple (2024), and Nilam (2025), and has collaborated with internationally renowned musicians.
Ganavya’s innovative work has earned her international recognition, with her performances featured at major music festivals and on global platforms. Her song Pasayadan was recently highlighted on Barack Obama’s 2025 list of favourite music, placing her alongside global stars like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Rosalía.
Obama’s 2025 music favourites
Among the 2025 picks, Ganavya’s song Pasayadan featured alongside hits such as Abracadabra by Lady Gaga, JUMP by Blackpink, and Sexo, Violencia y Llantas by Rosalía. The list also included tracks by Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Burna Boy, and Lil Naay & Myke Towers, reflecting a global and eclectic taste.
Notable movie picks
Obama’s favourite films for 2025 include One Battle After Another by Paul Thomas Anderson, Sinners by Ryan Coogler, Hamnet by Chloé Zhao, No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook, and The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho. These selections have already generated awards buzz and are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming season.
Celebrating diversity and global talent
The former president’s annual list highlights a mix of established stars and emerging talent from across the globe. Obama’s selections, including Ganavya, underscore his appreciation for diverse voices in music and film, bridging cultures and continents.
How fans can engage
Obama invited his followers to share their recommendations for books, music, and movies, keeping the tradition interactive. Fans worldwide can explore the picks to discover music, films, and literature they might have missed in 2025.
Published: 19 Dec 2025, 09:15 am IST
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