By Maybelene Marcelino
King Charles III’s recently-released playlist, an eclectic mix of music compiled for Commonwealth Day, has highlighted the unifying power of music across cultures.
Released as part of “The King’s Music Room,” a special Apple Music 1 show celebrating Commonwealth Day, the selection featured 17 songs from world-famous celebrities such as pop diva Diana Ross, legendary reggae artiste Bob Marley, enduring singer-songwriter Grace Jones, and rising British sensation Raye.
While the playlist predominantly showcased artists from the Commonwealth nations, His Majesty also thoughtfully included a few musicians from outside the group, explaining that he had a personal connection to their music and artistic contributions.
A noteworthy example of this international inclusion is Malaysian songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Her song “Anta Permana” made the cut for its apparent resonance with the King, the New Straits Times reported.
Music transcends cultural boundaries
Sharing his personal reflection on the significance of music, King Charles said: “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others.
“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.
“But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.”
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The King’s playlist underscored the universality of music’s ability to connect people, regardless of background or geographical location, and its powerful symbolism of unity.
Commonwealth Day, held annually since the 1970s, recognizes the unity and diversity of a remarkable family of nations.
Founded in 1949, the modern Commonwealth is an association of 56 member states with a combined population of 2.7 billion – almost a third of the world’s people.
These countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific, and are incredibly diverse, encompassing the world’s largest and smallest, richest and poorest nations, and a vast array of cultures and religions.
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