15 toe-tapping songs to celebrate World Music Day

A global playlist that pays tribute to the beauty of togetherness

2 minute read

A person listening to their headphones outside with trees in the background

Get ready to throw on your dancing shoes and let the rhythm take you away on World Music Day! Whether you're popping and locking in the living room or staring at the ceiling with your favorite track on the radio, today is all about celebrating the universal language of music.

Music has a way of speaking to us individually while also bringing us together. A simple tune can build community through differences and distances, allowing us to feel the love in harmony. We believe in the power of music to foster inclusivity by connecting people from all walks of life through a shared love of melodies and lyrics.

As we mark June 21, let's embrace the beauty of diverse musical traditions from around the world, each one adding its own unique flavor to the soundtrack of our lives. We hope you enjoy our playlist, specifically crafted to display the nuances of this beautiful art form. Feel the rhythm in your soul and let World Music Day inspire you to dance, sing, and celebrate the joy of music!

  1. "One Love" by Bob Marley - A timeless reggae call for universal love and brotherhood.
  2. "Imagine" by John Lennon - A powerful vision of a united world, free from conflict and divisions.
  3. "Hello My Baby" by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - A vibrant and joyful South African song welcoming and celebrating connection.
  4. "La Tierra del Olvido" by Carlos Vives - A celebration of Colombian culture, this song is a joyous tribute to the beauty of Vives' homeland and its people.
  5. "One Day" by Matisyahu - A hopeful anthem for peace and unity, ideal for reflecting on global togetherness.
  6. "Jai Ho" by A.R. Rahman - A fusion of Indian music with global cinematic appeal, popularized by the movie "Slumdog Millionaire."
  7. "Jopping" by SuperM - This high-energy track from a South Korean supergroup combines K-pop with a global pop sound, delivering a message of having fun and feeling the moment.
  8. "Peace Train" by Yusuf / Cat Stevens - An uplifting call for peace and understanding across the globe.
  9. "Sodade" by Cesária Évora - A melancholic yet beautiful morna from Cape Verde, speaking to the longing and nostalgia for home.
  10. "Agolo" by Angélique Kidjo - A rhythmic and invigorating song from one of Africa’s most powerful voices, encouraging awareness and action for the environment.
  11. "The Journey" by Lea Salonga - Performed by Filipino artist Lea Salonga, this song is an inspiring anthem about life’s travels and the challenges we overcome along the way, encouraging resilience and hope.
  12. "One" by U2 - An anthem about coming together in adversity and embracing our shared humanity.
  13. "Bamboléo" by Gipsy Kings - An energetic track by the Gipsy Kings, combining traditional flamenco with pop influences, perfect for a festive atmosphere.
  14. "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams - A classic rock song that captures the essence of summer and youthful exuberance, well-loved across the globe.
  15. "Aquarela do Brasil" by João Gilberto - A classic bossa nova song that beautifully represents Brazilian culture and music.

Listen on Pandora.

We hope we’ll have your feet tapping and your hips swaying on this special day! There’s nothing like a sweet melody to take us dancing down the streets and shimmying up the stairs. Carry sonic joy with you in every on-tempo step with a great playlist and lust for music! We hope our chosen songs bring you joy and remind you of the power a simple rhythm can play in setting our moods. Bring the family together for a dance party or grab that special someone and show them how much you love them through the art of dance on World Music Day!