Marathi Prayer ‘Pasayadan’ Takes This Tamil Nadu-Born Singer To Barack Obama’s 2025 Best Music List

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 19:19 IST

Barack Obama shared the list on social media as part of his annual tradition of highlighting his favourite books, films and music of the year. 

Ganavya Iyer Doraiswamy is an Indian-American musician, singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist.

Tamil Nadu-born musician Ganavya found a place on former US President Barack Obama’s 2025 list of favourite music, with her song “Pasayadan"- a Marathi prayer- earning a spot alongside tracks by global stars such as Lady Gaga, Blackpink and Rosali. Barack Obama shared the list on social media as part of his annual tradition of highlighting his favourite books, films and music of the year.

What Is ‘Pasayadan’?

“Pasayadan" is a well-known Marathi prayer traditionally attributed to the 13th-century saint-poet Dnyaneshwar, invoking universal compassion and harmony. Ganavya’s rendition reimagines the prayer through her distinctive musical lens, blending Indian classical roots with jazz and experimental textures.

Who Else Features On Barack Obama’s 2025 Music List?

Alongside Ganavya, the list features Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra", Blackpink’s high-energy track “JUMP" and Rosalia’s genre-bending “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas". The list- which spans pop, hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats and experimental sounds- also includes music by Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Burna Boy, Chance the Rapper, Jorja Smith, James Blake and Latin artists such as Lil Naay & Myke Towers.

Who Is Ganavya?

Ganavya Iyer Doraiswamy is an Indian-American musician, singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist who was raised partly in Tamil Nadu. She trained in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam from a young age and later developed a sound that bridges South Asian classical traditions with spiritual jazz, ambient and experimental music.

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 recognised musicians. Her work has been featured at major global festivals and cultural platforms.

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