Apple Music launches ‘The Warm Up’ playlists featuring African players

The project brings together players from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana squad, Ghana’s national team, and other professional footballers, offering insight into the songs they listen to before matches. The playlists are accompanied by short interviews in which players discuss how music influences their focus, motivation and emotional state.

South African international Aubrey Modiba said music helps him manage nerves before games.

“For me, music is more about controlling my nerves than getting hyped,” he said. “Before games, there’s always pressure and expectation. Music helps me stay relaxed and not overthink things before kick-off.”

He highlighted ‘Baby Girl’ by Cassper Nyovest as a track he uses to calm his mind, adding that it helps him think about family and life beyond football.

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane also said music plays a grounding role in his preparation.

“It’s not always about getting hyped,” Zwane said. “Sometimes it’s about reflection, gratitude, and reminding yourself why you play the game.”

He cited ‘Abangani’ by Sjava featuring Emtee and Saudi as a song that reinforces the importance of loyalty and staying grounded.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena said music can influence his emotional state depending on the demands of a match day.

“Some days you need calmness, other days you need fire,” he said. “The right song can completely change your energy walking into a stadium.”

He pointed to ‘Imithandazo’ by Kabza De Small, Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa and Sizwe Alakine as a track that reflects themes of pressure and resilience.

Ghana international Gideon Mensah said music helps him maintain focus depending on the nature of each game, describing it as part of his mental preparation. Fellow Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew said music helps him achieve the right mindset before matches and described his preference for Afrobeats and artists including Wizkid, Rema and King Promise.

Ayew added that he naturally has a calm personality, with music helping to elevate his energy levels on match days.

South African midfielder Bongani Zungu said music serves both a calming and motivational function, citing Avicii’s Without You as part of his pre-match listening.

Defender Malibongwe Khoza said music helps him manage pressure and maintain focus.

“Football is emotional and high pressure,” he said. “Music helps me stay balanced. It puts me in a space where I feel focused, sharp, and ready to perform.”

He highlighted ‘Too Easy’ by Gunna and Future as a track that helps him feel confident before games.

Apple Music said the playlists are intended to offer insight into the connection between sport and music, particularly how athletes use sound to prepare mentally for competition.