Apple Music has launched a new collection of exclusive Warm Up playlists, curated by some of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, offering fans a unique glimpse into the music that powers their pre-match routines and mental preparation.
The initiative, titled The Warm Up, explores the important role music plays in helping elite athletes maintain focus, manage pressure, and achieve peak performance. The playlists feature personal song selections and exclusive interviews with top football stars from South Africa and Ghana.
Among the players participating in the project are Bafana Bafana stars Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Bongani Zungu, and Malibongwe Khoza, alongside Ghanaian internationals Gideon Mensah and Jordan Ayew.
The newly released Warm Up playlists showcase a rich blend of musical genres, including Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop, and classic anthems. Featured artists include Kabza De Small, Sjava, Tems, Dave, AKA, Zee Nxumalo, and several other leading names in African music.
Speaking about the influence of music on his performance, Aubrey Modiba revealed that music helps him remain calm before matches.
“For me, music is more about controlling my nerves than getting hyped,” Modiba said. “Before games, there’s always pressure and expectation. Music helps me stay relaxed and not overthink things before kick-off.”
One of his favourite tracks is Baby Girl by Cassper Nyovest, a song he says helps him disconnect from football momentarily and reflect on family and loved ones.
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane also highlighted the emotional impact of music, describing it as a source of reflection and gratitude.
“It’s not always about getting hyped,” Zwane explained. “Sometimes it’s about reflection, gratitude, and reminding yourself why you play the game.”
He identified Abangani by Sjava featuring Emtee and Saudi as a song that reminds him to value loyalty and stay close to genuine people.
For midfielder Teboho Mokoena, music has the power to influence his entire match-day mindset.
“Some days you need calmness, other days you need fire,” he said. “The right song can completely change your energy when walking into a stadium.”
Mokoena pointed to Imithandazo by Kabza De Small, Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, and Sizwe Alakine as a track that resonates deeply with him because of its themes of prayer, resilience, and overcoming challenges.
Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah said music plays a key role in helping him prepare mentally for different game situations.
“There are certain games where I need to be laser-focused to get the maximum results, and there are others where I need to be level-headed — and music helps me do that,” Mensah said.
His selections feature a strong dancehall influence, including songs such as Stay to Myself, Where is The Love, and Jireh.
Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew revealed that Afrobeats has become an essential part of his match-day preparation.
“I’m a very calm person naturally, so music helps me get into the right frame of mind before the game starts. It gets me hyped,” Ayew said.
The Ghanaian forward praised Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Rema, and King Promise, describing the latter as one of Ghana’s leading music ambassadors.
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For Bongani Zungu, music serves both as motivation and meditation before kick-off. He highlighted Avicii’s Without You as a track that inspires him to remain focused and continue striving for success.
Young defender Malibongwe Khoza also shared how music helps him handle the emotional demands of professional football.
“Football is emotional and high-pressure,” Khoza said. “Music helps me stay balanced. It puts me in a space where I feel focused, sharp, and ready to perform.”
Khoza named Too Easy by Gunna and Future as his preferred pre-game anthem, saying it boosts his confidence and encourages him to trust his abilities.
The Warm Up playlists are now available exclusively on Apple Music.
