Entertainment

Apple Music Launches Exclusive “The Warm Up” Playlists

Published on June 12, 2026

Apple Music launches The Warm Up playlists featuring African football stars sharing pre-match music rituals and motivational tracks

Apple Music has announced the launch of a new exclusive playlist series titled The Warm Up, curated by some of Africa’s most prominent football stars, offering fans a closer look at the music that shapes their pre-match routines and mental preparation.

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The Apple Music Warm Up playlists Africa football stars project brings together leading players from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Ghana’s Black Stars, showcasing the songs that influence focus, motivation, and emotional balance before matches.

Featured players include Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Bongani Zungu, Malibongwe Khoza, Gideon Mensah, and Jordan Ayew.

The curated playlists span genres such as Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop, and dancehall, highlighting the strong connection between African music culture and elite sport performance.

According to Apple Music, the initiative is designed to explore how music supports athletes in managing pressure, building confidence, and maintaining composure ahead of competitive fixtures.

Speaking on his selection, South African midfielder Aubrey Modiba said music plays a key role in helping him manage nerves before matches.

“For me, music is more about controlling my nerves than getting hyped,” Modiba said.

He added that calm songs help him reflect on family and life beyond football, easing pressure before kick-off.

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane described music as a grounding influence, noting that it helps him stay focused and grateful before high-pressure games.

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

“Some days you need calmness, other days you need fire,” Mokoena said, highlighting how specific tracks help him maintain balance.

Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah said music helps him adjust mentally depending on the intensity of competition, while forward Jordan Ayew said it prepares him for both focus and energy ahead of matches.

Bongani Zungu described music as both motivational and meditative, while Malibongwe Khoza said it helps him separate emotions from performance pressure.

The playlists feature songs from artists including Kabza De Small, Sjava, Tems, AKA, Wizkid, Rema, Dave, and Zee Nxumalo, reinforcing the cultural link between African music and sport.

Apple Music said The Warm Up provides fans with an intimate look at how professional footballers use music as part of their preparation routines.