Since 2016, Apple Music has been my go-to for both streaming and discovering new music. It's where I was put onto The Souljazz Orchestra and The Budos Band for the first time. Their Afrobeat sound—a fusion of African rhythms with jazz and funk became the foundation of my first Afrobeat for BJJ playlist, and later this Sampler I've shared below.
The vibe is a perfect companion for combat sport athletes. Whether you're rolling on the mats, grinding through a lifting session or putting miles under your feet in a long cardio session, the driving beats and infectious grooves put together in this playlist will keep your energy high, your rhythm sharp and your spirit inspired to blast through the task ahead of you.
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Afrobeat Sampler no.1 Track Listing
- Dog Eat Dog - The Souljazz Orchestra
- By Hook or by Crook - Ikebe Shakedown
- Yako - The Afromotive
- Moto Moto - Renegades of Jazz
- Heat in the Streets - Tommy Guerrero
- Democracy - Albino!
- Battle of the Species - Antibalas
- Lost In Kinshasa - Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra
- Dem Know (feat. Kaleta) - Bosq
- Up From The South - The Budos Band
- Abraka - The Funkees
- Mo Ri Ke Ke Kahn - Jujuba
- Funky Southern - The Funk Ark
- Everybody (Tryin' to Get Buy) - Kokolo
- Music for Gong Gong - Osibisa
- Zombie - Fela Kuti
Why Afrobeat for BJJ?
The rhythms and energy make it a natural fit for BJJ and other combat sports.
The emphasis on timing and groove will help sync your movements whether you're drilling, rolling, or recovering between rounds.
The socio-political undertones add an extra layer of intensity, reminding me to work harder, because I'm fortunate enough to be playing a sport, and not living through the struggle of the themes that inspired the lyrics.
Explore More Playlists
Need more music for your training?
Check out all of our Sampler Playlists for BJJ. Each playlist is curated by genre with tracks hand-selected to match the intensity and flow of a workout, from rolling sessions to strength and conditioning.