Eni Aluko is a force within the game; a true journeywoman, having taken in seven different teams in three different countries, not to mention her exceptional exploits with the national team and Great Britain. More than most, she knows what it takes to succeed on the pitch, so what are the tracks that get her ticking ahead of kick off?
Her role in the game may have changed recently after she became Director of Women’s Football at Aston Villa back in January, but her drive and passion, coupled with her love of music, have not altered, as evidenced by the choices for her match day playlist. Songs to pick you up as well as get you pumped, it's an insight into the mind of one of the greats of the game.
Check out the track listing below, and head to Spotify to listen to the playlist in full.
1) Class of Deja – Kano, D Double E, Ghetts
2) Pan-Fried – Kano, Kojo Funds
3) MY POWER – Nija, Beyoncé, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag
4) Guarding The Gates – Lauryn Hill
5) Drive and Disconnect – Nao
6) Must Be – J Hus
7) Ye – Burna Boy
8) Only 1 – Ariana Grande
9) Playing Games – Summer Walker
10) Rapture – Koffee
11) Never Alone – Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin
12) Blow My Mind – DaVido, Chris Brown
13) Snack – Ms Banks, Kida Kudz
14) Blue Sky – Common
15) Ben’ Ova – WSTRN
Tell us about your playlist…
My playlist is a feel good mood playlist that has tunes from some of my favourite artists across RnB, Pop, Grime, Gospel and Afrobeats.
How would you describe it?
Music for me is a mood. I’d listen to this playlist on a long run, as some songs are uptempo and some songs are more mid tempo. Afrobeats and Gospel especially always get me going.
Why have you picked those tracks?
Lauryn Hill, Kano, Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin and Beyoncé are all my favourite artists so they are always my go to when it comes to music that I want to listen to.
Tell us about your relationship with music – how big a part does it play in your life?
Music is massive for me. If I am feeling positive and good then that is what I want to hear in my playlist. If I am not feeling great, music can also change my mood for the better. So music can have a big impact on my day.
What was the first track or album you bought?
The first album I bought was N-Sync’s first album in 1998. I love them especially Justin Timberlake.
Alongside listening to music, what else are you doing creatively to stay busy?
I just signed up on a piano app to learn the piano. I also signed up to Masterclass to learn a variety of things from the art of negotiation, interior design, filmmaking and cooking from some of the leaders in each field. I figure if I want to learn new things, I may as well learn from the best.
You can listen to the full Eni Aluko x SoccerBible playlist here.
