“This my running playlist,” Ferre Gola tells Apple Music. “I go for a run about three times a week, and it’s an excellent way for me to let off steam. Running for an hour helps me clear my mind and release the pressure of everyday life.” The star of Congolese rumba and ndombolo has put together a satisfyingly eclectic collection of songs here. “My playlist is very diverse, which allows me to go through different emotions while running—anger, melancholy, motivation,” he says. “By the time I step off the treadmill, I always feel calm and centred. I love listening to ndombolo to lift my energy and have fun, but I also include deeper songs, like those by Bryan Adams, which help me heal and soothe my soul. Life is a long run—and music gives me the rhythm to keep going.” Read on as he talks us through some of his picks. Ferre Gola, “Vuandisa” “‘Vuandisa’ is an explosive track, driven by an irresistible rhythm and guitars that make you move from the very first seconds. The energetic percussion makes it impossible to stand still. I often listen to it in the car on my way to rehearsals—it instantly puts me in the right mood. You just can’t stay still—it’s a song made for dancing!” Ferre Gola, “Tucheze” (feat. Victoria Kimani) “This song is a truly perfect blend—a mix of languages, with Lingala, Swahili and English weaving together naturally. It’s also a meeting of voices: mine and that of the talented Victoria Kimani. The mood evolves throughout the track—it begins with a touch of melancholy, then opens up into a lively, danceable rhythm. It feels as if the music starts in the heart and then flows through the whole body. It’s a song that speaks to all African cultures.” Major Lazer, “Watch Out for This (Bumaye)” “Major Lazer knows how to create intoxicating melodies that make you dance without even realising it. It was actually my kids who introduced me to this. They loved the song so much that wherever they heard it—even in shops—they would start dancing right away. From the very first notes, you’re transported straight to Jamaica. When I go running and listen to this track, I imagine myself in the lively streets of Kingston with my kids, carried by the song’s unstoppable energy.” Bryan Adams, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” “When I need to clear my mind, I listen to this song. It was my uncle’s favourite—someone who meant a lot to me. Bryan Adams’ powerful, heartfelt voice helps me refocus on what truly matters; every note resonates deeply in my heart. I love ending my training sessions with this song—it feels like starting fresh, with a calm and light spirit.” Yvonne Chaka Chaka, “From Me to You” “A true gem of African music. Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s voice is soft and bright, carried by a joyful and catchy melody that instantly puts you in a good mood. The instruments, light but rhythmic, create a warm and positive atmosphere, perfect for dancing—or simply smiling. There’s an authenticity and generosity that instantly connects you the artist and her message. It touches the heart while inviting you to move. A true classic that crosses generations.”