There’s something about music that brings the experience of the holiday season to the next level. Now that we’re in the full swing of the holidays, we caught up with music lover Kei Kamara to discuss how tunes help do the same for him on the field. As a forward, Kamara is in rare company, as he's one of only ten players in the MLS to have hit 100 goals. We learned that soccer isn’t his only talent, though. Thanks to his Sierra Leone roots, Kamara loves Afrobeats, and can even play this African drums himself. But he didn’t grow up listening to much African music. His parents were actually big fans of Celine Dion and Elton John, which has definitely influenced his taste as well.
We sat down with the Colorado Rapids striker to discuss his eclectic taste in music, and found out that his playlist ranges from Reggaeton to the soundtrack of some Disney favorites. He let us in on what songs get his mind right before matches and which teammate’s music selections he trusts, and whose he doesn’t trust, in the locker room.
We discussed all things music with the rising star, and, like any teenager, he had strong opinions on who should be in charge of the AUX cord.
What’s your favorite type of music?
My favorite type of music is anything that gets my body moving. Afrobeats are probably my favorite, obviously, because I’m from West Africa.
Who’s music is better, yours or Kendall Waston’s?
My music has always been better than Kendall’s music. I actually even taught Kendall how to dance a few times, and we’ve shown it in some goal celebrations.
Do you have any guilty pleasure music? Anything you’d be embarrassed to be caught with on your playlist?
I’m not embarrassed about any song in my library! I’ve got Moana on there, I have some Elsa on there, you know, “let it go… let it go...” (laughs) I play those in the locker room, too.
Tell me what music does for you to get your mind set for a match?
Seriously, music from Sierra Leone and hip hop, like Drake and Lil Wayne, get me going. I don’t want to mellow out before a game, I want something that gets me moving. I love music that makes me feel like I just have to move, that makes me move my feet.
Are there any genres of music that you weren’t familiar with before that your teammates have introduced you to?
Reggaeton, definitely. Spanish music, too. I don’t understand what they’re saying, but I love the beat. Reggaeton has beats similar to African beats, so maybe that’s why I like it so much.
In the locker room, who should be in charge of the AUX cord?
I’m definitely the one who should be in charge of the AUX cord in the locker room.
What’s the best concert that you’ve been to?
Ah, that’s a tough one! I have two. One is Beenie Man, and the other is Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
What’s your earliest musical memory?
Honestly, my earliest musical memories are of Elton John and Celine Dion. My parents didn’t even listen to that much African music when I was growing up, just that classic stuff.
