For our celebration of South Africa’s 30 Years of Freedom, football legend Benny McCarthy shares a soundtrack of his youth. “My childhood memories, growing up in the Cape Flats, make these songs special to me,” he tells Apple Music. “These were the songs that gave you hope and aspirations of one day making a difference in people's lives. It was all about making a success of your life and dreaming about becoming famous just like them.” Here, he’s earmarked tracks from some of South Africa’s biggest stars, including Tyla, Mi Casa, Mandoza, YoungstaCPT, and more, alongside some of his own musical collaborators. “After the big change, [our] new government and new president came with opportunities of a better South Africa,” he explains. “This was the era in which I made my dreams become a reality, and my life, together with my family, changed for the better. I became an international football player and a very, famous one. I was also very privileged to make music with a popular kwaito band called TKZee; we had a hit single called ‘Shibobo’.” “Many songs [from newer generations of artists] were based on building the success of SA around the globe, and I was fortunate to have a few made in my honour,” McCarthy shares. “It was all about rising from poverty, and [from having] no future and opportunities, to making a good life for yourself and your family. Inspiration comes from following your dreams and never letting where you come from stop you from becoming a success story.” Feeling inspired by what you hear? Add it to your library.