Player Playlist: New York Red Bulls midfielder Kaku dishes on his favorite musical artists

As the New York Red Bulls gear up to face Columbus Crew SC in Round One of the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday (3 pm ET | TV & streaming info), Kaku will get the motivation he needs through music. His go-to playlist includes plenty of Latin artists, of course, since he was born to Paraguayan parents and raised in Argentina. But his taste in music is also widely eclectic.

We caught up with Kaku to hear more about his passion for music and the joy it brings him. Kaku and our host spoke in his native Spanish, so the original answers and our English translation can both be found below.

Is music an important part of your life?
Para mi la música es muy importante, es Alegría. Hay canciones que traen bonitos recuerdos, por eso amo la música. Si es importante, te ayuda arrancar las mañanas con alegría.
For me, music is very important, it’s joy. There are songs that bring back beautiful memories, that’s why I love music. Yes, it is important. It helps you start your mornings with joy.

What type of music do you like listening to?
Escuchó de todo un poco: reguetón, cuarteto argentino, música en Inglés.
I listen to a little of everything: reggaeton, Argentinian bands, English music.

Who are some of your favorite artists right now?
Me gusta daddy Yankee o un grupo Argentino, Qlokura.
I like Daddy Yankee and this Argentinian group, QLokura.

Do you listen to music before games? If so, what do you listen to?
Escuchó The Box, Sech o Drake.
I listen to The Box, Sech (a Panamanian artist), or Drake.

What does the team listen to in the locker room?
En el vestuario se escucha de todo un poco, a veces música Latina y pero mucho más el Rap de Nueva York, motiva en cada partido.
In the locker room, you hear a little of everything. Sometimes Latin music, also a lot of New York rap to get fired up each game.

Who is in charge of the music in the locker room?
Maneja la música el Ultilero o Dani Royer.
Our equipment manager or (Daniel) Royer manages the music.

What’s the best concert or festival you’ve ever been to?
Mejor concierto en Argentina cancha de River Plate viendo a Daddy Yankee, fue increíble.
The best concert I’ve ever seen was Daddy Yankee at River Plate’s stadium [‘El Monumental’]. It was incredible.