Declan Rice is known first and foremost as one of the Premier League’s most commanding midfielders — a player whose tactical intelligence, physical presence, and leadership have made him a cornerstone for both Arsenal and the England national team. On the pitch, Rice is a steadying force, marshalling the midfield with authority and rallying his teammates with unwavering confidence. Off the pitch, his energy, humour, and easy-going charisma make him a favourite in the dressing room.
But Rice’s influence isn’t limited to football. Away from the roar of stadiums, he has another passion that often shines through — his love for music. Known among teammates for his diverse taste in tunes, Rice can often be spotted with headphones in before matches, nodding along to a playlist that mixes genres from around the globe. Whether travelling with the squad, winding down after training, or celebrating a win, music is his constant companion.That musical enthusiasm recently took centre stage in an unexpected but unforgettable way. In a clip that has since gone viral, Rice was caught fully immersing himself in one of the biggest songs in the world right now — Jealousy, a South African amapiano hit by producer Tyler ICU.
In the video, Rice isn’t just swaying along to the beat. He’s dancing with pure commitment — moving with the rhythm, singing along to the lyrics, and clearly enjoying every second. The performance wasn’t choreographed or polished for show; it was raw, unfiltered joy. His infectious energy drew laughter, cheers, and applause from those around him, and within hours, fans across social media were sharing and reposting the clip.
Declan Rice’s Amapiano Moment: Arsenal Star Brings South African Hit “Jealousy” to the Spotlight
For South Africa, Jealousy is more than just a chart-topping track — it’s another testament to the country’s growing influence on the global music scene. Over the past few years, South African music has been making waves well beyond its borders. The amapiano genre, with its deep basslines, jazzy piano chords, and irresistible grooves, has emerged as a dominant force, finding audiences in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
The success of Jealousy mirrors the global breakout of Jerusalema in 2020, which became an international dance sensation. From club DJs in Ibiza to TikTok creators in New York, South African tracks are increasingly part of mainstream playlists. Jealousy blends soulful melodies with amapiano’s signature bounce, creating a sound that’s both fresh and universally appealing.
What made Rice’s dance moment so significant wasn’t just the entertainment factor. It was the way it highlighted cultural exchange in the age of globalised sport. Premier League players come from all over the world, bringing with them their own backgrounds, tastes, and influences. In turn, they’re exposed to new cultures from their teammates and the global fanbase.
Seeing an England international and Arsenal vice-captain not just listening to but actively performing to a South African hit speaks volumes about the reach of the country’s music. For many fans, it was a joyful surprise — a sign that their culture was not just being consumed but celebrated on a big stage.
Social media reactions reflected that pride. “This is how you know amapiano is global now,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “Declan Rice just put Jealousy in front of millions of people who might not have heard it yet.” Others praised Rice for being open to different cultural expressions, noting that moments like this help bridge gaps between communities worldwide.
In the modern music industry, exposure can be as important as airplay. A clip of a well-known figure enjoying a song can boost its profile instantly. Rice’s video did just that. For Tyler ICU and the amapiano movement as a whole, such moments add fuel to an already growing fire.
And Rice isn’t the only global star helping push South African music forward. Over the past year, amapiano tracks have found their way into the playlists of artists like Drake, Major League DJz, and Uncle Waffles, while high-profile performances at festivals in Europe and the United States have introduced the genre to entirely new audiences.
Football has always had a close relationship with music — from stadium anthems to locker-room celebrations. But in the modern game, where players are cultural influencers as much as athletes, those musical connections carry even more weight. When a Premier League player shares a track, it can spark interest among fans who might never have explored that genre before.
For Rice, the moment was spontaneous fun. For South African music, it was another sign that the sound is firmly embedded in the international cultural conversation. And for fans, it was a reminder that even the biggest stars are not immune to the pull of a great beat.
As Jealousy continues to dominate playlists, challenge videos, and dancefloors around the world, the image of Declan Rice — midfield general turned amapiano hype man — will remain one of its most memorable moments. Whether on the pitch dictating play or off it vibing to the hottest tracks, Rice knows how to bring people together. And in that, he’s as much an entertainer as he is an athlete.
Source- iHarare
