Angélique Kidjo is a Beninoise singer-songwriter and activist, who teams up with John Legend for this tune. An update to the Curtis Mayfield Mo-Town hit, the song is accessorized with traditional African drums and additional background vocals, ready for (air)play in the South African streets.
South African tenor Siphiwo Ntshebe did a beautiful job recording this operatic ballad, reflecting on his countries' recent multiracial democracy: "The generosity of the human spirit can overcome all adversity / Through compassion and caring we can create hope." Siphiwo was chosen specifically by Nelson Mandela to perform it at the World Cup's opening ceremony. Tragically, the 34-year-old passed away from meningitis, just two weeks before the event.
Japanese R&B Singer Misia performed this poppy song -- garnished with auto-tune vocals and referee-whistling effects -- right before Japan went on to defeat Cameroon. Proof that music can improve your moves on the field!
The official 2010 World Cup Mascot Song, 'Game On' features Miami rapper Pitbull, South African group TKZee and top British Producer Dario G, collaborating with, yes, Zakumi, the adorable stuffed leopard with emerald hair. Producer Dario G is no stranger to releasing World Cup songs, who recorded 'Carnival de Paris' for the 1998 World Cup in France.
06
'Shosholoza 2010'
Salvo
'Shosholoza' (meaning: go forward or make way for the next man), stems from a traditional Southern African song, originally sung by Ndebele migrant workers traveling home from South Africa. In addition to Salvo, the call-and-response formatted song has been covered by numerous artists, recently South African a capella group Overtone for Clint Eastwood's 2009 flick 'Invictus.'
Nneka is a Nigerian-German hip-hop artist who has performed alongside R&B giants Rihanna, Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige. 'Viva Africa' is about the overcoming the trials Africa faces.
03
'Spirit of Freedom'
Judy Bailey Feat. Uju
'Spirit of Freedom' is a hand clapping, foot stomping, soccer anthem! Judy Bailey is a afro-pop artist who started her singing career at eight-years-old, singing in church at her homeland of Barbados.
Who knows victory better than R. Kelly? No one, or at least that's what FIFA thinks, since they made this song the official anthem of the World Cup. Featuring backing vocals by African gospel group Soweto Spiritual Singers, the song was selected as the opener for the massive concert held on June 11, in Soweto, South Africa.
"The pressure is on," Shakira sings, acknowledging that the entire world is watching the countries' best futbol teams. Written and co-produced by the Colombian singer and long time collaborator John Hill, the song borrows the well-known Cameroonian marching chant used by the group Golden Voices, and features Afro-Colombian instrumentation and Southern African guitar beats. Like many of Shakira's songs, 'Waka Waka' is available in both English and Spanish.
1. What? No K'naan?
that sucks..
Posted at 7:33PM on Jun 26th 2010 by bo