adminDOHA. – World Cup songs are an institution almost as old as the competition itself.
Like mascots, they are a way to build hype and share in the excitement around an upcoming World Cup, and that has continued ahead of the Qatar showpiece.
The official song for World Cup 2022 was announced earlier this year, and was performed at the draw ceremony for the finals in Doha on April 1.
Here, we take a closer listen to the anthem, and also a look back at some of the songs that have echoed around the stadiums of previous World Cups.
What is the official World Cup 2022 song?
The official World Cup 2022 anthem was revealed at the draw ceremony in Doha, Qatar on April 1.
It’s called ‘Hayya Hayya (Better Together)’ and was performed on stage as part of the festivities as the schedule for the finals from November 20-December 18 was set.
The song looks to draw on R&B and reggae influences by bringing together three artists with different backgrounds. Using musicians from different countries is also symbolic of the World Cup itself, which brings together players from across the world. By bringing together voices from the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, this song symbolises how music — and football — can unite the world,” explained Kay Madati, FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Who sings the World Cup 2022 song?
The first of the trio of artists to feature on ‘Hayya Hayya’ is Trinidad Cardona.
The American R&B singer hails from Phoenix, Arizona. Singer-songwriter Cardona first went viral with hits ‘Jennifer’ and ‘Dinero’ in 2017. The latter song featured on numerous dance challenges on TikTok, and has been the basis of the star’s success in music so far.
Speaking to FIFA about the 2022 World Cup song, he said: “It’s a celebration, it embodies everything the FIFA World Cup stands for. People from all around the world coming together, and I just love that message.”
The second artist on the track is Afrobeats icon Davido. The Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and producer brings an international feel to the track, having spent time in North America, London and Africa.
He’s best known for the hit singles ‘If’ and ‘Fall’.
“I’ve grown up all over the world and the more I travelled, the more I realised that we are all one, one people, one world,” he explained, when talking about the message behind the song. ‘We are better together’ went right to my heart.”
The third musician on the track is Aisha. Being Qatari, she ensures that the host nation is represented in the song.
What language is the World Cup 2022 song?
The lyrics for ‘Hayya Hayya’ are sung entirely in English, although it is possible additional language versions could also be released in time.
The official song of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, ‘Live It Up’ was released in English and Spanish. And the 2014 World Cup had an official song ‘We Are One (Ola Ola)’ as well as an official anthem ‘La La La (Brasil 2014)’. Both of these were released in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
In 2010, ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ was released in English and Spanish for the South Africa World Cup. – sportingnews.com.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter