Nigerian award-winning singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been featured in the Qatar 2022 World Cup official theme song.
Davido announced the development on his social media handle where he disclosed that the official soundtrack is titled, ‘Hayya Hayya’ (Better Together).
“I’m honored to be featured on the Official #FIFAWorldCup 2022 Soundtrack! See y’all later 2NITE! This one is for Africa! TULE! WE RISE!”, Davido tweeted.
Aside Davido, the single featured US star, Trinidad Cardona, and Qatari sensation, Aisha, ahead of tonight’s final draw for the tournament.
Justifying the choice of Davido and others, FIFA on its official page, said its choice is to “connect with audiences worldwide through the shared passions of football and music”.
“The entertainment strategy was conceived to create innovative and meaningful connections between football fans, music enthusiasts, players, artists, and the game and songs they all love. The combination of breakthrough US star, Trinidad Cardona; Afrobeats icon, Davido, and Qatari sensation, Aisha, captures the spirit of the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Sound strategy by bringing together inspiration from across the globe”.
FIFA
Reacting to the single, FIFA Chief Commercial Officer, Kay Madati, said “By bringing together voices from the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, this song symbolizes how music, and football, can unite the world”.
“As part of FIFA’s revamped music strategy, the multi-song soundtrack will bring passionate fans closer to the spirit of the FIFA World Cup like never before,” Kay Madati said.
The track’s debut public performance will take place tonight in front of a worldwide audience of football fans, who will tune in from around the globe to follow the highly anticipated draw starting at 19:00 local time, FIFA indicated.
According to FIFA, the song is the first in a selection of soundtrack singles that will hit the airwaves over the coming months, as anticipation grows in the lead-up to the start of the FIFA World Cup on 21st November 2022. It is the first time that the tournament’s soundtrack will feature a multi-song collection, with international artists showcasing diverse musical genres that span the world, setting the tone for a truly global celebration, per a statement by FIFA.
The Musicians who created ‘Hayya Hayya’
Trinidad Cardona, the Arizona-bred pop singer who burst onto the scene in 2017 with the viral hit Jennifer before enjoying global success with the follow-up single Dinero, shared his passion for the message of the song.
“When I first heard the song, I was instantly put in a good mood,” Trinidad commented. “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.”
Davido, the first solo African artist to sell out a major concert venue in Europe in 2019, shared Trinidad’s enthusiasm for the global message of the song, remarking: “I’ve grown up all over the world. And the more I traveled, the more I realized that we are all one, one people, one world. So, when this came to me, I jumped on it. To be a part of this event that brings together the whole world, and to be a part of this song? ‘We are better together’ went right to my heart. Beautiful, man, beautiful. How could I say no?” Qatar Qatar
The local artist joining the track, Aisha, highlighted her personal connection: “I am blessed and honored to exist in these exciting times, where I get to witness and be part of this huge milestone for my country, Qatar. The song’s message of togetherness and joy resonated with me as joy was present with us throughout the journey of making this song. It is a dream come true to perform for the FIFA World Cup final draw and be part of such an important song.”
Aisha is one of Qatar’s most popular singers, with her talent, drive and passion, she has headlined performances around the world, including at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the grand opening of Doha Festival City.
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