Akon to Record World Cup 2010 Anthem
We’re about thirteen months away from World Cup 2010, so it’s time to start filling in a few details. Details like the official World Cup 2010 anthem, which will apparently be provided by American R&B singer/songwriter/producer Akon.
“I’ve been hired as musical director for the World Cup,” he told the Daily Mirror. “I will be overseeing the World Cup anthem and music at the ceremonies and I’m off to South Africa this week for meetings. I love soccer so it’s a great honour.”
So far, Akon’s quote to the Daily Mirror is the only available news on this. FIFA have yet to confirm, but I think we can assume he’s telling the truth.
Which raises the question: why Akon? Why is an American R&B sensation recording the official World Cup 2010 anthem?
A quick look at Akon’s Wikipedia page reveals that he’s of Senegalese origin and his real full name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam. So that’s a plus in the African credibility column.
But he also owns a South African diamond mine and denies the existence of conflict diamonds. “I don’t even believe in conflict diamonds,” he told The Independent in 2007. “That’s just a movie. Think about it. Ain’t nobody thought about nothing about no conflict diamonds until the movie came out.”
Hmmm. So that’s a possible negative in the human being column.
Whatever Akon comes up with should at least be a departure from the last two official anthems. Here are the 2006 and 2002 World Cup anthems, by Herbert Grönemeyer and Vangelis respectively. Neither of whom – as far as I’m aware – own South African diamond mines.
Herbert Grönemeyer – Celebrate The Day – 2006 World Cup Anthem
Vangelis – 2002 World Cup Anthem
And for those who (like me) weren’t all that familiar with Akon’s oeuvre before today, here’s the karaoke video version of his 2006 hit Smack That (featuring Eminem)…
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Comments
By matt | May 12th, 2009 at 9:59 am 
how do u not kno akon lol, hes famous all overrr
Posted from 
Canada
By Ed | May 12th, 2009 at 10:06 am I wish I was unfamiliar with Akon, and this story. For some reason I have a sneaking suspicion that Cristiano Ronaldo is very happy.
By alessio | May 12th, 2009 at 10:26 am Well, we had Shaggy doing the Euro theme, so there’s precedent.
Good thing no one pays attention to the “theme.”
Posted from 
Spain
By Foreverzidane | May 12th, 2009 at 6:23 pm What a horrible pick. All his songs sound the same.
KANYE is a lot more diverse and talented, but like anything I guess he must have had a connection.
By HolyMann | May 13th, 2009 at 1:31 am dunno bout u guys, but anyone who says soccer should not be part of the world cup or any football event in that case
Posted from 
United Arab Emirates
By ben | May 13th, 2009 at 1:51 am akon is from ghana not senegal
By senegalese | May 13th, 2009 at 5:40 am ben you are a liar Akon is from senegal you don0t know nothing about him.he lives in parcelles (DAKAR).
By Mike | May 13th, 2009 at 12:13 pm so the whole anthem is gonna be recored on auto-tune?
By matthew | May 17th, 2009 at 6:28 am you KNOW the anthem is going to be auto-tuned
possibly even recorded in the key of “bitch”.
i hate akon but it’s only the anthem.
By Nicolas | May 20th, 2009 at 5:57 am I think it’s a really gr8 Idea,I also think he should perfom it live in all the SA’s stadiums also live and in person.I’m a very bigggg fan Mr Lonely
By world cup | May 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 am Smack That Hard AKON !!!!
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