Akon to Record World Cup 2010 Anthem

May 12th, 2009 | by: Daryl |

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)…

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

matt

how do u not kno akon lol, hes famous all overrr
http://liverpool.theoffside.com Ed

I wish I was unfamiliar with Akon, and this story. For some reason I have a sneaking suspicion that Cristiano Ronaldo is very happy.
http://juventus.theoffside.com alessio

Well, we had Shaggy doing the Euro theme, so there’s precedent.

Good thing no one pays attention to the “theme.”
Foreverzidane

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.
HolyMann

dunno bout u guys, but anyone who says soccer should not be part of the world cup or any football event in that case
ben

akon is from ghana not senegal
senegalese

ben you are a liar Akon is from senegal you don0t know nothing about him.he lives in parcelles (DAKAR).
Mike

so the whole anthem is gonna be recored on auto-tune?
http://buffon.theoffside.com matthew

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.
http://jobenicolas@yahoo.com Nicolas

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
http://www.southafricatrips-worldcup2010.com world cup

Smack That Hard AKON !!!!