How to Inspire: FIFA Style
Stephanie Richards ‘17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
“We Are One (Ole Ola),” sung by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Cláudia Liette, may be this year’s official FIFA World Cup anthem, but it’s far from being the only football jam to hit the airwaves. With the final match in a few short weeks, Emertainment Monthly brings to you rousing football anthems from around the world to pump you up!
“La Copa de la Vida” – Ricky Martin
Also known as “The Cup of Life,” Ricky Martin’s hit from the 1998 World Cup held in France set the bar for what a World Cup anthem should be: vivacious and invigorating! 1998 was also the year that France won the World Cup, making this song indubitably close to their hearts, but that by no means limits this song’s enjoyment solely to the French.
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” – Shakira feat. Freshlyground
Shakira’s “Waka Waka” of the 2010 World Cup of course has been making the rounds in bars, pubs, and clubs. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of this song. The official anthem and football favourite boasts heavy beats that resonate through your bones, a contagious chorus guaranteed to get stuck in your head, and a verse sung in Xhosa that no one really knows the words to, but still sounds really cool. Better still, there’s a dance that goes along with it!
“Wavin’ Flag” – K’naan
K’naan’s anthem stole the hearts of millions four years ago with its inspiring lyrics and iconic rallying cry. This song embodies the football spirit: hope, national pride, and mutual love for the sport all rolled into one.
“Go Go Black Stars… Goal!” – Wiyaala
The USA may have defeated Ghana when they met on June 16th, but their spirit has been anything but crushed (especially as seen in Ghana’s performance against Germany on Saturday). Ghanaian artist Wiyaala sings in both English and Sisaala on the track, and with a similar beat to “Wavin’ Flag,” equally inspiring lyrics, and a patriotic flair, it’s no wonder Ghana’s still playing hard!
“Allez Ola Olé” – Jessy Matador
Latin American culture and the Spanish language influence many a World Cup anthem, but Matador’s piece evokes a festival air with a francophone flair. Even non-French speakers can appreciate the measured verses and get the meaning of the call allez, allez, allez: go, go, go! And France is certainly allez-ing, thus far ranking first in Group E and securing a place in Round 16. Lyrics aside, Matador’s pulsating beat makes it impossible not to at least tap your foot along.
“La La La” – Shakira feat. Carlinhos Brown
Shakira once again leaves her mark on the FIFA music scene with this beat-heavy FIFA 2014 sanctioned anthem. Her compelling chorus will have you chanting along, and the soca-inspired rhythms you moving like you come from Colombia! Leggo!
“Hearts Upon Our Sleeves” – 5 Seconds of Summer feat. Scott Mills
The Australian band combines gang vocals with the cheers we’ve come to expect of both official and unofficial FIFA songs in this self-described “generic football” anthem—though it doesn’t sound quite like any other we’ve heard thus far. 5SOS stands out on this playlist with their own brand of pop-punk, trading in djembes and atabaques for a solid bassline and a healthy dose of power chords.
“Winning Ground” – Eric Saade
Pounding electronic beat? Check.
Motivational lyrics? Check.
Crowds chanting oh-oh and whoa? Check.
Swedish singer Saade’s 2013 hit is a great number about underdogs rising to the top that’s not to be excluded from this playlist!
“Shout for England” – Dizzee Rascal & James Corden
This unofficial anthem of the English football team in the 2010 World Cup is a must for any FIFA playlist. The track samples Tears for Fears’ “Shout” and Backstreet’s “No Diggity,” combined with Dizzee Rascal’s own lyrics. The irresistible chorus and verses infused with Backstreet’s distinct piano riff will have you chanting along before you even know it. The catchy tune name-drops a couple of English players and deviates from the usual pessimistic patriotism that often colours England’s anthems: we need team work, we don’t need a miracle/we need Rooney in tip-top condition—though a miracle might’ve helped them get past the group stage….
“Ai Se Eu Te Pego” – Michel Teló
Though not strictly a football anthem by FIFA standards, many football stars have celebrated goals with Teló’s dance—Neymar, Marcelo, and Ronaldo among them. We’ve yet to see this victory dance in the 2014 World Cup, but that shouldn’t stop you from busting out these Macarena-esque moves! Teló’s international hit features a rousing accordion melody, and suggestive lyrics that are easy enough to join in, even if you don’t speak Portuguese. Teló also offers an English version, “If I Catch You,” but it’s only fitting to listen to the original, as Brasil hosts this year’s World Cup.
“The World is Ours” – Aloe Blacc & David Correy
In the manner of K’naan’s international hit, “The World is Ours” works to unite every nation through a common love of football. Already, there are twenty-four different versions featuring various languages— among them the Portuguese version “Todo Mundo” in honour to the host country Brasil—and sung by over 120 artists from around the globe. Its lyrics are loaded with confidence and ambition, certain to inspire anyone who tunes in no matter what language they speak!