Things keep looking up for popular South African band Freshlyground - and now they are singing part of the official 2010 Fifa World Cup song.
They can’t stop talking about Shakira, the Colombian pop star with whom they will perform the song at a concert at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium on 10 June, a day before the official opening of the soccer tournament.
Waka Waka was written by Shakira and although not everyone is enthusiastic about the song Freshlyground are enjoying every minute of their unique World Cup experience.
“Shakira has an amazing presence and an impressive work ethic plus she’s incredibly charming,” flautist Simon Attwell says.
Not everyone agrees with Zolani Mahola, Freshlyground’s lead singer, when she says the band believes the song will inspire people worldwide.
“Honestly, I’ve never heard a good soccer song and this is another good example,” Idols judge Randall Abrahams says. “It’s naff, to say the least, hearing Shakira sing to an ersatz African beat.”
Be that as it may it’s still wonderful to have the soccer World Cup on local soil. And that’s how Freshlyground’s Simon wants South Africans to feel when they hear the tournament’s official song.
“We’d like South Africans to be excited and proud - the music should generate feelings of positivity and euphoria. This is our time to shine on the world’s stage.”
Waka Waka
(This time for Africa)
Official song, Fifa
World Cup 2010
You’re a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
Get back in the saddle
You’re on the front line
Everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious
We’re getting closer
This isn’t over
The pressure’s on;
you feel it
But you got it all; believe it
When you fall get up oh oh
And if you fall get up eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
’Cause this is Africa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa
Listen to your god;
this is our motto
Your time to shine
Don’t wait in line
Y vamos por todo
People are raising their
expectations
Go on and feel it
This is your moment
No hesitation
Today’s your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it
If you get down
Get up oh oh
When you get down
Get up eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa
