Somalian by birth and based in Canada, K'Naan's Waving Flag had 'anthem' written all over the song. And why not, this song connects with one and all across socio-economic, cultural and continental strata like no other! Especially in our times, with some real tough monsters like terrorism, global climatic backlash, economic imbalance staring at us - we have but music and sports that bring the whole world closer.
Not being much of a rap aficionado, K'Naan's Troubadour kind of held me in much fascination specially for the Kirk Hammett (Metallica) track and a host of other stars like Mos Def, Damian Marley, Chubb Rock, Chali 2na, Adam Levine and David Bisbal. However Waving Flag stood out like a shining star amongst all of them. And the magic it spreads is infectious!
Imagine a stadium full of cheering waving flags, be it for a concert or a game - the entire universe converges into one single roar. With FiFA 2010 to be held in South Africa ~ the world's most popular sport now has a new chant - Waving Flag by K'NaaN. Now I know many who feel sick about our national anthem or even Rahman's rendition of Vande Mataram, should they be in such an arcade full of populi roaring Olé Olé Olé, I'm sure they'll taken in by complete awe and no corner to sulk!
And such good timing as yet another beautiful and earnest movie by Clint Eastwood - Invictus (Oscar nominee - Best Picture 2009) starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the captain of the 1995 rugby team of the still apartheid hit South Africa. I was taken aback by the amazing Afro-tribal OST which in fact very finely uses an African version of this song.
Finally I leave you with a quote from the movie and the video of FIFA 2010 anthem (Mexican Version):
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.
2 comments:
K'naan is a great example of how culture and value can be mixed with music and still be commercially viable.
The trouble is most artists can not draw the line between these two. So they end up either 'too commercial' or too 'cultural/aware', the first unfortunately provides more rewards than the latter.
You talked about 'rap' and i think alot of rappers today need to take a cue from artists like K'naan who can crossover into various genres and still have their identity.
Also, we see such good things happening for South Africa...the country that needs it the least in the entire African continent. The rest of Africa including K'naans place of birth - Somalia are in shambles and warrant some recognition! This is essentially a SOUTH African world cup yet is being projected with an 'AFRICAN' vibe... however the rest of Africa (if im not mistaken) does not benefit from the huge revenues generated from the World Cup!
I think these huge tournaments need to give back more than take from the large number of third world nations which play the sport!
What do you think?
Yup, the revenue amounting out of FIFA should benefit the whole of Africa and the her wonderful people. Sponsors and governments should play fair like how FIFA would suggest.
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