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SCMP Reporter

The 19th FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday in South Africa. As with all World Cups, this one promises fantastic goals, sensational celebrations and exciting music. This time around, Latin diva Shakira has teamed up with South African band Freshlyground to perform the official theme song for World Cup 2010. With football fever building, Sunday Young Post spoke to the band.
Sunday Young Post: The World Cup theme song is called Waka Waka. Can you talk a little about the title?
Freshlyground: The song's chorus is sampled from a Cameroonian song first recorded in 1986 by the band Golden Sounds, called Zangal?wa, that was hugely popular in Shakira's native Colombia (not to mention all over Africa). 
It's interesting to note that Cameroonians are actually very proud of the remake. In cybercafes you see both versions of the song playing on repeat. 
Young people don't know the original as it came out in 1986. But the older generations know the clip off by heart. The song was released just after television arrived in the country, so it's well remembered.
SYP: What does the name mean? Is it a South African term?
F: It means 'walk walk.' It's from Cameroon.
SYP: What was it like to work with Shakira?
F: It was a lot of fun and very professional. She works hard and it was great to witness her work ethic and drive. We were treated very well and had a wonderful time.
SYP: In five words, how would you describe your music?
F: African pop with a backbone?
SYP: Is there any significance to the name Freshlyground?
F: Some. Initially we likened the band to a melting pot of styles and influences that were ground together to produce something fresh...
SYP: What do you think about the discontent among some Africans who feel, perhaps, the theme song should be performed by a South African band?
F: Are we not a South African band? For a while now the World Cup has been touted as a panacea for the country's economic problems. Appended to this has been the notion that the World Cup should serve to highlight to the world all we have to offer by way of arts and culture. 
I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't strive to celebrate everything African, but the reality is that it is a global sporting competition governed by an international body, and they get to choose! A quick look back at preceding World Cup events and you realise that the theme song has often been selected with little concern for the host country.
SYP: Who will you be rooting for in the World Cup?
F: Bafana Bafana [South Africa's team] of course! If they get through the first game with Mexico, their confidence will grow, support from fans will grow, and the vuvuzela [a blowing horn] will blow away the rest of the opposition. 
SYP: How will Freshlyground celebrate a World Cup goal?
F: By jumping up, doing a Zulu dance, and shouting GOOOO BAFAAAANAAAAA!



Scoring the World Cup