The 2010 World Cup kicked off last week in South Africa. The championships exacts an international spirit of competition and good will as the world comes together for the largest sporting event in the world. This year, the anthem for the world cup is Sign of a Victory, a deeply passionate song performed by R. Kelly that vibrates feelings of hope and unity. R. Kelly joined with the South African Soweto Spiritual Singers to create what he called a “song of humanity” and a “song of hope”.
The opening ceremony was a star studded cast of performers that resonated a triumphant feeling which connected with people from around the world. John Legend took the stage at the opening act wowing the audience in his usual style of class and showmanship. The Black Eyed Peas and Shakira also took the stage energizing the audience performing Hips Don’t Lie. Shakira also performed Waka Waka, a song that could be described as a tribute to the African spirit. In addition, K’naan’s song Waving Flag has invigorated fans with an inspirational melody and Alicia Keys wowed audiences with her song Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart.
Many have talked about this world event a symbolic gathering representing the hope of the African dream and the inspiration of future generations. The honorable Nelson Mandela had planned to attend the opening ceremony, yet unfortunately had to cancel due to a fatal car crash involving one of his relatives. Here at SQUA.RE we express our sympathies to the Mandela family for their loss.
Nelson Mandela has been hero to South Africa and has become an icon of peace worldwide. According to Jacob Zuma, current president of South Africa, “Nelson Mandela worked hard that we should win the right to host this tournament. We dedicated the World Cup to him.” In recent post we have touched on the story of South Africa through a look at the movie Invictus during Olivier Bassil’s Live with Chivalry campaign and an interview with Amber Sainsbury and her organization Dramatic Need.
World Cup 2010 symbolizes many things – a living monument of sportsmanship, a testimony to the human spirit, and a festival that rocks the world. The musical arrangements are a tribute to all of these things. The best way to experience the music is to hear it yourself, so below we have gathered several musical tracks for your enjoyment.
No matter what, I would not go there for a soccer match. too violent.
Alicia looks great in that picture.