Fifa World Cup organisers have divided fans after releasing the tournament's official song on Friday — a fast-paced dance tune titled Live It Up featuring American actor and rapper Will Smith.
Some on social media asked how the tune's Latin American feel fitted in with the tournament's host country Russia — and compared it unfavourably with past efforts, including Shakira's Waka Waka theme for the 2010 contest in South Africa.
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Others were puzzled by the choice of performers — Will Smith is joined by Puerto Rico-born Reggaeton artist Nicky Jam and singer Era Istrefi, who describes herself as “Albanian Kosovar” — none of them from countries competing in this year’s contest.
Twitter users were quick to voice their opinion on the track:
The World Cup song doesn’t have any football ring to it. Blegh. How is Messi gonna dance to Live it up?!
— Arla 🌪️ (@varvar_dekho) May 25, 2018
I think we all need to agree that Shakira should be the only one doing World Cup anthems #LiveItUp #WillSmith
— UVI (@Miss_U2day) May 26, 2018
Others were won over by the energetic track, with its affirming chorus “One life, live it up/‘Cos we got one life.”
“This one definitely has the World Cup vibe to it,” one user wrote, calling the song “awesome”.
This is awesome! It’s a fact that no song can rival Wavin Flag, Waka waka and La Copa de la vida but this one definitely has the World Cup vibe to it. It’ll be better when the video come out.
— rithik (@maymooose) May 25, 2018
The trio will perform Live It Up in front of spectators before the World Cup final in Moscow on July 15.
“It’s an honour to be asked to perform at the 2018 Fifa World Cup,” Smith said in a statement.
“Collaborating with Nicky, (producer) Diplo and Era on this track represents harmony, eclectic flavours and genres coming together. At the end of the day, we just want to see the world dance.”
Smith has focused on his acting career for years, but the Independence Day star has recently hinted about a return to music.
This week, he posted a clip of himself rapping in a music booth on his Instagram page titled “Gettin’ back in the studio. Just warmin’ Up”.
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