World Cup divides fans with Live It Up anthem by Will Smith

Those on social media seemed divided in their response to the release of the song

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 28:  Jury member Will Smith attends the Closing Ceremony during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 28, 2017 in Cannes, France.  (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)
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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:

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”.

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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