The video, released on Universal Music Africa, arrives about a month after CAF and the local organising committee (COCAN) launched the track ahead of the tournament.
‘Akwaba’, whose title translates as “welcome” in Baoulé, listens as a fusion of Afrobeats, rap and zouglou. It features legendary Ivorian group Magic System, who are also behind the 2014 FIFA World Cup soundtrack ‘Magic in the Air’, Egyptian popstar Mohamed Ramadan, Nigerian singer Yemi Alade and French producer Dany Synthé.
The quartet delivered a rendition of ‘Akwaba’ during the draw for the tournament.
“A definition of the pride of African football theme for the tournament, it also embodies a declaration of love for football, a tribute to the continent’s cultural diversity and the warm hospitality of Ivory Coast when the rest of Africa and the world gathers from 13 January to 11 February 2024 for the 34th edition of the continent’s football showpiece event,” a statement reads.
“We are proud and happy to have been chosen by our country to contribute musically to the success of the Africa Cup of Nations, to be held from January 13 to February 11 in Côte d’Ivoire,” Magic System said. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to invite others to give a unifying anthem to this exceptional competition. We’d like to thank the Ivorian government, COCAN and Ivorian Football Association (FIF) for this vote of confidence.”
Some 24 African teams will be competing in next year’s tournament, including defending champions Senegal.
