The Cameroonian music group, Golden Sounds, popularly known as Zangalewa has had one of its songs titled ‘Zangalewa’ chosen as the official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem.

This was officially made public in Douala on 11 May at a press conference that took place at the French Cultural Centre moderated by Stephan Tchakam of Le Jour. The song that has been remixed by international Columbian superstar, Shakira, would also be performed at the final match of the competition.

“As Africans and as World Cup fans ourselves, we are honoured that our music is an inspiration behind this international collaboration,” said Dooh Guy, one of the artists in the group.

The artists said it was after discussions and negotiations that they expect to reap from their song that was composed in the 1980s.

“At the beginning, Shakira did not contact us for any deal whatsoever. It is one of our colleagues who listened to the piece in the USA and drew the attention of Shakira’s lawyers. It is on that bases that we are expected to enter into a deal,” Ze Bella, lead singer of the group said.

 “We cannot give you a precise amount that we shall receive. All that we can tell you is that the negotiations are on good footing”, added Didier Edo, their manager.

The group was also appreciative of the fact that their musical career would be revived by Shakira after most of them had returned to their villages following the end to their military career.

“I was back in my village and was just called that our song ‘Zangalewa- waka waka’ (Time for Africa) has been chosen as the anthem for the World Cup. In the 1980s we sang for the people and not for money. We do hope that after this deal we are going to reform the group and come out with more songs. In fact our career has been revived,” Ze Bella added.

They denounced claims that their song had been plagiarised since negotiations were underway for their rights to be paid.

Ze explained that Zangalewa was a phrase in the Bulu language which mocked soldiers who were regretting after joining the corps.

Sepp Blatter Commends Song
To the president of the world governing football body, FIFA, Joseph Sepp Blatter, the song is part of the world’s most exciting sports event.

“The song is a personification of the African rhythm and identity and sets the pace for this unique event. I am looking forward to hearing the song throughout the tournament and watching it performed by Shakira and Freshlyground, (a South African Afro-fusion band),” he said, in some kits which were handed to pressmen.

“African music is so inspiring and is poised to take its place on the global pulp culture. The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, every race and religion. I am honoured that Waka Waka (Time of Africa) was chosen to be part of the excitement,” said Shakira.

The guest artists said they have written to the Ministry of Culture to facilitate their trip to South Africa although no precise response had been made available.

Ze is a retired military Warrant Officer while Dooh Guy has the same rang in the gendarmerie.