Big Will’s cup anthem: Is it jiggy?

FOOTBALL’S World Cup organisers divided fans by releasing the tournament’s official song yesterday – a fastpaced dance tune titled Live It Up featuring American actor and rapper Will Smith.

Some on social media asked how the tune’s Latin feel fitted in with the tournament’s host country Russia.

Some more were puzzled by the choice of performers – Smith is joined by Puerto Ricoborn Reggaeton artist Nicky Jam and singer Era Istrefi, who describes herself as “Albanian Kosovar”.

Others were won over by the energetic track, with its affirming chorus “One life, live it up/’Cos we got one life”.

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.

“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 Bad Boys I and II 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”. – Reuters/ African News Agency (ANA)