The music video for ‘Hayya Hayya (Better Together)’ drops today as the first single from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 official soundtrack. The track is a collaboration between Arizona pop singer Trinidad Cardona, Nigerian Afrobeat icon DaVido and also Qatar vocal sensation Aisha.
Watch the official music video for the Def Jam Recordings release and RedOne production here.
‘Hayya Hayya (Better Together)’ has an uplifting mood. It symbolises the excitement for the football festival and draws on R&B as well as reggae influences. FIFA announced their sound strategy in early 2021; connecting with audiences around the world through the passions of football and music. This aim has certainly succeeded by featuring a trio of artists from around the world and fusing those sounds together.
FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Kay Madati spoke on the soundtrack; “By bringing together voices from the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, this song symbolises how music – and football – can unite the world. As part of FIFA’s revamped music strategy, the multi-song soundtrack will bring passionate fans closer to the spirit of the FIFA World Cup like never before.”
The debut public performance of ‘Hayya Hayya (Better Together)’ is tonight to a global audience, from 7:00 PM local time. Audiences can expect to hear further singles off the soundtrack in the following months. The tracks will lead up to the start of the FIFA World Cup on 21st November this year.
Although a slightly different approach was taken to the soundtrack this year. It’s the first time it will feature a multi-song collection. This approach enables a more expansive representation of global involvement. As a result, there will be multiple international artists and musical genres included.
Arizona pop singer Trinidad Cardona gained a viral hit with ‘Jennifer’ in 2017. He went on to enjoy global success with follow-up single ‘Dinero.’ Speaking on the single, he said “When I first heard the song, I was instantly put in a good mood. It’s a celebration, it embodies everything the FIFA World Cup stands for. People from all around the world coming together, and I just love that message.”
Check out the official music video for ‘Dinero’ (2018) here, which since stands at forty-seven million views.
Nigerian vocalist and producer DaVido has carved out a reputation for blending Afrobeats with pop and R&B sounds. Commenting on the FIFA single, he said “I’ve grown up all over the world. And the more I travelled, the more I realised that we are all one, one people, one world. So, when this came to me, I jumped on it. To be a part of this event that brings together the whole world, and to be a part of this song? ‘We are better together’ went right to my heart. Beautiful, man, beautiful. How could I say no?”
He has collaborated with major artists including Meek Mill, Young Thug, Summer Walker, Gunna as well as Nicki Minaj. Watch the official music video for one of his biggest hits ‘Fall’ (2017). It has an incredible two hundred million plus views!
Aisha joins the track as local representation for Qatar, consequently cementing her status as one of their most popular vocalists. She has also headlined performances worldwide. This includes at the United Nations General Assembly in New York as well as at the grand opening of Doha Festival City. Aisha expressed her feelings about the single; “I am blessed and honoured to exist in these exciting times, where I get to witness and be part of this huge milestone for my country, Qatar.” She shared in particular “The song’s message of togetherness and joy resonated with me as joy was present with us throughout the journey of making this song. It is a dream come true to perform for the FIFA World Cup final draw and be part of such an important song.”
Watch Aisha’s cover of another viral hit ‘Love Nwantiti’ by Nigerian singer-songwriter CKay she posted on Instagram.
Information relating to tonight’s draw as well as the new single’s performance can be found here.
