Stephen Dunmoye
As the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire 2023 gather momentum, CAF and the Local Organising Committee (“LOC”) has launched the official song for the tournament.
The song, which was titled ‘AKWABA’ which means ‘welcome’ in Ivorian parlance, is a captivating musical project piloted by the talented team at global record label Universal Music Africa.
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 Cote d’Ivoire 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.
The great piece of art was put together by legendary Ivorian group Magic System from Cote d’Ivoire, famous for the global hit Premier Gaou; dazzling Egyptian pop icon Mohamed Ramadan whose ‘Number 1’ continues to receive worldwide attention; Nigerian diva Yemi Alade of ‘Johnny’ fame and renowned producer Dany Synthe, giving birth to a tune that transcends borders and cultures in displaying a united Africa.
The quartet delivered a powerful rendition of AKWABA during the draw for the final tournament of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, held in Abidjan a fortnight ago.
AKWABA is expected to set the African continent ablaze with an explosion of rhythms and melodies that embody the spirit of unity, passion and celebration.
