2018 World Cup: Listen to the official song featuring Will Smith [audio]

The official 2018 World Cup song is out. Wait? You thought that song with Jason Derulo and Casper was the “official” song? Nope, that was just the Coca-Cola song for the tournament. This latest official (real-deal) tune sees the iconic Will Smith return to his rapping roots.

2018 FIFA World Cup song: Will Smith is back

The song, Live It Up, was released across the globe on Friday 25 May, just over two weeks ahead of the tournament’s 14 June start date.

Besides Smith, the song is lead by Latin music star Nicky Jam and features the vocals of rising Kosovar pop star Ira Estrefi.

Read: Fixtures, groups and kick off times for all teams at the 2018 World Cup

Like the beat and melody of the song? That was handled by the always impressive Diplo. The American producer has crafted hits for the likes of Sia, Justin Bieber, Usher and his own group, Major Lazer.

Estrefi has also recently worked with South Africa’s very own production genius, DJ Maphorisa.

If you just can’t wait to see Will Smith rap again, you will get to see him live with billions watching across the world just before the World Cup final. Jam, Smith and Estrefi will all be in Russia to end the tournament with an absolute bang.

“It’s an honour to be asked to perform at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This global event brings people from all over the world together to cheer, laugh and experience magic. Collaborating with Nicky, 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 said of the song.

While the 2014 World Cup Song may not have stuck in as many memories, South Africans will always fondly remember the feeling of hearing Shakira’s Waka Waka back in 2010.

You can listen to the 2018 World Cup Song below. Can you see this one climbing up the global charts?

Listen: Live It Up by Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith and Ira Estrefi