The official song for the World Cup 2010 is Wavin’ Flag if you ask Coca-Cola, and Waka-Waka if FIFA has its say. Which do you prefer?

It can be billed as the clash of David versus Goliath. In the red corner, we have the sexy, belly-dancing, multi-platinum Latin singer-songwriter Shakira. Over at the blue corner, we have the humble and reserved Somali-Canadian poet and songwriter, K’naan [who recently collaborated with Keane in their latest album].

Shakira has an illustrious career in music such as winning the Latin Grammy Award for Album of The Year. However, there was uproar in Africa when the Colombian born singer’s “This Time For Africa” was named the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2010.

“This Time for Africa” or better known as “Waka-Waka”, continues the trend of World Cup songs not being sung by local artists.

“Waka-Waka” is an adaptation of a traditional soldier’s song “Zangalewa”. The song incorporates African elements since the latter originated from Cameroon. Traditional African percussion instruments can be heard in Shakira’s song.

Sadly, “Waka-Waka” sounds like any other generic pop song.

Tsamina mina eh eh (come)

Waka waka eh eh (do it)

Tsamina mina zangalewa (who asked you to come)

This time for Africa

Even though the lyrics of the chorus pays tribute to Africa, the catchy song doesn’t deliver in terms of making people want to show their patriotism and passion for the countries that are participating in the FIFA World Cup.

The biggest shortcoming of “Waka-Waka” is that sounds too artificial to represent Africa as a whole. It’s true that Shakira collaborated with a South African band, Freshlyground. However, the emotions conveyed by her are somewhat weak.

Before you Shakira fans curse and condemn The UrbanWire to the depths of Hades, there are some qualities of the song that justify the decision of making it the official FIFA World Cup 2010 song.

The track should be given credit for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, thus making it an ideal song to serve as a curtain raiser for one of football’s biggest events. Also, the lyrics of the song can serve as bait to entice you to gear up for the FIFA World Cup.

On the other front, the song and artist that have received plaudits worldwide is none other K’naan and his song “Wavin’ Flag”. It made an appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the chart as number 99.

Even though the song was ranked quite low on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, don’t dismiss this song as forgettable and mundane.

In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher
See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud
In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition,
Celebration, it surround us, every nations, all around us

The poetic, heartfelt lyrics of “Wavin’ Flag” can be the voice of South Africa. The fervid vocals of the charismatic K’naan echoed throughout the entire song. K’naan takes the listener through the heartwarming verse before unleashing his emotions during the climatic chorus. This was indeed done splendidly.

The action of flag waving has often been associated with patriotism and the football fans will bleed the nation’s colours to show their undying passion for the beautiful game, even if they win or lose.

Moreover, the Somalia-Canadian rapper is rooting for an African team, Ivory Coast, to lift the holy grail of football on July 11, according to an interview he did with National Post.

If you think that K’naan is on the highway to be a one-hit wonder, then you are in for a surprise.

The multi-talented singer and rapper collaborated with multi-platinum, award-winning, alternative rock band, Keane on 2 songs from their Night Train album.

Just like how Shakira’s “Waka-Waka” will make the perfect curtain raiser, “Wavin’ Flag” is the ideal song for the culmination of the FIFA World Cup 2010. Even though the song is not the official song, The UrbanWire holds “Wavin’ Flag” in higher regard.

The UrbanWire gives “Waka-Waka” a rating of 2.5/5 while we rate “Wavin’ Flag” at 4.5/5.