Waka Waka - This Time for Africa

Everyone and their neighbour has something to say about the World Cup so I'm on the proverbial bandwagon as well. Why not? This momentous event occurs only once every four years. Yes yes I know there is a large sporting event that occurs every so often; which is what the wives/girlfriends will say: Euro, EPL, Olympics, and the list goes on. It's interesting to note that the love of my life (and yes that would be my wife so perish the thought) gave me a very clever analogy: "It's like watching Sex and The City every night for a whole month!!!" Yes dear, the first few days will be like watching Sex and The City 3 times a night, and then the next few days 2 times a night and finally once a night. Conclusion: watching Sex and the City 64 times in a month. More often than not I would have something smart to say but for the life of me I don't know a single thing about Sex and The City except for the fact the show involves 4 women, tens of fantasies, hundreds of men/relationships and God only knows how many horizontal mambo!! So to all my female readers (all of 2 at this moment), forgive my lack of knowledge about this analogy to the World Cup.

Anyway, for those who are not aware, here is a short history lesson. The first World Cup was held in 1930 and every four years since then EXCEPT for 1942 and 1946 when everyone was busy fighting in World War II. There are always 32 teams competing in the World Cup but each and every country in the world who is a member of FIFA is eligible to compete in the World Cup qualifiers. And since 1930, there have been 18 tournaments and surprising enough, only 7 nations have been crowned World Cup Champion: Brazil, Italy, Argentina, England, Uruguay, Germany and France. So it is safe to conclude that 1 of these 7 teams will once again lift the glorious title.

What is it about the World Cup that makes it such a event? It is not actually an event, because soccer is life. It is the only game that is played more than any other game on this planet. It is the only game that is watched by over 700 million inhabitants of mother earth. Imagine this, 198 nations played in the 2006 qualifiers and 204 in this. And what do all these nations play for? A small trophy called the Jules Rimet trophy. A small trophy compared to other trophies, it stands only 36 cm tall BUT is made of 18 carat solid gold. It weighs exactly 6.175 kg. When a team wins the World Cup, they are awarded the Jules Rimet,...but not to keep. No. They merely hang on to it until the next World Cup where they return it to FIFA and they are given a gold-plated replica. Brazil was the first nation who were awarded the Jules Rimet....TO KEEP. This momentous occasion occured in 1970 when Brazil won the World Cup for the third time. Now hear this. The Jules Rimet WAS STOLEN...yes stolen in 1983, never to be recovered. Experts suspect the thieves melted the cup for it's 18 carat solid gold. Go figure....

Here we are, in 2010 and it's South Africa's turn to host the World Cup. South Africa being a nation full of history and culture was bound to produce exciting songs and dances. If you haven't heard of the official song, just Google K'naan or Waving Flag to hear it. It is catchy beyond belief so much so my daughters are now learning the dance associated with this song. How? By watching the Celcom Bears performing it. It is already catchy but once you see the Celcom Bears performing it...you'll be dancing before you know it :) K'naan is a stage name, his real name is Keinan Abdi Warsame. His aunt, Magool, is one of Somalia's most famous singers. Yes Somalians do sing contrary to popular belief. K'naan's grandfather Haji Mohammad was a poet. This man has rhythm coursing in his blood. Another great song emerging from this World Cup is Waka Waka.

Waka Waka is catchy, if not even more catchy than Waving Flag. And yes it has it's own dance steps which my daughters are still learning but singing the chorus? anytime! Again, Google Waka Waka and enjoy Shakira doing what she does best !

As Malaysians enjoy a month of Waving Flag, we are also inevitably hit by the baggy eye syndrome or lack of sleep as some call it. Some will watch it at home, others will watch it at the melting pot of Malaysians - the mamak shop. Why? cause this game has to be watched with friends, colleagues, neighbours, family members..total strangers even. It is a celebration that has to be shared with others. When your team scores you can stand up and do the Waka Waka on your sofa at 3am in the morning in your living room all by yourself, or you can shout, scream, celebrate high fives with people from all walks of life, race, religion, color..it simply doesn't matter. Only the World Cup can bring people together.

It is a spectacle to behold because once every four years, we put aside our differences. We put aside our politics. We put aside rank. We put aside race and religion. Once every four years we are united. United by this simple game. 22 men chasing a ball. When you reflect over hundreds or thousands of years of history, it is the simplest of things that bring people together.

Words of summary simply fail me at this moment...so i leave you with lyrics from Waving Flag:

"When I get older, I will be stronger, They'll call me freedom just like a wavin' flag"