I recently hosted a World Cup music show that featured artists from Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa and Colombia.  Colombian pop star Shakira had the official FIFA World Cup song with her big hit, “Waka Waka” (This Time For Africa).

Shakira’s tune provided plenty of spirited debate in my office. Some of my colleagues loved it, and some hated it. Before the World Cup even kicked off on 11 June, many South Africans also voiced their opinions about the song. South Africa has a very proud musical tradition, and some South Africans felt a South African singer should have the official World Cup song. When it comes to “official,” though, and a huge sporting event like the World Cup, the lines blur quickly. Coca Cola’s official World Cup song was “Wavin’ Flag” by Somalia-born singer K’Naan.

Thirty-two national football teams waved their flags high at this year’s World Cup in South Africa, and I heard K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” both inside and outside the World Cup stadiums.  I also heard the vuvuzela, the long plastic horn that provided the signature sound at this year’s World Cup, and which also featured in my special World Cup music show.  Check out these vuvuzela performers in Cape Town:

I loved the music that surrounded and spiced up this year’s World Cup, and I believe it will go down as one of the most musically memorable World Cups in history. I mean c’mon, who remembers the music at Germany 2006?