In the grand tradition of music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a song with international appeal has been chosen to represent the world’s most popular sports competition. K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag: The Celebration Mix” will be featured as the official song for the 2010 World Cup, which begins in South Africa on June 11th.

Officials for Africa’s first World Cup sought an anthem that would represent the improved changes of the impoverished continent. With economies in Rwanda and Ghana gaining momentum, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will represent Africa’s growing influence on the world.

“Wavin’ Flag: The Celebration Mix” is a remix of the third single off the Somali rapper’s recently released, critically acclaimed third album Troubadour. The song features lyrics that renounce war and oppression and express a sdesire to be an instrument for peace. Pumped up by pronounced percussion and sentimental harmonies, the mix intends to appeal to an audience as diverse as the teams that will contend for the Cup.

So, prepare for the sight of hundreds of men, draped in the colors of their own countries, crying, hugging and chanting the chorus — just as they did when U2 closed out the 2006 Word Cup finale with “One”. In anticipation, check out a preview of what’s to come below.

TAGGED AS: 2010 FIFA World Cup, K'naan