Somali-born rapper leads SA in song and dance

04 December 2009 - 02:00
By Luzuko Pongoma

CAPE Town will throw the mother of all parties today in the glare of international media and millions of viewers across the globe.

CAPE Town will throw the mother of all parties today in the glare of international media and millions of viewers across the globe.

The live 2010 Fifa World Cup draw tonight at the International Convention Centre will show the world how serious we are about hosting a fun-filled soccer showpiece.

And Somali-born rapper K'naan Warsame, pictured, whose song Waving Flag has been chosen as the World Cup theme song - will take centre stage with a live performance in Long Street.

The live draw starts at 7pm. And K'naan, who has been based in Canada since 1993, is unfazed by the spotlight. Since November 13, he has been travelling with the World Cup trophy, which has been to 49 African countries. He has performed the song for state presidents and in front of thousands of people along the way.

Speaking to Sowetan in Cape Town this week, K'naan said he wrote the song for his album Troubadour, which was released in March.

With three albums under his belt, his impressive CV includes stints with artists such as Nelly Furtado, Mos Def, The Roots, Dead Prez and Pharaohe Monch. He also collaborated with Damien Marley on the Welcome to Jamrock touring session. "I was then asked to perform it for the World Cup. The response I get everywhere I perform is amazing, people love it.