Will Smith Bounces Back, Records 2018 World Cup Anthem With Other Artistes

It appears Will Smith is returning to music after a 13-year absence to record the official song of this year’s World Cup in Russia. He has teamed up with fellow artists Era Istrefi and Nicky Jam for the official World Cup song for Russia 2018, FIFA confirmed.

The official World Cup song is usually performed at either the opening or closing ceremony. Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez performed We Are One (Ole Ola) at the 2014 opening ceremony, while Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) closed out the 2010 competition. The 2018 official song “Live It Up” will be released on multiple streaming platforms today, 25 May. The FIFA World Cup Official Music Video will be available as of 7 June.

The three-man line-up will perform at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow before the final on July 15 and the song, produced by American DJ Diplo, will be officially released today.

World-renowned Grammy Award-winning actor, songwriter and artist, Will Smith had this to say:

“It’s an honour to be asked to perform at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This global event brings people from all over the world together to cheer, laugh and experience magic. Collaborating with Nicky, Diplo and Era on this track represents harmony, eclectic flavours and genres coming together. At the end of the day, we just want to see the world dance”

Nicky Jam is one of Latin America’s biggest stars and a Latin Grammy Award Winner. Istrefi is a rising star whose track BonBon was a dance hit across Europe in 2016.

As well as the official song each year, there is also an “anthem”, which have been performed in the past by the likes of Wyclef Jean, R Kelly and Vangelis. This year it will be Colors by Jason Derulo and Maluma.