As we inch ever closer to the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, set to take place next month in Qatar, we got another taste of the musical spectacle that will dazzle during the event’s ceremonies in the form of a music video titled “Light The Sky.”
Impressive MENA Singing Group
Sang by an all-female cast of amazing artists from all over the MENA region, the song features vocals by award-winning Moroccan singer-songwriter Manal, Emirati artist Balqees, Moroccan-Canadian sensation Nora Fatehi, and finally, Iraqi superstar Rahma Riad.
Arabic and English are prominent topics, dialects, and languages in the song, which makes it universally relevant. The coordinated dancing motions, which heavily borrow from the 2024 Paris Olympics announcement film, which featured pop-and-lock arm movements, are one of the things that jump out the most.
Female-centric
In addition to being an inclusive anthem, the “Light The Sky” music video also celebrates and highlights women on and off the football field. This is made clear by the singers’ line-up, the song’s visuals, the lyrics, and the inclusion of the six female referees who will compete in the upcoming World Cup, which is a first.
Three of the six will be participating as main referees during some of the matches in the 2022 World Cup, including Salima Mukansanga from Rwanda, Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan, and Stéphanie Frappart from France. On the other hand, Karen Díaz Medina from Mexico, Kathryn Nesbitt from the USA, and Neuza Back from Brazil will be assistant referees during some of the tournament’s matches.
Going Viral
Unfortunately, “Light The Sky” had a mixed reception despite receiving almost a million views on the official FIFA YouTube channel in less than 24 hours. However, that isn’t apparent in the comments, which are mostly made up of Middle Easterners expressing their pride at having artists from their region represent them for the first time.
“Light The Sky tells us to ‘shout if you’re with me’ and brings to life the spirit of communal celebration of the Fifa World Cup – an energizing message as we look forward to a game-changing tournament of firsts. This is an inspirational song with its roots firmly in the Middle East. It is also fitting that the first-ever female referees at a Fifa World Cup are part of this release that will connect with football and music lovers of all ages,” said Fifa Entertainment Executive and song producer RedOne said.
Previous Releases
This is the fourth song to be released as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Soundtrack. The first was “Hayya Hayya” back in April, then “Arhabo” in August, and finally “The World Is Yours To Take” a month later.
Aside from “The World Is Yours To Take,” every song has an international anthem concept to it and incorporates a variety of various sounds, musical genres, and languages to make it more inclusive.