YOUTUBE: FIFA Officials' Warm-up

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches holding most of the world's attention for at least some point every day during the end of June and early July, it comes as no surprise that these athletes are in peak condition. But what about the officials that chase that same ball up and down the pitch? Well, it turns out they need to warm-up too!

This video, Compenetración Arbitral, which can be loosely translated as "Synchronized Officials," features an edited look at the officials before the first round game between Mexico and Chile on June 25th. If these gentlemen ever need another career option, there's always the chorus line!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)

This is the fourth in a four part series.

A true international icon, Colombian singer and hip-shaker, Shakira, has won fans in Latin America, the U.S., and abroad with her infectious rhythm and instantly recognizable voice. It's only appropriate that she sing the official official anthem for such a worldly event as the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament. "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" combines phrases of the Fang language, English, and Spanish to create a song without borders. The titular phrase, "waka waka" literally means "where are you from?"

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: Waving Flag

This is the third in a four part series.

Arguably the most international of all the FIFA 2010 World Cup anthems, "Waving Flag" involves so many countries, one almost needs a globe. A take-off on Somali-born Canadian, K'naan's hit song of the same title, and featuring Spaniard David Bisbal, the song weaves Spanish and English lyrics together to create an encouraging piece aimed not only at victory, but at the spirit of international competition.

As Bisbal sings in Spanish:

En las calles,
Muchas manos,
Levantadas celebrando,
Una fiesta sin descanso,
Los paìses
Como hermanos!

Which K'naan echoes later when he sings:

In the streets our
Hands are lifted,
As we lose our,
Inhibitions,
celebration is
All around us,
Every nation
All around us!

A constant reminder of how important and exciting this tournament is for many people the world over!

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: Oh Africa!

This is the second in a four part series.

Akon's song "Oh, Africa", featuring Keri Hilson, has already been featured in several FIFA-related advertisements, including one often-played spot for Pepsi. Again featuring interpilations of the Afrikaans language, sung by the Soweto Gospel Choir, Akon celebrates the deserved and long-overdue focus the entire continent has achieved in beign awarded hosting honors for this year's FIFA World Cup.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: Everywhere You Go

This it the first in a four part series.

Once every four years an event comes around that argueably unites the planet more so that the Olympics. The FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament, this year hosted by South Africa, begins on Friday. Along with millions of "futball" fans around the world being glued to television sets and radios for the next three weeks, the festivities are represented in song by musicians from around the world. This year, four songs have been chosen as offical World Cup anthems. All are catchy and inspiring. All are ZONINO!

Ex-Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland leads the list with her song "Everywhere You Go". A mix of American hip-hop and African tribal rhythm, Rowland sings of the universality of winning, triumph, and hope. Check back from now until Friday for the best of the rest, leading the way to South Africa!

Sergio del Limonar

TV: Pepsi "Oh, Africa!" ad

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner and the marketing departments of all the major sponsors are in high gear. Come June we will no doubt be inundated with many ads featuring the sport and athletes of soccer. Pepsi, for example, has released a fantastic advertisement that exemplifies the spirit of the game, the excitement of the entire continent for hosting the event, and the unifying power the game has.

In the ad, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Kaká, Frank Lampard, Andrei Arshavin, and Didier Drogba, find hand-painted jerseys with their names on them at an African village market. They attempt to purchase a Pepsi from another stand only to be told they would have to play the vendors for the beverage. The footballers ask the kids, "Do you know who we are?" to which the challengers respond with the same question. They then ask where the field is which is when the magic and creatively of the ad really begins.

With a soundtrack featuring the song "Oh, Africa!" by Senegalese-American R&B artist, Akon, the spot makes you want to board a plane for the dusty savanna and get your own pick-up game started. I can only hope for more creative and uplifting advertising campaigns in the next couple months!

Sergio del Limonar