Director General of Universal Music Africa, Franck-Alcide Kacou, has explained why the record company decided to record an Extended Play (EP) featuring various celebrated African musicians ahead the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The AFCON finals, taking place in Côte d’Ivoire from Saturday, 13 January, to 11 February, 2024, will feature 24 countries from the African Continent.
Speaking to a cross-section of journalists recently, Kacou said the company decided to take a different approach this time around and do something that would outlive the competition.
He said: “We wanted to have a different approach from what has been done so far around the previous AFCONS’ anthems.
“Treat this one like an actual music project that could be the soundtrack of the competition and still live once it is done.
“We had a whole plan from the first quarter of 2023 and we rolled it out perfectly with the help of the artistes, the CAF and the local organisational committee.
“The people have been embracing the anthem and its video so far –like never before in the history of AFCON –and Iam sure the EP is going to help amplify the impact globally.”
Kacou also spoke on how he thought music and football can be harnessed to push a positive narrative for Africa and Africans.
He said: “We can’t disconnect football –sports in general–and lifestyle/entertainment no more. Especially on the Continent today.
“The audiences are usually the same, the success stories are usually linked, and all industries can benefit from this global narrative.
“We’ve witnessed how Roc Nation went from managing artistes, to adding sportsmen and women in their roster.
“I believe this is where we’re heading more and more, and Africa is a fertile field for such a model.”
The six track EP featured African musical heavyweights, including Yemi Alade, Magic System, Didi B, Roselyne, Layo, Serge Beynaud, Kerozen, CYsoul, Vegedream, Ayanne, Kaaris, Josey and many others.
Kacou said: “The EP pays tribute to the cultural diversity of the Continent and the warm welcome of the land of Eburnie.
“It is an explosion of rhythms and melodies embodying the unique spirit of hospitality, passion and celebration.
“It is carried by the incredible artistic talent of superstars and this musical work is the sounding box of cultural richness and melodious generosity of a continent ready to party.”
Kacou also said bringing the artistes together was an amazing experience that came out great.
“Everybody came together as one team –just like a football match by the way –and played his/her role for the sake of the project, and the competition.
“It was actually easier than expected to produce the EP. We are fortunate to have been able to pilot this,” he added.
As the football fiesta approaches, the label has released the EP for streaming on all platforms which can be accessed via https://afcon.lnk.to/2023.
