Download Oh Africa by Akon featuring Keri Hilson, a charity single that supported underprivileged children across Africa through Akon’s Konfidence Foundation. This official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem features a global message and debuted with high visibility during the 52nd Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010.
Official 2010 World Cup anthem
Akon collaborated with Keri Hilson to create “Oh Africa,” an uplifting anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The track was part of Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album and aimed to raise awareness and funds for children in need.
The single was released as a digital download and included a vibrant music video. Fans could access both the track and visual content on the night of the Grammy Awards.
Charity single for African children
“Oh Africa” stands out as more than a song—it directly supported Akon’s Konfidence charity initiative. The foundation focuses on educational and health programs benefiting disadvantaged youth throughout the African continent.
Revenue from the single helped fund outreach efforts and programs backed by the foundation. Akon used this global platform to give visibility to issues affecting African children and offer concrete support.
Music video and international cameos
The “Oh Africa” music video brought together not just musicians but also world-class football players. Stars like Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Kaká, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, and Andrei Arshavin all appear briefly in the clip.
Their involvement underscored the song’s global appeal and its connection to the World Cup. The visual features colorful backdrops, energetic dance scenes, and powerful group shots highlighting unity and pride.
Recording and production details
The song was recorded in November 2009 and released just two months later in January 2010. With a runtime of 3 minutes and 21 seconds, it blends R&B with worldbeat rhythms for a distinctive global sound.
“Oh Africa” was released under a combination of labels including Konvict, UpFront, SRC, and Universal Motown. These partnerships helped ensure the song received broad distribution and high visibility worldwide.
Songwriting and music credits
Timothy Thomas and Theron Thomas wrote the lyrics for “Oh Africa,” building a message centered around hope, unity, and personal strength. Their words were matched with production by Alexander “PrettyBoiFresh” Parhm, Jr.
The sound design balanced global instrumentation with anthemic choruses and layered vocals. The Soweto Gospel Choir contributed to the recording alongside young vocalists from different countries, adding depth to the track’s multicultural feel.
Oh Africa Lyrics
I know that we have to take it to the goal
’cause everyone’s depending on we
See we ain’t got nowhere to go but up,
It’s our destiny
We’re choosing the way,
We’ll do what it takes to get
To the top of the highest mountain
We’ll do anything, we got to prove ourselves
’cause we know
Oh Africa
See we’ll never be able to forget this day
’cause it’s the greatest day of our life
See no matter what happens at least we can say
“we came, we saw, we tried”
We’re choosing nowhere,
We’ll do what it takes to get
To the top of the highest mountain
We’ll do anything, we got to prove ourselves
’cause we know
Oh Africa
This is our time to shine,
Our time to fly,
Our time to be inside the sky
Our time to soar,
Our time to saw,
The last one in football
Oh Africa
Akon and Keri Hilson discography timeline
For Akon, “Oh Africa” came between two other notable singles—“Shut It Down” in 2009 and “Push Push” later in 2010. It marked a transition in his musical direction, incorporating more global themes.
Keri Hilson’s involvement in “Oh Africa” fit within her 2010 releases as well, following “Million Dollar Girl” and preceding “Got Your Back.” Her role in the song showcased her adaptability in cross-cultural projects.
Watch the official video on YouTube
The full official video for “Oh Africa” is available on YouTube, offering both high-quality visuals and impactful sound. The visuals include symbolic imagery representing unity, passion, and purpose across cultures.
Vibrant color schemes, traditional African prints, and rhythmic dancing combine with cameo appearances from athletes to amplify the song’s global message. The video serves as a strong complement to the single’s message and mission.
Song placement and legacy
Included in the Listen Up! album for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, “Oh Africa” stands as a lasting part of that tournament’s soundtrack. It remains linked to both the sport and a larger charitable goal.
Its release during a major international event helped ensure widespread attention and listener engagement. The song continues to resonate with fans of both music and football.
Article updated 13 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
