Shakira, South Africans unite for World Cup anthem

Last Updated: Friday, April 16, 2010 | 9:15 AM ET

The Associated Press

Shakira and South African band Freshlyground's song Time for Africa was tapped as the official World Cup anthem. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

A song by Colombian pop star Shakira and South African band Freshlyground has been chosen as the official World Cup anthem, the band announced on Friday.

The song, Time for Africa, is expected to be released to radio stations across the world next week and will be available for download beginning April 26.

Shakira and Cape Town group Freshlyground will perform the song at the World Cup kickoff concert in Soweto on June 10, at the tournament's opening ceremony and before the July 11 final.

Last year, a remixed version of Canadian hip-hop artist K'naan's hit song Wavin' Flag was selected as the official song of the World Cup trophy tour.

The Somali-born artist has been criss-crossing the globe with the trophy to perform and help drum up excitement about the forthcoming tournament.

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