Wavin' Flag

This article is about the song by K'naan. For the song by British Sea Power, see Waving Flags.

"Wavin' Flag"
Single by K'naan
from the album Troubadour
Released	March 18, 2009
Format	Digital download
Recorded	2008
Genre	World music, Reggae fusion
Length	3:41
Label	A&M/Octone
Writer(s)	Keinan Abdi Warsame, Peter Hernandez, Philip Lawrence, Jean Daval
Producer	Kerry Brothers, Jr., Bruno Mars
Certification	3x Platinum (CRIA)
K'naan singles chronology
"Bang Bang" (2008) "Wavin' Flag'" (2009) "Stop for a Minute" (2010)
Music video "Wavin' Flag" (original release (audio) on YouTube

"Wavin' Flag" is a song by Somali-Canadian artist K'naan from his album Troubadour. The song was a global hit, reaching the top ten in 19 charts around the world and was chosen as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa. The English version was released as "Wavin' Flag (Coca Cola Mix)" by K'naan. A version of the song featuring will.i.am and David Guetta in Spanish was targeted for international release. Many other bilingual and country-specific versions were released. A remake of the song by an ad hoc supergroup of Canadian artists, credited as Young Artists for Haiti, became a charity single in Canada.

In 2012, K'naan published a children's book, When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin' Flag, about the song and its history.

Original single

The original single of "Wavin' Flag" appeared originally on his album Troubadour. The single reached #2 on the Canadian Hot 100 as the third official single from the album, which was produced by Kerry Brothers, Jr. and Bruno Mars. K'naan first performed the song acoustically live on Q TV, where he gave viewers a preview of Troubadour prior to its release. The lyrics of the original version are about the struggle of refugees displaced by war, with references to K'naan's native Somalia, in comparison to the later version used for the World Cup, where the lyrics were rewritten in more celebratory tone.

Chart performance

Chart (2009)	Peak Position
Canadian Hot 100	2

Young Artists for Haiti

"Wavin' Flag"
Single by Young Artists for Haiti
Released	March 12, 2010
Format	Digital download, CD single
Recorded	February 18, 2010
Genre	Pop, hip hop
Length	3:55
Label	Universal Music Canada
Writer(s)	K'naan
Producer	Bob Ezrin
Certification	3x Platinum (CRIA)
Music video
"Wavin' Flag" on YouTube

In 2010, the song was remade by a supergroup of Canadian artists, credited as Young Artists for Haiti, as a charity single to benefit relief efforts following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The charity single was spearheaded by producer Bob Ezrin, engineered by Mike Fraser and was reworked to include specific lyrics for Haiti, including a rap solo by Drake. It was released on March 12, 2010 with proceeds going to Free the Children, War Child Canada and World Vision Canada. This new version went straight to #1 on the Canadian charts.

Participating soloists included K'naan, Nelly Furtado, Sam Roberts, Avril Lavigne, Pierre Bouvier, Tyler Connolly, Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Lights, Deryck Whibley, Serena Ryder, Jacob Hoggard, Emily Haines, Hawksley Workman, Drake, Chin Injeti, Ima, Pierre Lapointe, Elisapie Isaac, Esthero, Corb Lund, Fefe Dobson, Nikki Yanofsky, Matt Mays, Justin Nozuka and Justin Bieber. Performing the chorus were Arkells, Lamar Ashe, Broken Social Scene, Torquil Campbell, Canadian Tenors, Aion Clarke, City and Colour, Tom Cochrane, Jim Cuddy, Jim Creeggan, Kathleen Edwards, Dave Faber, Jessie Farrell, Colin James, Pat Kordyback, Brandon Lehti, Colin MacDonald, Jay Malinowski, Stacey McKitrick, Suzie McNeil, Stephan Moccio, Kevin Parent, Josh Ramsay, Red 1, Hayley Sales, James Shaw and Shiloh. Students from Vancouver high schools Lord Byng Secondary and Magee Secondary also voluntarily participated by playing together as an orchestra. A music video was shot for the charity single at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In March 2011, the single won a Juno award for "Single of the Year".

Chart performance

Chart (2010)	Peak Position
Canadian Hot 100	1
UK Singles Chart	104

Coca-Cola Mix

"Wavin' Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)"
Single by K'naan
from the album Troubadour: Champion Edition
Released	April 30, 2010
Format	Digital download
Genre	World music, Reggae fusion
Length	3:38
Label	Universal Music Group
Writer(s)	K'naan, Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jean Daval
Producer	The Smeezingtons
K'naan singles chronology
"Stop for a Minute" (2010) "Wavin' Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)'" (2010) "Each Tear" (2010) Music video "Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)" on YouTube

In 2010, a remix of the song, entitled the "Coca Cola Mix", was recorded for use as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa. This version reached number one in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and number two in Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Coca-Cola described the remix as "inspired by the joyous dance celebrations familiar to Africa." Coca-Cola integrated its jingle, well known from previous Coca-Cola commercials, into the mix, generating a direct association between the remixed song and the brand. The song was used throughout the entire tournament, and was featured on all worldwide versions of the Coca-Cola campaign. The song was also played at events for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, where K'naan performed this version live for the first time, and featured on the online digital platform for the World Cup. The music video for the remix includes a guest appearance by Malhar Chitnis. The remix video was recorded in Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, the site of the first 1930 FIFA World Cup Final. The remix version appears on the Champion Edition of Troubadour.

Although the remix features many elements of the original song, it includes most notably a new pre-chorus that sets the uplifting, unified tone of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, turning the song into one that is more open, more inviting and more celebratory. "I'm so proud of this [new] version," K'naan told Billboard.Biz. The new version also removes many of the darker lyrics of the original song. According to Billboard, Coca Cola "loved the song but noted that lyrical references to 'a violent prone, poor people zone' and people 'struggling, fighting to eat' didn't fit the campaign's themes".

“

"We took something like 50 drums and did this crazy mix for it. It's about the one time that we all get together and the world forgets its conflict and its problems and we focus on this unity and celebration. That moment is connected now to 'Wavin' Flag.'"

”

Chart performance

Chart (2010)	Peak Position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)	1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	14
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)	10
Canadian Hot 100	1
Czech Republic (IFPI)	3
Denmark (Tracklisten)	16
European Hot 100 Singles	1
France (SNEP)	2
Germany (Media Control AG)	1
Hungary (Single Top 10)	7
Ireland (IRMA)	2
Israel (Media Forest)	4
Italy (FIMI)	2
Luxembourg Digital Songs (Billboard)	1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	2
Norway (VG-lista)	5
Scotland (Official Charts Company)	1
Slovakia (IFPI)	4
Spain (PROMUSICAE)	2
Spanish Airplay Chart	6
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)	9
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)	2
UK R&B (Official Charts Company)	1
US Billboard Hot 100	82

Celebration Mix

"Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)"
Single by K'naan featuring will.i.am and David Guetta
from the album Troubadour: Champion Edition
Released	May 14, 2010
Format	Digital download
Genre	Hip house, Reggae fusion
Label	Universal Music Group, A&M Records
Producer	Afrojack, David Guetta, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, The Smeezingtons, Will.i.am
K'naan chronology
"Each Tear" (2010) "Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)" (2010) "Summer Paradise" (2011)
will.i.am chronology "OMG" (2010) "Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)" (2010) "I'm in the House" (2010) David Guetta chronology "Gettin' Over You" (2010) "Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)" (2010) "Commander" (2010) Music video "Wavin' Flag - K'naan feat. Will.i.am & David Guetta on YouTube

A remix of "Wavin' Flag", which features French music producer David Guetta and American rapper, producer and The Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, was made for international release outside of Canada. Will.i.am's solo parts were exclusively written for the international version, and for the K'naan part, some of the lyrics were amended. his version of the song was mixed by hit engineer Dylan "3-D" Dresdow. This version was later released as the B-side to the Celebration Mix. The maxi-single CD also included the Spanish adaptation with the Spanish language verses written by Rafael Vergara and interpreted by David Bisbal.

The maxisingle release tracklist:

1. Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix) (3:33) - Mixed by Phil Tan, Producer The Smeezingtons, Mastered by Dave McNair
2. Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix) - feat. will.i.am & David Guetta (3:30) - Mixed by Dylan "3D" Dresdow, Mixed by Jaime Martinez (assistant mixer), Producer Afrojack, David Guetta, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, The Smeezingtons, Will.I.Am, Written by D. Guetta, N. Van De Wall, W. Adams
3. Wavin' Flag (Spanish Celebration Mix) feat. David Bisbal (3:52) - Mixed by and vocals, arranged by Voice, Lyrics by Rafael Vergara (Spanish adaptation), Producer The Smeezingtons
4. Wavin' Flag (Album version) (3:41) - Mastered by Dave McNair, Mixed by Manny Marroquin, Producers Bruno Mars, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Engineer Ari Levine, Christian Plata, Erik Madrid, Miki Tsutsumi, Stuart White

The version featuring will.i.am and David Guetta was released as the single B-side to "Wavin' Flag (Celebration Mix)" single release in Europe.

A separate music video was made for this version, with the artists performing in front of a large black flag. However some scenes were used from the original Canadian music video and from K'naan's "Wavin' Flag (The Celebration Mix)" music video intertwined with visuals of the new video.

Bilingual versions

Wavin' Flag (Spanish Celebration Mix) by K'naan and David Bisbal

Many bilingual versions of the Celebration Mix have been made, for use in each of their respective countries. The initial bilingual version was recorded by K'naan and Spanish singer David Bisbal, sung in both English and Spanish, and targeting all Spanish-speaking markets, including Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. This version was entitled the "Spanish Celebration Mix", and was officially made available for digital download in February 2010. As a part of the promotion, a music video of the Spanish Celebration Mix was filmed and released for the song. Another version sung in both English and Arabic, featuring Nancy Ajram, a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and spokesperson for Coca-Cola Middle East, was released in all Middle Eastern Countries. This version, entitled the "Arabic Celebration Mix", also had a music video recorded for it. Scenes were filmed in Denmark, Portugal, Brazil, Lebanon and South Africa. A Chinese version, featuring Jacky Cheung and Jane Zhang, reached #1 on China Music Chart., and a Thai version, featuring Tattoo Colour, charted at #3 there.

Versions released under Coca-Cola sponsorship for 2010 FIFA World Cup:

• Arab World: "Wavin' Flag/Shagga' Bi Alamak" by K'naan and Nancy Ajram
• Brazil: "Comemorar" by K'naan and Skank
• Greater China: "Wavin' Flag" (Chinese: 旗开得胜) by K'naan Jacky Cheung and Jane Zhang
• France: "Wavin' Flag " by K'naan and Féfé
• Greece: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and Professional Sinnerz feat. Komis X
• Indonesia: "Wavin' Flag (Semangat Berkibar)" by K'naan and Ipang
• Japan: "Wavin' Flag" (Japanese: ウェイヴィン・フラッグ) by K'naan and Ai
• Nigeria: "Wavin' Flag (Naija Remix)" by K'naan and Banky W. & M.I.(Jude Abaga).
• Spain/Latin America: "Wavin' Flag (Bandera de Libertad)" by K'naan and David Bisbal.
• Thailand: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and Tattoo Colour.

Unofficial releases collaborate with FIFA 2010 Coca Cola campaign theme

• Caribbean: "Wavin' Flag" (DJ Power Remix) by K'naan and Machel Montano
• Haiti: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and MikaBen.
• Hungary: "Nálunk van a labda" - anchors and sport reporters of Magyar Televízió
• India: (In Hindi)"Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and Jasim
• Somalia: "Wavin Flag" by K'naan Feat. Gulled Ahmed
• Italy: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan ft. Mr. Blaza and MagicEmy
• Mongolia: "Wavin' Flag" - P.Bayartsengel, D.Anu, E.Solongo and E.Soyombo.
• Russia: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and St1m.
• Sri Lanka: "Wavin' Flag/Ekama Irak Yata" by K'naan, remixed by Pradeep
• Vietnam: "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan and Phương Vy.

Year-end charts

Chart (2010)	Position
Austrian Singles Chart	4
Dutch Singles Chart	11
European Hot 100 Singles	10
German Singles Chart	6
Hungarian Airplay Chart	86
Italian Singles Chart	34
Swiss Singles Chart	4
Spanish Singles Chart	17
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)	36
Canadian Hot 100	19
Chart (2011)	Position
Hungarian Airplay Chart	47

Certifications

Country	Certifications (sales thresholds)
Canada	3x Platinum
Germany	Platinum
Italy	Gold
India	Gold
Spain	Platinum

Preceded by "Don't Believe" by Mehrzad Marashi	Austrian Singles Chart number-one single May 28, 2010 – June 24, 2010
Preceded by "I Believe" by Nikki Yanofsky	Canadian Hot 100 number-one single March 27, 2010 - May 8, 2010	Succeeded by "Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz
Succeeded by "Waka Waka" by Shakira feat. Freshlyground
Preceded by "Don't Believe" by Mehrzad Marashi "Satellite" by Lena	German Singles Chart number-one single May 28, 2010 – June 10, 2010 (first run) June 18, 2010 – June 24, 2010 (second run)	Succeeded by "Satellite" by Lena "Waka Waka" by Shakira feat. Freshlyground
Preceded by "Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris "Satellite" by Lena	Swiss Singles Chart number-one single May 23, 2010 – June 12, 2010 (first run) June 20, 2010 – June 26, 2010 (second run)	Succeeded by "Satellite" by Lena "Waka Waka" by Shakira feat. Freshlyground
Preceded by "Satellite" by Lena	European Hot 100 number-one single June 26, 2010 – July 16, 2010	Succeeded by "California Gurls" by Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg
Preceded by "Frisky" by Tinie Tempah feat. Labrinth	UK R&B Chart number-one single June 20, 2010 – July 3, 2010	Succeeded by "Airplanes" by B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams
Preceded by "Gettin' Over You" by David Guetta & Chris Willis feat. Fergie & LMFAO	Scottish Singles Chart number-one single June 19, 2010 – June 25, 2010	Succeeded by "California Gurls" by Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg

In popular culture

• "Wavin' Flag" sung by K'naan was performed collectively at the finale of the 2010 Juno Awards live, featuring Drake with additional rap lyrics, Justin Bieber and Nikki Yanofsky and others.
• The "Celebration Mix" version was featured on the soundtrack of the EA Sports video game 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
• This song has been used by Mitt Romney at campaign rallies during his 2012 United States Presidential Campaign. On 1 February 2012, K'Naan formally requested that the Romney campaign discontinue its use of the song.

References

External links

• Full lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics