BEIRUT: Palestinian Arab idol winner Mohammed Assaf has made World Cup history by creating the competition’s first ever “fan-written” song, according to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency.
UNRWA said Assaf would perform the song "Assaf360" live for the first time June 10 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the opening ceremony of the 64th FIFA Congress ahead of the World Cup.
Assaf, who is from the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, won the second season of Arab Idol in Beirut in 2013. His victory drew huge celebrations across Palestine, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency appointed him as a goodwill ambassador to raise awareness of refugee issues.
According to a statement released by UNRWA, the song – which reflects the World Cup spirit of hope, youthfulness and unity – was written, composed and recorded in a single day. Fans and supporters around the world sent in their ideas and suggestions on Twitter and Facebook.
The 24-hour studio session on June 3 in Dubai was live-streamed and brought Assaf together with Grammy-winning producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Lebanese producers Michael Fadl and Walid Al-Fayed, and noted Arabic lyricist Nizar Francis to create the song, UNRWA said.
"Assaf360" will also be the anthem for the UNRWA Give for Food campaign, the statement added.
From the start of the World Cup until the end of Ramadan, UNRWA will be raising funds for food aid for some 1 million Palestine refugees who are unable to afford their basic minimum food requirements.
All proceeds from the song, which is available to purchase via iTunes or Anghami, will support the UNRWA campaign, helping “red card” hunger for food-insecure Palestine refugees.
Until June 17, supporters of the UNRWA campaign will be entered in a raffle to win World Cup prizes - five footballs and 10 official jerseys - signed by the youth ambassador.
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