Credits: @KaraBrazey20 via Twitter
After weeks of speculation and fan anticipation, we received confirmation from the Queen herself, she will indeed be releasing music for the Official FIFA World Cup Qatar Soundtrack 2022. A collaboration with Columbian singer Maluma and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares, set to be released on 11/18/22. The song’s title hasn’t been released yet, but it is heavily speculated to be an anthem.
A Nicki Minaj performance during the month-long tournament has been circulating the rumor mill as well (fingers crossed). But for now, let’s allow this moment to sink in. Understanding the gravity of this moment as it pertains to Nicki’s career and the increased testament to her versatility and longevity is of paramount importance. Nicki Minaj is still kicking down doors and opening windows of opportunities for female rappers and hip hop in general. Because her career was built on a foundation of talent that evolves, Nicki is proving that female rappers can have longevity and continued commercial success beyond the confines of ageism.
Nicki Minaj has entered her new era, worldwide domination. The FIFA World Cup is the most regarded football tournament in the world and the single most watched sporting event in the world. Over 3 billion people viewed the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. That is half the world!!! Held every 4 years in a different host city, the month-long tournament consists of 32 teams from different countries vying for the coveted World Cup Trophy.
Every World Cup has an official song and soundtrack that are multilingual including English along with the official language of the host country. This is a defining moment for Nicki because it showcases her level of talent, versatility and skill in a market that has sought to downplay the art of rap. Nicki crossing over was mocked and ridiculed by a lot of ‘perceived influencers’ in hip hop but it’s that versatility the world needs post pandemic and as inflation continues to rise with gas prices. The world needs to know we are one. Regardless of our ethnicity, skin color or religion. Music and sports, when combined can offer us a moment of reprieve from the ills of society and the conflicts of the world.
Maluma is a Columbian born singer, songwriter and actor. The “Junio” singer is one of the bestselling Latin music artist. Maluma’s musical sound is often described as a cross between reggaetón, Latin trap and pop. The Latin Grammy Winner is a musical force to be reckoned with. Myriam Fares is a Lebanese singer, dancer and actress. The “Adiha” singer has often been compared to Shakira and is noted for her oft provocative style. Given the moniker “Queen of Stage”, Myriam Fares has a style and voice that is all her own. Nicki is amongst peers who understand and appreciate the art form that music is. Not the ‘lick’ hip hop has become.
Nicki will be the 1st female rapper to be featured on the Official FIFA World Cup Soundtrack. Give her the applause and recognition she deserves. This is a monumental moment for her and the culture as well. 2022 saw Nicki Minaj give blockbuster performances to sold out crowds stateside and in the UK. She was the very 1stwoman of any musical genre to headline Rolling Loud Music Festival and still breaking down doors. This is a historic and culture shifting moment not because of accolades or Nicki being first to do something. But because she is doing the very thing a lot of them said she couldn’t do, unify and uplift thru music. Nicki Minaj is outselling and out performing every female rapper they have put before her or tried to suppress her for. They used ageism as the final weapon in their arsenal only to have the world tell them to basically stfu.
Nicki Minaj winning is a win for all women and little girls regardless of the color of their skin, economic background or their current situation. Nicki is saying with every new opportunity, chart shattering billboard entry and new wig; stand on who you are, work hard, perfectyour craft and dream big. The world stage awaits you.
To Nicki, I can’t express enough or write enough about how proud I am of you. Your hardwork and determination to become the woman you are despite the Goliath’s put in your path, is a testament of the power you have within. You are remarkable, phenomenal and needed. Don’t ever let anyone ever cause you to think otherwise.