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From Comics to Criticism, Egyptians React to Official FIFA Fan Festival Anthem

November 20, 2022
Photo credit: YouTube

As the world turned its eyes to the FIFA World Cup being hosted by an Arab country for the very first time, Egyptian football enthusiasts and music lovers looked forward to the World Cup songs and FIFA soundtracks that would be released in celebration of the event. On 17 November, the FIFA Fan Festival Anthem, Tukoh Taka, sung by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj, Colombian artist Maluma, and Lebanese singer and performer Myriam Fares, was released. However, within Egypt and the region, much of the feedback on the song consisted of harsh criticism of Fares’ performance.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bassem Youssef (@bassem) Although the song is the first World Cup song to feature Arabic, English, and Spanish lyrics, the Arabic part was heavily criticized by Egyptian listeners. Listeners said the song mirrors the stereotypical perception of Arabs widespread in the West, as Fares is seen dancing in a blue belly dancing costume in the desert, surrounded by men with their faces covered. “Once I am back to teaching at Lancaster, I will schedule this video clip for my lecture on Orientalism and internalized…


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