Tukoh Taka
| "Tukoh Taka" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares | ||||
| from the album FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack | ||||
| Language |
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| Released | November 18, 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:58 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Nicki Minaj singles chronology | ||||
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| Maluma singles chronology | ||||
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| Myriam Fares singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Tukoh Taka" on YouTube | ||||
| Part of a series on the |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup |
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 Media related to 2022 FIFA World Cup at Wikimedia Commons |
"Tukoh Taka" is the 2022 FIFA Fan Festival anthem performed by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj, Colombian singer Maluma and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares.[1] It was released by FIFA for the 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack on November 18, 2022, through Universal Arabic Music and Republic Records along with an accompanying music video.[2][3][4]
Composition
[edit]The song features the three artists' languages in the lyrics: Minaj's English, Maluma's Spanish, and Fares' Arabic, becoming the first world championship anthem to feature all three languages.[5][6] Fares said in a statement: "'Tukoh Taka', the song that I was honored to participate in its composition, arrangement, and choreography, made me more passionate about it, in addition to working alongside two of my favorite international artists, Nicki Minaj and Maluma. I truly wish that 'Tukoh Taka' will be transmitting the Eastern culture and Arabian music to the whole world.”[7] The song’s trilingual format—featuring lyrics in English, Spanish, and Arabic—symbolizes Qatar’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural connection during the FIFA World Cup 2022. By blending multiple languages, Tukoh Taka aimed to appeal to a global audience[8], reflecting Qatar’s values of unity and diversity. The inclusion of Arabic lyrics particularly emphasized the host nation’s desire to represent Middle Eastern culture on an international stage, aligning with the World Cup’s overall theme of bringing people together.
The song has reggaeton, Pop and house-rap sounds.[9][10]
The name of the song is said to be Arabic for "knock-knock", with fans and commenters also recognising it to sound like "tiki-taka", a style of football play.[11][12]
Critical reaction
[edit]Forbes's writer Chris Malone Méndez said the pairing of the two international artists with the Arab singer "was a natural choice for optimal global reach" however while song was praised for representing diversity, it also received criticism. The song received negative reactions in the Arab world. Fans and critics accused Myriam Fares of imitating Shakira's dancing style and overall aesthetics.[13] According to Haaretz, numerous online critics said the song had "annoying lyrics".[14]
Controversy
[edit]After the announcement of their collaboration for the World Cup anthem, the three artists were criticised for choosing to be paid to sing a song in an Emirate whose internal policies violate LGBT rights and support perceived slavery.[15][16][17] Singer Maluma replied to the charge by declaring: "it's something I can't resolve; [...] It's not something that I actually have to be involved with. I'm here enjoying my music and the beautiful life, playing soccer too".[18][19] FIFA has also been under fire online for featuring Fares considering her blackface stunt in her "Goumi" (2018) music video.[20] Some critics [21]highlighted that the artists’ attire in the music video conflicted with Qatar’s traditional dress norms, sparking debates about balancing modernity with cultural representation. These critiques underscored the challenges of creating globally appealing content while respecting local traditions. Despite the controversy, the song succeeded in showcasing a celebration of different cultures and languages, reflecting the World Cup's emphasis on inclusivity.
Music video
[edit]The music video, directed by Edgar Esteves and Juan Felipe Zuleta, features Maluma and Fares performing in the Qatari desert, while Minaj performs her verses aboard a bus, all alternating with some clips of soccer players cheering after goals.[22] It showcases the country's natural beauty and reinforcing its Middle Eastern identity. The desert scenes connect the song to Qatar’s geographic and cultural heritage, providing an authentic backdrop for song[23]. This visual representation ties the song to the host nation’s unique environment, adding depth to the cultural impact of the music.
Symbolism and Cultural Impact
[edit]Tukoh Taka embodies Qatar’s efforts to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity during the FIFA World Cup 2022[24]. Through its trilingual lyrics, diverse performers, and Middle Eastern visuals, the song reflects the host nation’s values of hospitality and unity. By blending elements from different cultures and showcasing the Arabic language, Tukoh Taka aimed to create a bridge between Qatar and the global audience[25], highlighting the nation’s desire to celebrate diversity while staying rooted in its own cultural identity.
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2022–2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[26] | 49 |
| Central America Anglo (Monitor Latino)[27] | 1 |
| Croatia (HRT)[28] | 63 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[29] | 106 |
| Greece International (IFPI)[30] | 88 |
| Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[31] | 7 |
| Lebanon (Lebanese Top 20)[32] | 1 |
| MENA (IFPI)[33] | 11 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[34] | 15 |
| Turkey (Radiomonitor Türkiye)[35] | 6 |
| UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[36] | 100 |
| US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[37] | 13 |
| US Hot Latin Songs (Billboard)[38] | 18 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard)[39] | 28 |
| US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[40] | 2 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Poland (ZPAV)[41] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Myriam Fares release World Cup anthem". ABC News. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ Callas, Brad (November 18, 2022). "Nicki Minaj Joins Forces With Maluma and Myriam Fares for World Cup Song "Tukoh Taka"". Complex Networks. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (November 18, 2022). "Maluma and Nicki Minaj Welcome the 2022 World Cup With Arab-Latin Anthem 'Tukoh Taka'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ "Wassim Salibi brings together Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares in 'Tukoh Taka'… behind the scenes of the expected work (video)". Middle East 24 Entertainment English. November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- ^ Peters, Mitchell (November 20, 2022). "Fans Choose Nicki Minaj, Maluma & Myriam Fares' 'Tukoh Tukoh Taka' as This Week's Favorite New Music". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Myriam Fares release World Cup anthem". NBC News. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ Flores, Griselda (November 11, 2022). "Nicki Minaj, Maluma & Myriam Fares Unleash Euphoric World Cup Song 'Tukoh Taka'". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ "As Nicki Minaj's Tukoh Taka draws mixed reactions, looking back at FIFA World Cup songs". www.dailyo.in. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ Darville, Jordan (November 18, 2022). "Travis Scott, Skepta, and Yves Tumor to headline festival celebrating Virgil Abloh's life". The Fader. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ Krol, Charlotte (November 18, 2022). "Hear Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares' FIFA Fan Festival song 'Tukoh Taka'". NME. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ "The World Cup 2022 FIFA Fan Anthem: Mixed Reviews Lillian Mose Newstead Wood School". This Is Local London. November 26, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ Krishnamurthy, Chaitra (November 19, 2022). "Meaning of Tukoh Taka as the new FIFA World Cup 2022 song has fans grooving". HITC. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ Ifteqar, Naheed (November 21, 2022). "Here's What Fifa Fans Have to Say of Myriam Fares's Feature on the 'Tukoh Taka' Anthem". Vogue Arabia.
- ^ "Qatar 2022: Arab World Blasts Lebanese Singer's Anthem 'Tukoh Taka'". Haaretz. November 23, 2022.
- ^ Irvin, Jack (November 18, 2022). "Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares Drop Historic Trilingual World Cup Song amid Qatar Controversy". People Magazine. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ O'Connor, Rachael (November 16, 2022). "Nicki Minaj faces backlash for Qatar World Cup song over human rights concerns". Metro. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ Sadler, Armon (November 15, 2022). "Nicki Minaj Confirms 2022 Qatar World Cup Song Despite Backlash". Vibe. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ Média, Bell (November 21, 2022). "Maluma Shuts Down Questions About Qatar's Human Rights Abuses". iHeartRadio. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ Richards, Will (November 21, 2022). "World Cup anthem singer Maluma walks out of interview after accusations of "whitewashing" Qatar human rights abuses". NME. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (November 21, 2022). "World Cup Anthem Singer Myriam Fares Wore Blackface in 2018". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ Tusing, David. "All the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 songs released so far". The National. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ Valdez, Jonah (November 18, 2022). "World Cup debuts anthem 'Tukoh Taka,' featuring Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ "FIFA World Cup Song Will Impact Public Perceptions of the Region". Qatar Moments. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ Tusing, David. "All the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 songs released so far". The National. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ "FIFA World Cup Song Will Impact Public Perceptions of the Region". Qatar Moments. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Top 20 Centroamerica – Anglo" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ "HRT Airplay Radio Chart No. 1056 - Issue Date: December 5th 2022" (PDF). Hrvatska Radiotelevizija. December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ "Official IFPI Charts - Digital Singles Chart (International) - Week: 48/2022". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of November 30, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ "The Official Lebanese Top 20 – Nicki Minaj Chart History". The Official Lebanese Top 20. November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ Bayley, Jack (November 29, 2022). "The Official MENA Chart launches – Calm Down by Rema region's first-ever #1". ifpi.org. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ @RadiomonitorTR (January 13, 2023). "Radiomonitor Türkiye Uluslararası Listesi Dinlenme Adedi bazında – 2. Hafta Top10" [Radiomonitor Turkey International Chart based on number of listens – Week 2 Top 10] (Tweet). Retrieved September 4, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (Hot Latin Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 31, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Tukoh Taka in the search box.