A cultural blend of harmonies “Way-O, Way-O” will be playing around the world as the highly anticipated and most-watched global sporting event – the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – gets underway in England and Wales this Thursday.
The song was released this week by Uber, the world’s largest personal mobility company, as part of its partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
It will be played on stadium screens in England and Wales during game breaks through the tournament that runs from May 30 to July 14.
“Way-O, Way-O” was put together by artists from five different countries – Sanam (an Indian band), Jahmiel (Jamaica), Catherine Taylor Dawson (United Kingdom), Simba Diallo (New Zealand) and Khayelitsha United Mambazo (a choir group from South Africa).
It was written by Sonal Dabral (from Ogilvy) and composed, produced and curated by Michael (Mikey) McCleary.
“In line with this vision of removing barriers, our first ever cricket anthem celebrates cricket’s spirit of togetherness,” said Uber’s chief international business officer Brooks Entwistle. “Music transcends geographical barriers and will give fans a powerful voice to express love for their favorite team and players."
The ICC World Cup will be held across 11 venues in England and Wales. The top 10 cricket teams in the world namely Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies, will be participating.
Australia is the most successful team in the history of the World Cup, having won the cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. The West Indies won the first two editions in 1975 and 1979, while India won in 1983 and 2011. Other winners are Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in 1996.