I wrote earlier this morning about a row over the World Cup anthem “Waka Waka”, in which a musician called Dominic James, claims that the song by Shakira, featuring Freshlyground, has been incorrectly credited, and has benefitted Freshlyground unfairly. Here is Freshlyground’s reply, which seems to suggest that Sony is mostly to blame for the saga.

Freshlyground’s Simon Attwell has responded to James’ claims by saying that:

to date Freshlyground has not received any royalties from the recording of the song Waka Waka and we have been told that 100% of proceeds have gone via FIFA to the charity of Shakira’s choosing: One Goal. We also performed free of charge at the World Cup.

He says that Freshlyground was never actually present at the recording:

Freshlyground was never actually present in studio with Shakira or Dominic, and we were in no way privy to or involved in the production process or the negotiations around the use of the song or the agreement with any of the session musicians.

Atwell says that their involvement in the song happened by chance. The song’s producer, John Hill, needed an “African feel” for the song and Freshlyground happened to be in another studio in the building.

The track was pretty developed when we heard it – with some guitars and drums and Shakira’s vocals. Working alone in studio (without Shakira, Dominic or any other musicians), Freshlyground added their own ideas and Zolani’s vocal contribution on the bridge was entirely original. Our guitarists’ original playing also features on the track.

We didn’t hear from anyone involved in the production again – and didn’t think about it much after that! It was only when FIFA announced that Waka Waka was the official World Cup song that we learnt that it had been chosen.

We have never disputed Dominic’s contribution to the track. Why would we? His brilliant guitar work forms the basis for the song. But unfortunately we were never involved in any of the negotiations around the commercials of the song.

[Source : Channel24]