Music

Nicki Minaj Raps in Spanish with Maluma on FIFA World Cup Anthem

Lead Photo: NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 29: Nicki Minaj performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 29: Nicki Minaj performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

Colombian superstar Maluma teamed up with Nicki Minaj for “Tukoh Taka,” out today (Nov. 18). Their FIFA World Cup anthem also features Lebanese singer Myriam Fares.

“Tukok Taka” was selected by FIFA as this year’s official Fan Festival anthem. It marks the first time that a FIFA World Cup song is sung in English, Spanish, and Arabic. But Maluma isn’t the only one that sings in Spanish, so does Minaj on a few lines of her verse. That marks her first time rapping in Spanish since appearing in Karol G’s hit “Tusa.” Fares sings on the global dance track fully in Arabic.

“‘Tukoh Taka,’ the song that I was honored to participate in its composition, arrangement, and choreography, made me more passionate about it,” Fares said in a statement. “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.”

Latine producers Gordo and Play-N-Skillz co-produced “Tukok Taka” with Massari. In the music video, Minaj, Maluma, and Fares are shown partying in different parts of the desert. The festive visual was directed by Edgar Esteves and Juan Felipe Zuleta. There’s also inspiration scenes from soccer games included throughout the video.

“I am so happy to be part of this FIFA World Cup™ anthem!” Maluma said. “I always dreamt of an opportunity like this. Representing Latin music on this global track alongside amazing artists that sing in English and Arabic, takes our culture to another level.”

On Nov. 19, Maluma and Myriam Fares will perform the song together live for the first time at the opening of Doha’s FIFA Fan Festival. Earlier this week, Maluma received the second Grammy nomination of his career when his LP The Love & Sex Tape was nominated for Best Música Urbana Album.