Anderson .Paak, the eight-time Grammy winner, has recently collaborated on a new Olympic anthem titled "Hello World." This project, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Coca-Cola, brings together .Paak with Gwen Stefani and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic to create an uplifting track for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The creation of "Hello World" presented a unique challenge for .Paak, who is accustomed to a more freeform creative process. Working within specific parameters set by the IOC and Coca-Cola, .Paak embraced the opportunity to expand his artistic abilities. He stated, "Sometimes when I get in the studio, I just go freeform or whatever comes out. This had some parameters. But I think sometimes it can be really cool exercise for artists."
The song's purpose extends beyond mere entertainment. It aims to inspire athletes and fans alike, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. Anne-Sophie Voumard, director of television and marketing services at the IOC, expressed hope that "Hello World" will bring people together, not only for the Paris 2024 Olympics but also for future Games, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
"Hello World" joins a legacy of Olympic anthems that have been part of the Games' tradition for decades. Previous notable contributions include Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" for the 1988 Olympics, Celine Dion's "The Power of the Dream" in 1996, Bjork's "Oceania" in 2004, and Katy Perry's "Rise" in 2016.
.Paak believes that "Hello World" has the potential to serve as motivational music for athletes during their Olympic journey. He reflected on the power of music, saying, "When I wake up, my mood changes. When I hear the right song, I get in a better mood. Hopefully with this song, these athletes... it's kind of an anthem and mood music for them."
The collaboration on "Hello World" exemplifies the ongoing partnership between the Olympic movement and the music industry. This relationship aims to create authentic and exciting initiatives that add value to the Olympic brand while engaging a global audience.
As the world anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, set to begin in less than a year, "Hello World" stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport and music. The song is now available for streaming on all major music platforms, inviting listeners worldwide to join in the Olympic spirit.
With its universal appeal and positive message, "Hello World" aims to capture the essence of the Olympic Games - bringing together people from all walks of life in a celebration of human achievement and global unity.