The excitement continues to build up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, with the announcement that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has teamed up with award-winning South African rapper and singer, Rouge - who is highly famed for her hit singles such as Mbongo-Zaka and Dololo - to compose the official T20 World Cup anthem titled, ‘Turn it Up.’
Looking ahead to one of the most significant women’s sporting events in Africa next year, the Women’s T20 World Cup edition will be an African first, with South Africa welcoming nine nations; Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, , Ireland, Pakistan and defending champions, Australia to the shores for the first time in the event’s history.
Rouge is looking forward to witnessing how the song will connect with fans and get them excited for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, but ultimately show their support for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. The opening game takes place between South Africa and Sri Lanka on Friday 10 February at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
“It’s amazing how music has the potential to evoke different emotions to people, whether it’s happiness, sadness and excitement. When you mix sport and music you create positive connections with a variety of people and this is why we want fans all around the world to Turn It Up for what will be South Africa’s first Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023,” said Rouge.
South Africa captain, Dane van Niekerk said: “Looking back at the 2010 Fifa World Cup anthem, it brought so much joy to every fan as well as the players on the field. Now, that’s what we wish for with the song ‘Turn It Up.’ We would like for people from every part of South Africa, different races and background to come together, support us and rally behind the tournament to make it memorable for the world.”
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup LOC Tournament Director, Russell Adams said: “We wanted an anthem that would resonate with all South Africans as we prepare to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The award-winning Rouge has created a hit that will spur on fans to turn it up in support of the World Cup. This song is also a snippet of the vibe you can expect to experience at the stadiums, if you add the world-class cricket on show, spectators will be in for a treat. Fans do not want to miss out on the excitement coming to the country, so I would encourage them to buy their tickets now.”
Fans from across the globe are encouraged to ‘Turn It Up’ for the World Cup and their favourite teams and players, who will be in action in 23 matches over 15 days. It is time to Turn up the Passion, Turn up the Volume, Turn up the Cricket, Turn it up at the World Cup!