‘Maza aya’: Ali Zafar releases World Cup anthem in hopes to rekindle the sport’s spirit

Singer Ali Zafar has released his new anthem for the 2023 run of the ICC World Cup. For the latest song, he collaborates with Hashim Nawaz. From the generic synth leads that pop up in the middle of the track to the stereotypical background vocals, the song stands tall against iconic predecessors like ‘De Ghumake’ from 2011. 

A nod at hip-hop is well-appreciated and Nawaz throws some of his own rap flows that have been dominating the sports-centric music in Pakistan for the past four years. 

On the lyrical front, the songwriting relies heavily on repetitive chants of the chorus "Maza Aya” which, albeit a trendy composition element, hog major song time and preclude it from invoking the cricket frenzy typical of Pakistani audiences. The anthem’s lyricism shows ambition to catalyze the surge in patriotic spirit and celebration that defines the Pakistani cricket experience. The video of the song stays true to the theme of the song and brings out the patriot in you. 

Zafar took to Instagram and shared his thoughts on his latest offering. “I wish I had more time… but for the love of cricket and my fans, presenting Maza Aya."

Adding on, Zafar commented, "I just wanna say, like always, I had so much fun all your love. I don’t know how these things happen miraculously, but all I know is that with love and belief, we can achieve anything."

He furthered, "This would not have been possible without your motivation and support, especially with a broken back and only 3 days to sing, mix and master, conceive, choreograph, dance, shoot, edit, grade and deliver the music video. Credit goes to YOU. So, thank you once again!"

Zafar went on, "There is one more thing I believe in. Kisi bhee khel ki tarha, life mein ups and downs aate rehtain hain. Laikin jo bhee ho - Life ka MAZA aana chaheye ! Zindagi choti si hai. Khud bhee maza lo aur doosron ko bhee do. Kal ho na ho."