Football is the passion of many African countries. It has been said that when the music of a state changes, the constituion changes too. Football and music are two things that Africans hold really dearly. When they are merged through songs, anthems and jams used to support football teams, it unites nations, tribes, people and neighbours. Football and music have a special relationship.

Due to some splendid performances by 'Les Elephants', Ivory Coast graced the occasion at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the first time in a mundial for the West African country. Magic System composed a song together with various members of the national team that could be used to support the Elephants in the march to World Cup glory and beyond. Even though the Elephants couldn't progress out of the group stage, they left an indelible mark on the world stage and you bet that they will be a force in world football.

This video below was made for the song, a tribute by Magic System (of Premier Gaou fame) to the World Cup qualification. It features Ivorian stars like Didier Drogba, Bonaventure Kalou, Kolo Toure, Gilles Yapo Yapo, Bakari Kone, Arouna Kone, Aruna Dindane, Romaric, rocking the mic. Didier Drogba even did a solo song for the Ivorian president, Laurent Gbagbo at a pre-World Cup reception in Abidjan.

Watch the video featuring Magic System and Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is one of the most respected footballers in the world. Aside being one of the world's best due to his performances for Ivory Coast and Chelsea, he is heavily involved in humanitarian activity. He is loved by fans all over and shows his appreciation at every opportunity. I remember when Chelsea played Club America in Stanford, he came out to meet and greet fans, while other Chelsea players were headed for press conferences and the team bus.

Drogba has also done a couple of singles. He did one with Bolton and France's Nicolas Anelka and produced by Doc. Gyneco.

Drogba is also complemented on helping unite Ivory Coast in a time of conflict by bringing toegther the citizens to watch their 5-0 thrashing of Madagascar in a qualifying game for the 2008 African Cup of Nations. The
significance of playing the game in Bouake, the capital of the rebellion, the rebel-held North and Government-loyal South had to put down their gunfire and commune together in a non-hostile setting to enjoy the passion of the nation.

Drogba is greeted by fans wherever he goes, becoming an icon. Young men dress like him, young women swoon over him, musicians sing about him, beers have been named about him and he's a flagship model for various advertising campaigns. Drogbacité aka Drogba-ness which has become a cultural phenomenon of music and dance has taken over Cote d'Ivoire. Drogba prepares for his soccer games with music and dances after he scores a goal. To him, football and music have a special relationship, and Drogbacité comes from that. Drogba also has a rap album under his alias called (guess what?) Drogbacite. There are Drogbacite dance moves copying Drogba's goal-scoring celebration and Drogbacite dance tracks.

Here is a Drogbacite music video by Shanaka Yakouza (Dream team) released in 2005.

Allez les Elephants!