'Champion': Mohamed Ramadan releases new 'Free Fire' song for regional world series


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Egyptian superstar Mohamed Ramadan, who recently became the first playable Arab gaming character on popular video game Free Fire, has released a music video to encourage regional players at a gaming world series.

Called Champion, the song, released on Thursday, talks about the need to work hard and embrace challenges and obstacles. It is meant to inspire gamers representing the Mena region at the ongoing Free Fire World Series in Singapore, said developer Garena.

The event, a hybrid digital and in-person competition, will have gamers from around the world competing for a $2 million prize pool. The finals will be held on Sunday.

  • Egyptian superstar Mohamed Ramadan during the launch of his single 'Ya Habibi' in Dubai in 2020. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Egyptian superstar Mohamed Ramadan during the launch of his single 'Ya Habibi' in Dubai in 2020. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during the 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, on November 24, 2019. AFP
    Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during the 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, on November 24, 2019. AFP
  • Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan attends the third Gouna Film Festival, in El Gouna, Egypt, September 19, 2019. EPA
    Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan attends the third Gouna Film Festival, in El Gouna, Egypt, September 19, 2019. EPA
  • Egyptian actor and singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during a concert at a resort in the North Coast, Egypt, August 23, 2019. EPA
    Egyptian actor and singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during a concert at a resort in the North Coast, Egypt, August 23, 2019. EPA
  • Egyptian actor and singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during a concert at a resort in the North Coast, Egypt, August 23, 2019. EPA
    Egyptian actor and singer Mohamed Ramadan performs during a concert at a resort in the North Coast, Egypt, August 23, 2019. EPA
  • Egyptian sctor Mohamed Ramadan attends the opening ceremony of the 40th Cairo International Film Festival in Cairo, Egypt, November 20, 2018. EPA
    Egyptian sctor Mohamed Ramadan attends the opening ceremony of the 40th Cairo International Film Festival in Cairo, Egypt, November 20, 2018. EPA
  • Actor Mohamed Ramadan of 'Cairo Exit' poses during the red carpet closing ceremony of the 7th Dubai International Film Festival December 19, 2010. Reuters
    Actor Mohamed Ramadan of 'Cairo Exit' poses during the red carpet closing ceremony of the 7th Dubai International Film Festival December 19, 2010. Reuters
  • Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan poses for photographs with his honorary award during a party for the New Year at El Shorta club in Cairo, Egypt, December 28, 2009. EPA
    Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan poses for photographs with his honorary award during a party for the New Year at El Shorta club in Cairo, Egypt, December 28, 2009. EPA
  • Egyptian director Saeed Hamid, Egyptian actors Omar El Sherif and Mohamed Ramadan pose for photographs during a press conference on the new movie 'Al Tareek Ela Darfour' held at the Semiramis hotel in Cairo, Egypt, December 5, 2009. EPA
    Egyptian director Saeed Hamid, Egyptian actors Omar El Sherif and Mohamed Ramadan pose for photographs during a press conference on the new movie 'Al Tareek Ela Darfour' held at the Semiramis hotel in Cairo, Egypt, December 5, 2009. EPA
  • Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan poses for photographers after he received an honor award during the closure of Alexandria 25 Film Festival in Alexandria, Egypt on August 10, 2009. EPA
    Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan poses for photographers after he received an honor award during the closure of Alexandria 25 Film Festival in Alexandria, Egypt on August 10, 2009. EPA

“When people speak to me about the success I have achieved in life, I always tell them that it’s a result of all the hard work I have put into chasing my desire and ambition to be the best at whatever I do – be it acting, music or anything in life in general,” said Ramadan, who co-produced the song.

“Fame, success and money have all been just a by-product of my hard work and that’s what I want to convey to all my fans through this song. Determination and perseverance are the key factors needed to be a champion in real life. Trust in God is success.”

Composed by RedOne and Adil Khayat, the English-language chorus of the soundtrack is sung by Frankie J. The English lyrics were written by RedOne and Arabic lyrics by Ahmed Inzaghi.

The release of Champion comes two weeks after Ramadan unveiled his single Versace Baby, which was shot in Dubai. The video has received more than 13 million views since it landed on YouTube on May 12.

Ramadan, a UAE golden visa holder, also filmed his 2020 video for Ya Habibi in the city.

The actor-turned-musician, who is hugely popular in the region, has released more than 15 music videos since 2018, all of which have racked up a combined 1.5 billion YouTube streams.

  • Mohamed Ramadan's new music video ‘Versace Baby’ is an ode to opulence. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan's new music video ‘Versace Baby’ is an ode to opulence. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • Mohamed Ramadan did many of his own stunts on the video. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan did many of his own stunts on the video. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • Mohamed Ramadan videos are known for their distinctive colour and energy. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan videos are known for their distinctive colour and energy. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • ‘Versace Baby'' featured scenes with a convoy of supercars. Courtesy Len Prasad
    ‘Versace Baby'' featured scenes with a convoy of supercars. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • ‘Versace Baby’ is partly shot in the Palazzo Versace in Dubai. Courtesy Len Prasad
    ‘Versace Baby’ is partly shot in the Palazzo Versace in Dubai. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • Mohamed Ramadan shut down sections of roads in Dubai's Al Wasl and Business Bay for the shoot. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan shut down sections of roads in Dubai's Al Wasl and Business Bay for the shoot. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • Mohamed Ramadan insisted on not using a body double during 'Versace Baby'. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan insisted on not using a body double during 'Versace Baby'. Courtesy Len Prasad
  • Mohamed Ramadan's music videos are as equally lavish as silly. Courtesy Len Prasad
    Mohamed Ramadan's music videos are as equally lavish as silly. Courtesy Len Prasad

In March, Ramadan became the first playable Arab character on Free Fire, the free-to-play survival shooter game by Singaporean developer Garena, which was named the most downloaded mobile game worldwide in 2020.

A special light show on the Burj Khalifa was created to mark the launch of Ramadan's character, Maro, in April.

Mexican street artist Juandres Vera, who holds a Guinness World Record for the largest anamorphic pavement art, was also commissioned to paint a 3D mural of Maro on a billboard in Cairo, Egypt.