An ode to the World Cup from Egypt

The X Factor Arabia finalists Young Pharoz talk about their new World Cup anthem, Yalla beena Na'eesh.

From left, Ayman Seleha, Shahd El Shaarawy and Mohamed Magdi of Young Pharoz. Courtesy: Sony Music Entertainment Middle East

World Cup anthems are not just being scored by leading pop stars – some of the region's emerging talent have stepped up to record their own unofficial celebratory odes.
The X Factor Arabia finalists Young Pharoz have released their debut single to coincide with the sporting event.
Yalla beena Na'eesh is an uplifting pop track recalling the dance-sound of The Black Eyed Peas, with the rappers Ayman Seleha and Mohamed Magdi trading verses and the singer Shahd El Shaarawy delivering the hooks.
An English version has also been recorded, with the title Flying the Flag.
Speaking from Cairo, Seleha says the regional response has been favourable and the track is presently on high rotation on Arab radio and music channels. The trio capitalised on the attention with a string of gigs in Egypt.
"We have received some great feedback," he says. "We spoke to some producers and they said the song has a really good sound and it's very energetic. We are all very happy with it."
Yalla beena Na'eesh/Flying The Flag is the first offering from the group after reaching the final of last season's The X Factor Arabia.
The song also completes the group's transition from socially conscious hip-hop crew towards being a party band.
Seleha says the change in styles was not purely driven by commercial factors, explaining that the trio's experience in The X Factor Arabia allowed them to hone their sound. "The show gave us a lot of challenges and we wanted to change the themes of our songs all the time," he says.
"We also sat with a lot of producers who told us this current style is what suits us. So we said, why not? Let's explore this further. And I think it's working because the people have said it sounds great."
Indeed, there is a lot going for Yalla beena Na'eesh, with its breezy blend of eastern melodies and polished production.
While both Seleha and Magdi deliver competent raps, the song is a showcase for the vocalist El Shaarawy, who delivers a powerhouse performance in the Arabic version.
The less said about the English version, the better – the lyrics are woefully lazy. It's best to stick to the original even if you don't speak Arabic; better to get swept up by the euphoric chorus of Yalla beena Na'eesh than be distracted by Flying the Flag's trite couplets, which include such gems as "Everyone let's follow/Yalla let's follow".
• Yalla beena Na'eesh/Flying The Flag (Sony Music Entertainment Middle East) is available on iTunes and can be streamed on www.anghami.com