Many people could be forgiven for thinking that K'naan's Wavin' Flag is the official song for the 2010 World Cup because it has been aired on TV and radio here for months.

In fact, it is World Cup partner Cola-Cola's song for the tournament - a remixed version of the song in the album Troubadour .

As for the official song for this World Cup, this time is for Shakira. Featuring South African band Freshlyground, the Colombian sings Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).

The song was only launched late in April while Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album was released in the international market on May 31. The album also features Sign of Victory, the official World Cup anthem by R Kelly.

In the past, there were only the official song and anthem, but now there is also the official mascot song - Game On by Pitbull, TKZee and Dario G.

The Thailand version, which was on sale this week, includes Thai song Su Si Su (Fight, fight) by Jui Juis. As many Thais are crazy about everything about Korea, it is inevitable that a song by a Korean band - No 1 by 2AM - is in the album.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) combines Afro-Colombian instrumentation and rhythms with a rousing Soca beat and Southern African guitar.

The chorus borrows from a favorite Cameroonian marching chant made popular by the group Golden Voices, according to a Fifa press release.

"The official song is as much awaited by the fans as the mascot or the logo. It is part of the identity of the world's most exciting sport's event," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

"This song is the personification of the African rhythm and identity and sets the pace for this unique event. I am looking forward to hear the song throughout the tournament and watch it performed by Shakira and Freshlyground at the final."

Unfortunately, a large number of fans do not like the song. Many say it should have been sung by an African singer while others complain that Shakira is too sexy to be the main singer of such an important occasion.

Some say they prefer Wavin' Flag because it is more like an African song.

I do not have a problem with Shakira. Any man who has a problem with her may have a problem himself.

To be fair, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) is fun and easier to sing along than Wavin' Flag which is like a politcal song.

"Born to a throne, stronger than Rome. But violent prone, all I have known. Where I got grown, streets we would roam," it says in part.

"So we struggling, fighting to eat. And we wondering when we'll be free."

While the tournament should be a time for celebration, the song seems to focus on African plight.

Coca-Cola might have chosen K'naan's song because he was born in Somalia and fled to Canada when he was a child.

However, on the cover of Troubadour, there is a warning saying "Parental advisory. Explicit words."

It is strange that the World Cup official song is often released just a few weeks before the finals kick off. In fact, it should be launched months before the World Cup to generate interest and promote the tournament.

Because Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)was released a bit late, many World Cup partners and sponsors in Thailand widely use Wavin' Flag in their commercial.

If you think Shakira is not a good choice, then you should blame Fifa because it is the football's governing body which selects singers for World Cup songs, not the hosts.

If you prefer a song with more African taste, then you should go for Pepsi's Oh Africa sung by Akon, an American of Senegalese descent.

Unbelieveably, a TV station here, which will broadcast the World Cup live, has scored an own goal.

It uses the line "Oh Africa" from Pepsi's song in its World Cup programme in the lead-up to the June 11-July 11 tournament.