MUMBAI: Music publisher and online publishing administrator Kobalt Music Group has been signed up by footballs' governing body Fifa to be the exclusive worldwide licensor and administrator for the Official Melody of the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Written by Nadir Khayat aka Red One and Bilal Hajji, the 30-second melody, a sample from the Red One song Bamboo will also be incorporated into several other songs.
These include the official single of the event and other pieces of music to be used extensively throughout the championships, including the song Hips Don't Lie - Bamboo which has been performed by Shakira.
In addition, dance, hip-hop, house and Bamboo mixes will also be sold as ringtones. Kobalt founder and CEO Willard Ahdritz says, "Kobalt is exploiting the content on a global basis through digital distribution partners on five continents. With an audience of more than a billion people and extensive promotion, the potential exposure and consumer base for the Official Melody is extraordinary.
"We are thrilled to be the administrator for Fifa to market, license and collect for both the publishing and master rights in what could be the biggest digital event ever."
The World Cup takes place from 9 June-9 July in Germany. The Official Melody of the event will receive extensive exposure during all World Cup events, including cross-promotion and in sponsor ad spots from such advertisers as Adidas, Avaya, Budweiser, Coke, Continental, Deutsche Telekom, Emirates, Fujifilm, Gillette, Hyundai, Mastercard, McDonald's, Phillips, Toshiba and Yahoo.
Through the deal, Kobalt is working with Fifa's concept developer, Engine AB an MTG company, which is Fifa's exclusive agent for the creation and supervision of the overall music program for the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Kobalt is a global, independent music publisher offering administrative and creative services to writers, publishers and other publishing rights holders. Kobalt's technology enables clients to receive faster delivery of revenues and information in a transparent and efficient manner.
