Unity in Sound: Boi-1da's 'What If It All Goes Right?' Album Celebrates Canada's Musical Diversity
Boi-1da was approached by Canada Soccer to create a World Cup soundtrack, but he envisioned a larger project showcasing Canada's diverse musical talent. The result is the album "What If It All Goes Right?" featuring artists like Nelly Furtado, the Tragically Hip, Alessia Cara, and more. The album aims to represent Canada's cultural diversity and compete with other nations' World Cup anthems.
The album includes cross-cultural collaborations like "Born Winner," blending Afrobeats, French vocals, R&B, and Punjabi verses. Boi-1da rejects claims that Toronto lacks a distinct sound, emphasizing the city's multicultural music scene. The project pays homage to Canadian music history, with nods to artists like Nelly Furtado and Prozzäk.
Notably, the album features a reimagined version of the Tragically Hip's "Ahead by a Century," with City and Colour's Dallas Green and Métis singer-songwriter Ruby Waters. Boi-1da worked closely with the Hip's original tracks to create a haunting ballad. The album is part of Canada Soccer's Perfect Pitch program, with proceeds supporting youth soccer programs.
As a soccer enthusiast and proud Canadian, Boi-1da sees the album and upcoming World Cup as part of a larger wave of national success. With rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the release of "Iceman," he believes Canada is on the rise. The album serves as a testament to Canada's musical talent and cultural richness, ready to make an impact on the global stage.