Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage goes on FIFA podcast 

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage is among international music and football celebrities who will star in the first season of the FIFA PlayOn podcast.Launched on 13 January, the eight-episode podcast series forms part of FIFA Sound, which is part of the football governing body’s 2021 entertainment strategy.

The series marks a strategic collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group (UMG), which aims to connect the football and music communities by pairing musicians and footballers in conversations that draw insights from their experiences. It will be co-hosted by UMG artist Liam Payne and sports broadcaster Jaydee Dyer.

Tiwa Savage appears on FIFA PlayOn alongside Nigerian national women’s football team captain Asisat Oshoala. Other guest pairings for the opening episodes include Ivan Rakitić and Morat, and Carli Lloyd and Rachel Platten.

“FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive,” FIFA director of marketing Jean-François Pathy said. “The crossover between football and music underscores this wider cultural relevance. Both are universal languages and have the power to create unrivalled emotions. It’s a natural fit to bring them together.”

He added: “It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm around the launch of this strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to connect people through inspiring human stories.”

UMG executive vice-president for Brands Olivier Robert-Murphy said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch this collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group, which brings together two of the world’s biggest and most influential passion points – football and music – to create a series of unique fan experiences. Starting with the launch of the PlayOn Podcast series, these initiatives will showcase the symbiosis and shared bonds between the world’s best footballers and musicians alongside the fans that idolise them globally.”

“I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on with FIFA,” Payne added. “The PlayOn Podcast has been such a journey – it’s been awesome having these incredible players and special guests come together and exchange life experiences from both on and off the pitch, all through the lens of music.”