Wavin' Flag

Since it was chosen as the theme song for the 2010 FIFA Globe Cup, many young people over the world have grown to know and appreciate the song "Wavin' Flag" by Canadian-Somali hip hop artist K'naan (full name Keynaan Abdi Warsame). An imaginative and outstanding children's book for ages six and above, “When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin’ Flag” explores the tale behind the song.

The book relates the story of thirteen-year-old K'naan, whose family was abruptly and brutally faced with civil war in Mogadishu. They escaped to New York City and then to Toronto, Canada.

Whenever K-'naan was unwell, fearful during the riots, or discouraged by school friends in Toronto, his grandpa would console him with the poetic lines: "As I get older, I shall become stronger. They'll refer to me as freedom, as if I were a flying flag." According to the author of the book, K'naan put these lyrics to music and used them to bridge the divide between him and the other pupils at his Toronto high school. The song becomes a message of strength for many music lovers around the world.

Artist: K’naan

Album: Troubadour

Release year: 2009