The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that iconic Grammy-winning artiste Sean Paul and soca superstar Kees Dieffenthaller will join forces to produce the official anthem of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be hosted in the West Indies and US.

Cricket West Indies said, “With just about 50 days to go until the Men’s T20 World Cup begins, the anthem’s production is in full swing for the song that will reverberate around the world when 20 international teams come together across the West Indies and US for the tournament from June 1-29.”

Kees Dieffenthaller of the soca band Kess performing in St. Croix. Photo by Trini Jungle Juice

The anthem is being produced by Michael “Tano” Montano and will be launched in the coming weeks, together with the music video, which will feature cameos from several well-known superstars.

Sean Paul is a Jamaican dancehall artiste, philanthropist and record producer who has also earned several Grammy, Latin Music and Billboard Music Awards nominations.

Kees is the lead singer of Kes the Band, from TT.  In addition to his collaboration with Sean Paul on the tournament’s official anthem, Kees has shared the stage with the likes of Will Smith, Major Lazer and John Legend and has collaborated with artistes from Afrobeats star Wizkid to rapper Snoop Dogg.

Sean Paul said, “Cricket has always been a major part of our culture, so I’m honoured to record the official anthem for the T20 World Cup. I’m a big fan of Kees, and the track will feature a nice touch of the Caribbean, with some dance, to an interna- tional vibe and of course soca – it will be a real anthem for people to sing out and feel the spirit of unity.”

Kees said, “Our mission has always been about bringing worlds together, so blending cricket with music is a powerful combination. Shout out to Sean Paul, Tano and the whole team for creating this musical vibe. Can’t wait for everyone to sing along to this worldwide anthem and bring the party to stadiums across the West Indies and USA.”

Both artistes are excited about the collaboration.