R. Kelly’s new World Cup anthem aims to inspire like his biggest hit

R. Kelly says Cup anthem carried message of hope

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Singer R. Kelly said he hopes his new World Cup anthem can inspire people in much the same way as his signature song “I Believe I Can Fly.”

Kelly’s new “Sign of a Victory” has been declared the official anthem for the World Cup. The songwriter said in an interview on Wednesday that it carried a message of hope and triumph.

“It’s definitely no doubt a humanity song, and I’m hoping that everybody feels the same way when they hear it,” he said. “(I’m) hoping they can be as touched by it as I was when I heard it in my head.”

Working with the Soweto Spiritual Singers on the song was an “unbelievable” experience, he said.

It’s R. Kelly’s second trip to Africa. He toured the continent last year, overcoming his fear of flying.

“I always said, ‘I can’t get on the plane, I can’t get on the plane,’” he explained. “But when I finally did get up the nerve to get on the plane and come on over to Africa, the welcome was so unbelievably warm. It was just so touching that I couldn’t believe it.”