The opening of China Entertainment Group gave Jay Chou a head-on confrontation

Chapter 908 Germany's Desire for Progress
"An invitation?"

"Shakira is associated with FIFA and the German Football Association."

Qian Jiang took two formal invitations out of his briefcase and placed them in front of Zhou Yi, who had finished washing up. Zhou Yi, while eating some authentic Chinese-style steamed buns that Qian Jiang had bought from who-knows-where, flipped through them—

Shakira's popularity has skyrocketed globally since her second English album, "Oral Fixation Vol.2," sold over six million copies worldwide last year, making her the first Latin American artist to have a single downloaded over ten million times on the Apple Store.

Therefore, starting in 06, she embarked on a world tour spanning five continents with a planned total of 119 shows – the Oral Fixation Tour.

"She wants to invite you to be a guest performer at her concert."

“It’s a small matter. You can tell her it’s no problem. I’m not the kind of person who changes my attitude faster than flipping through a book.”

I thought it was something serious.

Given that Shakira helped him complete that "Zhouyi Show" for free, which is still being discussed and polished by Americans to this day, he wouldn't refuse this invitation.

He has always been generous to his friends.

Although their initial acquaintance stemmed from a publicity stunt where both parties got what they wanted.

"As for the invitations from FIFA and the German Football Association, that's quite simple. They want you to perform at the closing ceremony. There are no specific requirements for the performance; you can decide for yourself. It seems they really want to replicate the success of the 02 World Cup closing ceremony..."

Although the closing ceremony of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup was a success, it was undeniable that the event was extremely successful. This was due to a dispute between two football associations, which allowed Zhou Yi, a third party, to take advantage of the situation and gain international recognition.

In particular, Zhou Yi's performance of "Wavin' Flag" at the closing ceremony made him the biggest winner of the 02 World Cup—in that dreamlike summer, Zhou Yi's song became a global sensation.

At the same time, this song is also the most successful World Cup advertising song in Coca-Cola's history, bar none.

This is like a gold mine for FIFA – after all, the greater the influence of the World Cup and the better it is organized, the more beneficial it is for them.

"Would the German Football Association agree?" Zhou Yi asked curiously after taking a sip of soy milk.

He's neither American nor European, nor does he resemble Shakira; he's Latin American. Only those old men at the German Football Association would be willing to invite him to perform at the closing ceremony.
"They were still hesitant at first, and even German football bigwigs, led by Beckenbauer, were hesitant, but since your shooting incident, they have stopped arguing."

"?"

Seeing the doubt in Zhou Yi's eyes, Qian Jiang scratched his head and said in a complicated tone, "You know, Germany is desperately trying to make progress, to prove that it is a country that pursues justice, peace and democracy, and to cut ties with the past."

Oh, I see. Then it's alright.

Zhou Yi instantly understood.

Is there anyone in the entertainment industry who can symbolize peace and progress better than the I Ching?

The answer is no.

Are you kidding me, bro? Even the Americans who are most unhappy with him have to admit his status, otherwise do you really think he can sweep the Grammys?

The Book of Changes (I Ching) can now stand on a moral high ground and point fingers at all so-called Western democrats, and is sought after and treated as an honored guest by countless so-called progressives.

His status is now vastly different from before.

The German Football Association's thinking is simple – I also want to improve.

Because of their outstanding performance in the two World Wars, regardless of whether the old German tricolor flag is still secretly pro-Western, at least on the surface they have to make a separation and pursue peace, democracy, freedom and equality.

Since the Book of Changes is a symbol of peace, then I invite it over = I do indeed support peace.

Its main focus is on public opinion and public perception.

"Then why not the opening ceremony?"

"You've gone too far. This is the German World Cup, after all. Do you think there's no one in the German music scene?"

Qian Jiang was already used to Zhou Yi's increasingly demanding attitude: "The opening ceremony featured a German singer named Bert Greenmeier. Judging from his seniority, he should be quite old, after all, he was born in 1956, but I've never heard of him."

"The best-selling singer in German music history, the first person to market unplugged music, and the holder of the record for the highest-selling German album worldwide."

Zhou Yi casually replied, "But the German entertainment industry is basically in a state of ruin right now. It's a shallow pond with many bastards, and there are big shots everywhere. Just watch and enjoy."

You can learn about the aesthetics of Italian directors and actors and Milan's status as a fashion pioneer; you can witness the flourishing of British film, television, and music; you can appreciate the diverse charm of Spanish-speaking cultures; and you can notice the artistic and cultural trends in France.

Regardless of whether they all need to go to the US to make it to become superstars, at least they can make a name for themselves first.

Only the German entertainment industry experienced very limited development after the end of the Cold War.

Or rather, it's difficult for people in the German entertainment industry to gain global recognition.

Scorpions, Power Station, Rammstein, and others are indeed very high-profile in the industry and have even sold platinum records in the United States. However, in the eyes of the general public worldwide, these are the kind of bands that veteran fans who don't follow the music scene would never know.

After entering the new century, the development of the German entertainment industry became even less noteworthy. If the post-Cold War German entertainment industry still saw the emergence of punk metal veterans and artistic goddesses, then the German entertainment industry in the 21st century completely collapsed.

In comparison, Germany's red-light district culture became world-renowned after the turn of the century, even surpassing the Netherlands to become the most prominent in Europe.

"What you're saying makes it seem like the German entertainment industry has indeed been quite barren since the new century. No wonder they wanted to invite you to the closing ceremony." As an agent, Qian Jiang's instincts led him to subconsciously ponder the gossip and rumors about the German entertainment industry.

It is said that the number of films produced each year is pitifully small.

In the Western world, the English-speaking world, led by the US and UK, is in turn the Spanish-speaking world, which in turn is the French-speaking world.

The circle led by Italy has almost broken apart, and Italians are somewhat unpredictable, with both their highs and lows being quite outrageous.

It's now a widely accepted fact that Germany really doesn't have much of a presence in the realm of popular entertainment.

Of course, Germany wasn't the most shameful in Europe; at least it managed to preserve its cultural characteristics.

The most shameful case is Portugal, which has been directly parasitized by Brazilian culture...

"But are you still planning to sing Coca-Cola's World Cup commercial jingle this time?"

As a key partner of the World Cup, when the World Cup in Germany comes again, according to the contract, Zhou Yi will definitely have to produce another Coca-Cola global advertising song, just like "Wavin Flag" before.

“Otherwise what? $500 million? That’s a lot of money for me to do things.” Zhou Yi’s gaze fell on the appearance fee in FIFA’s letter.

The other party only said they were inviting me to perform, but didn't mention inviting me to sing separately.

Qian Jiang: "..."

You're starting to look down on me, aren't you? You've gotten too big for your britches, not even caring about $500 million anymore.

"So many people are willing to pay to get on this stage; it's a huge exposure opportunity."

"It's just so-so. This kind of stage relies on whether the songs are catchy enough, popular enough, and catchy enough."

There are plenty of people who sing World Cup theme songs and closing ceremony songs, but in reality, only a handful become truly popular.

High stage exposure is great, but if the song isn't catchy enough, it's all for naught, and the exposure is wasted.

For example, the theme song for this year's World Cup in Germany, "The Times of Life," was written as a bel canto ballad if I remember correctly, and it had absolutely no popularity.

On the contrary, Shakira, who was invited to perform at the closing ceremony, sang her chart-topping single "Hips Don't Lie" from her 05 English album. She achieved great success and her global exposure skyrocketed, thus beginning her inextricable link with the World Cup.

I wonder if FIFA and the German Football Association will invite Shakira again after inviting him this year.

"I still believe in you, A-Yi, when it comes to songs."

Qian Jiang, who was absolutely confident in Zhou Yi, smiled and said, "I'll arrange a whole package of publicity for Coca-Cola for you. Just remember to give me a song title first."

There's a saying that goes something like this: as long as Zhou Yi (the author) aims for widespread popularity when writing songs, he's sure to succeed.

This can be seen from the commercial songs he wrote for others.

As a global advertising jingle for Coca-Cola, it's definitely designed for widespread popularity. For an advertising jingle to try to be as lyrical and sentimental as the German Football Association's is just plain stupid.

Therefore, Qian Jiang believes that even if it cannot replicate the explosive popularity of "Wavin Flag" four years ago, it will not be so unremarkable as to be ignored.

"This is not urgent."

The World Cup promotion period is still early, and there is plenty of time.

Considering that only "Wavin Flag" is a global hit for Coca-Cola's promotional songs, Zhou Yi is planning to find other songs that fit the tags of inspiration, summer, and dynamism. These kinds of themes seem more reliable than the German Football Association's lyrical theme song.

For example, the theme song of Zootopia, "Try Everything".

Shakira's song is her first song since her comeback to the music scene.

The lyrics are positive and uplifting, the visuals are cheerful and inspiring, and the rhythm is dynamic and smooth, making it perfect for the summer season.

In terms of popularity, thanks to the exposure of "Zootopia", the song became a global hit with sufficient momentum, instantly bringing Shakira, who had temporarily withdrawn from the entertainment industry for two years due to childbirth, back to the center of the world music scene.

Although Disney hasn't made the movie yet, with Coca-Cola and Warner Music's global distribution channels, the official promotion from the World Cup, and the stage's attention, it should have no problem becoming a hit in most parts of the world.

Especially the extremely catchy "ohohohoh," which perfectly captures the qualities needed for a World Cup advertising jingle to go viral.

Of course, it's unlikely that a song like "Wavin' Flag" would become so popular that it even reached Africa; that song is an exception, after all.

(End of this chapter)