AHI, Wyclef Jean Unite For FIFA Anthem

For Canadian folk singer AHI, seeing his music connected to the FIFA World Cup is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. That dream is now becoming reality through a collaboration with Haitian-born music icon Wyclef Jean.

The Brampton-born singer-songwriter recently teamed up with Jean on his new single, “Chosen,” an inspirational anthem that has already secured a place in Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival celebrations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We got a song coming out with Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, one of my favorite artists of all time,” AHI said. “I wrote the song. He loved it so much and got on it. He produced it, did a verse on it, and I’m super excited about that song coming out.”

Jean, who has previously contributed to FIFA World Cup music projects, quickly connected with the song’s uplifting message. During one conversation with AHI while in Brazil, the veteran musician reflected humorously on his long history with Toronto.

“Listen, young man, I’ve been coming to Toronto before he was born,” Jean joked.

For AHI, born Ahkinoah Habah Izarh to Caribbean parents, the collaboration represents more than a musical milestone. A lifelong football fan and father of five, he said the inspiration for “Chosen” came from his love of the game and the lessons it teaches young people.

“I wanted to write an anthem for the World Cup, something that inspired me and inspired my children,” AHI explained. “It’s not just a song. It’s an inspirational song about being chosen, choosing yourself, whatever goes against you, you just keep going.”

The journey will now bring both artists to Toronto, where they are expected to perform “Chosen” together during Fan Festival activities on June 11.

AHI has spent years building an international following through his blend of folk, roots and deeply personal storytelling. Critics have praised his distinctive voice and songwriting, which often explores themes of identity, resilience and purpose.

His rise within the Canadian music industry accelerated in 2023 following the release of his third album, Prospect. The project earned him a second JUNO Award nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year and his first Polaris Music Prize nomination. That same year, he also received a $10,000 prize at the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards.

AHI has also spoken openly about the challenges Black folk artists face in an industry where performers are often expected to fit into hip hop or R&B categories.

“When this award says, ‘Hey, we want to acknowledge this guy who’s making folk music,’ that’s important,” AHI said in an earlier interview. “There’s some other kid out there saying, ‘I don’t want to make rap music. I like acoustic instruments.’”

Raised in Brampton, a city he proudly calls “Canada’s soccer city,” AHI continues to expand his global reach while staying connected to the multicultural community that shaped his music.

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  Brampton