Norwegian superstar DJ Kygo released an official remix of Erling Braut Haaland’s decade-old song “Kygo jo” on Tuesday, July 8, following the striker's goal against Brazil.
Why did Kygo remix a viral football song?
The collaboration stems from a promise made by Kygo prior to the Norway-Brazil match. The DJ pledged to produce a professional version of the track if Haaland managed to score during the game. According to VG, the original song was recorded by a teenage Haaland and his teammates during a U17 national team gathering ten years ago. It has since gained viral status on social media platforms throughout the current World Cup.
The original “Kygo jo” track features Haaland singing the lyrics: “Eg e Lyng og alle vett det, eg e han som du kan sjå på TV” (I am Lyng and everyone knows it, I am the one you can see on TV).
How are critics reacting to the track?
Music reviewers have reacted positively to the production quality of the remix. VG music critic Tor Martin Bøe stated that the remix manages to extract significant value from source material that was “genuinely hopeless” in its original form. Bøe compared the process to a Haaland goal, noting that Kygo created something high-quality out of what appeared to be a non-existent chance.
Mathilde Ullum, a podcaster and music commentator, described the track as a perfect mirror of the current Norwegian national team: “a bit messy, good teamwork, and Haaland just barely pulling it all together.”
Is this a sustainable trend for celebrity musicians?
TikTok personality Gard Øksendal, known as “Mankegard,” called the stunt “legendary” but expressed skepticism regarding its longevity. While he noted that the song features a “classic, catchy Kygo melody,” he characterized the release as a likely “one-day fly.”
| Perspective | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Tor Martin Bøe (VG) | Praises the production as an improvement over the original. |
| Gard Øksendal | Views it as a fun, nostalgic stunt but unlikely to be the definitive “World Cup song.” |
Øksendal suggested that while fans are currently sharing the track, other contenders such as “Vikingblod” remain stronger candidates for the title of the official World Cup anthem of the year.
When viral content meets professional production, the result often benefits from the audience’s existing emotional connection to the “meme” status of the original, rather than the musical complexity of the remix itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally wrote “Kygo jo”?
The song was created by Erling Braut Haaland and his teammates during a U17 national team training camp approximately ten years ago.
Why did Kygo decide to release the remix now?
Kygo promised to release the song if Haaland scored a goal against Brazil during the World Cup, a condition that was met during the match.
Do critics think the song will become a long-term hit?
Opinions vary, but commentators like Gard Øksendal suggest it may be a “one-day fly” rather than the definitive song of the tournament, citing competition from other tracks like “Vikingblod.”
What do you think of Kygo’s take on the viral track? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on sports and culture crossovers.
