SUBANG JAYA: Singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer Justin Lewis, better known as JLewis, was a footballer until an injury curtailed his sporting career.
Although it has been years since he played the game, he still loves football and dreams of one day seeing Malaysia play at the Fifa World Cup.
While that ambition may be a long way off, Lewis has channelled his passion for football into a single called World Fever, which made its debut on YouTube yesterday.
The football-inspired anthem seeks to capture the excitement, passion and unity associated with the world’s biggest football tournament, currently being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Although the song was created as a tribute to the global football tournament, copyright considerations meant that neither Fifa nor the World Cup could be directly referenced.
Instead, World Fever focuses on the emotions and shared experiences that football generates among supporters worldwide.
“My dream is to see a Malaysian team with representatives from every state,” he said.
“One from Sabah, one from Sarawak, and players from all across the country. That’s what I want,” added Lewis, who hails from Puchong in Selangor but spends most of his time working in Sabah.
“Until that time comes, my contribution is to put out a song to celebrate the beautiful game.
“We want every Malaysian to support the song, love the music, and for it to bring unity, peace and joy.”
World Fever is also personal, as Lewis dedicated it to his late uncle, legendary drummer and percussionist Lewis Pragasam, who died in 2023.
The project showcases Malaysian creative talent. Lewis, regarded as one of Malaysia’s pioneering bachata artists and producers, performs alongside featured artist Magnifisson.
Lewis wrote the song, while Magnifisson contributed the rap lyrics. Joining them is prominent percussionist and music therapist Edwin Nathaniel, whose percussion work adds depth and energy to the track.
The track was engineered by veteran producer Boy Radge of Abraham Records.
“This project shows what Malaysian grassroots talent can achieve,” said Lewis, 45.
“The response to the music video launch was incredible, and we’re proud to share something that celebrates both football and Malaysian creativity.”
Among those who attended last Sunday’s launch at La Cocina Sky View were choreographer and dancer, Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Professor Dr Victor Gonzales and Subang assemblywoman Michelle Ng.
The venue was transformed into an epicentre of rhythm by dancers from the Afro-Latin Community of Malaysia – KL Social Society and Kizomba Semba Lah Malaysia.
“We filmed the video at La Cocina Sky View and around Subang Jaya, which was why we wanted to host the world premiere of the song there,” said Lewis.
While Lewis and his team are currently focused on promoting World Fever, they are also considering future projects centred on national unity and cultural identity.
Among the possibilities is a song dedicated to Malaysia Day, although no firm plans have been announced.
“I was planning a song about Malaysia Day, but decided to release the football anthem first,” he said.
“I will definitely record it within the next two years as I love the diversity of our country.”
For now, however, the spotlight remains on World Fever and its message of togetherness.
Lewis hopes the song will resonate with football fans and music lovers alike while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse creative talent and shared sense of community.
Main image: World Fever showcases Malaysian creative talent: Lewis (right) wrote the song, while Magnifisson contributed the rap lyrics.
