The Somalian-Canadian singer was staying in the same hotel as the actor. On Saturday evening, just before the Germany-Uruguay match, K'Naan performed several of his tracks including Wavin' Flag for a select audience.
Says Imran, "I did not know who he was. I had only heard that Wavin' Flag was his track. I was mesmerised. He is a super singer. As he is a Somalian, his music has that African beat to it."
Imran endorses the cola which has used Wavin' Flag in its commercials for the football tournament. The cola brand organised the private performance. "As there were only a few people present, I could see him perform from close quarters."
Imran was accompanied by a few friends for the trip. He had very little time to do any sightseeing. "I have to return to Mumbai for some post release events of I Hate Luv Storys. I also have to resume shooting for Break Ke Baad, " reveals the actor.
Buzz is that K'Naan is familiar with Bollywood music and has expressed a desire to score for Indian films. Composer duo Vishal-Shekhar are also slated to colloborate with the musician. "That would be great because the singer is a joy to listen to, " adds Imran.
Who is K'Naan?
Poet, rapper, singer and songwriter K'Naan was born Keinan Abdi Warsame in Somalia and spent his childhood in Mogadishu. He moved to New York for a while before finally setting up base in Canada.
He performed a spoken word piece criticising the UN for its failed aid missions to Somalia. One of the audience members, Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour was impressed and invited him to contribute to his 2001 album Building Bridges.
This project led him to his debut album The Dusty Foot Philosopher in 2005. He has collaborated with artists like Nelly Furtado, Mos Def, Will-i-Am, The Roots and Dead Prez. K'naan rose to mainstream popularity by participating in the 2008 BET Awards Cypher -- his first appearance on American television.