In a surprising twist of fate, a theme song originally crafted for the Orlando Magic basketball team in 1989 has found new life and fame over three decades later. Written by Glenn Gettings and featuring the vocal talents of a local Disney performer, the song lay dormant until December 2022, when it was finally used by the team following a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Since then, its catchy tune and nostalgic flair have captured the imagination of fans and players alike, propelling it to social media stardom and beyond.
The song’s revival gained momentum on January 6, 2023, after the Magic's triumph over the New York Knicks. It quickly became a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok, where users paired it with graphics of game scores and video highlights. The song became a staple in post-win video reveals at the arena, creating a shared celebratory experience for both players and fans. Despite several remixes and versions available, the team opted to stick with the original rendition for the 2023-24 season, reinforcing its retro appeal.
The track's presence on TikTok is undeniable. As of January 13, 2024, it has been featured in over 700 posts, becoming synonymous with the Magic's victories and online presence. Even before its official resurrection by the Magic, ESPN's Kevin Clark gave it a live performance in November 2021, hinting at its potential to engage audiences. Its playful nature has also been embraced in meme formats, most notably when it was used alongside comments made by Josh Hart after defeating the Knicks.
The Magic's social media strategy has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between digital and in-arena experiences. Shelly Wilkes, a spokesperson for the team, noted their keen ability to curate content that resonates with both fans and cultural conversations.
"They're seeing everything that's out there and they're just clipping out this content that's going viral or that they think is funny or that can have some sort of relationship to the opposing team or other cultural conversations" – Shelly Wilkes
This approach not only entertains but also effectively boosts the team’s social media engagement and widens their fan base.
The song's infectious chorus and whimsical lyrics have been lauded by many. Jalen Brunson expressed his admiration for the Magic's social media execution.
"Gotta give credit to the magic social team. Every time I open TikTok I hear 'Orlando magic oooooooooooooo' literally every single time" – Jalen Brunson
Its memorable lines such as "Orlando Magic, oh, oh, ohhhhhh," "Abracadabra, razzamatazz. Slam Dunk sesame," and "Hocus pocus, alakazam/Gonna set the spirit free," performed by the Disney singer, have been instrumental in its widespread appeal.
"Orlando Magic, oh, oh, ohhhhhh" – (performed by a local Disney singer)
"Abracadabra, razzamatazz. Slam Dunk sesame," – (performed by a local Disney singer)
"Hocus pocus, alakazam/Gonna set the spirit free." – (performed by a local Disney singer)
Josh Hart humorously acknowledged the song’s ubiquity following the Knicks' victory over the Magic but praised its catchy nature nonetheless.
"It was so important because I didn't want to see Orlando Magic post on TikTok [of] their song with some cows dancing," – Josh Hart
The Magic’s social team has achieved a perfect blend of humor and timing that resonates with audiences across platforms. An unspecified commentator highlighted this aspect of their content strategy.
"But they always make you laugh, and I think part of it is the edit. They always find the beat drop to make something crazy happen in the edit" – (unspecified person)
Wilkes further elaborated on why these posts have struck a chord with fans.
"It gained so much traction because they were so silly, really" – Shelly Wilkes
The song’s influence has transcended basketball, finding its way into the routines of other sports teams like the Buffalo Bills and Juventus, who have adopted it for their own social media antics. Its infectious energy serves as an anthem of triumph not only for Orlando but also for sports enthusiasts globally.
The Orlando Magic's choice to reintroduce their 1989 theme song has proven to be a masterstroke in brand engagement. By tapping into nostalgia while leveraging modern platforms like TikTok, they have revitalized an old classic into a contemporary phenomenon. The song has not only become a celebratory staple for victories but has also played an integral role in enhancing the team's digital footprint and attracting new supporters.
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