Comoros football team coach Hubert Velud recently had an emotional reunion with French rapper Soprano at a match in Marseille, France. The encounter was significant for Velud, who was the coach of Togo's national team when they were attacked in Cabinda, Angola in 2010. Velud's team lost three members, including his assistant coach, in the attack that injured several others, including the goalkeeper who now uses a wheelchair.
The attack occurred on January 8, 2010, as Togo's team was traveling to the Africa Cup of Nations. Velud recalled the event vividly, describing the panic and chaos that ensued. Soprano, a French rapper of Comorian origin, wrote a song called Hiro, which referenced the attack. The song was released on September 15, 2010, and has since become a memorable tribute to the victims.
Velud expressed his gratitude to Soprano for paying tribute to the team and its victims. He noted that his family, particularly his grandchildren, were deeply affected by the song and were thrilled to learn of his meeting with Soprano. The encounter was "emotional and wonderful" for Velud's family, who had heard the story of the attack and Soprano's song for years.
The meeting between Velud and Soprano took place on October 4 at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille, where Comoros played a friendly match against Senegal. Velud said his family was disappointed they could not attend the meeting, but they were excited to see a photo of him with Soprano. The coach described the experience as a remarkable moment that brought closure to a painful chapter in his life.
Velud's experience in the 2010 attack had a lasting impact on his life and career. He was the coach of Togo's national team from 2009 to 2010 and has since coached several other teams, including Comoros. The attack also had a profound effect on the team's players, including Emmanuel Adebayor, who was the team captain at the time.
Soprano's song Hiro has become an iconic tribute to the victims of the Cabinda attack. The rapper's lyrics recalled the traumatic event and expressed regret for not being able to prevent it. Velud appreciated Soprano's gesture and the emotional connection it created between them.
The meeting between Velud and Soprano marked a poignant moment for both men, who shared a deep understanding of the 2010 attack's impact. Velud's encounter with Soprano highlighted the power of art and human connection in healing emotional wounds.
Key points
- Comoros coach Hubert Velud met French rapper Soprano 16 years after the Cabinda attack on Togo's national team.
- Soprano wrote a song called Hiro, which referenced the 2010 attack that killed three members of Velud's team.
- The meeting between Velud and Soprano was an emotional reunion that brought closure to a painful chapter in Velud's life.
