ICYMI: The week in review PLUS: Music by Brazilian artists Rogê and Sergio Mendes on ESPN’s FIFA Events in Brazil

One of the hallmarks of ESPN’s 2010 FIFA World Cup production was the creative use of classical and contemporary indigenous music from South Africa and its neighboring African nations. The music team, led by ESPN Coordinating Director of Music Claude Mitchell, scoured their industry contacts in South Africa to help identify the authentic sounds that mirror the culture and its people.

Going into the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, ESPN’s FIFA production team, led by Senior Vice President and Executive Producer Jed Drake, plans to replicate its use of music in Brazil in much the same way as in 2010. For the Confederations Cup from June 15–30, ESPN will use music by Brazil’s new generation artist Rogê (Ole Ole) and classical musician Sergio Mendes (Magalenha) — a dress rehearsal for World Cup 2014.

“Throughout FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, we will pursue a significant cultural exploration just as we did in South Africa in 2010,” Drake said. “Music offers a unique window into the rich culture of Brazil and our presentations will be authentic to both the game on the field and the host nation.”

Rogê’s contemporary music melds different genres of Brazilian music from samba to bossa nova to reggae. Mendes, one of Brazil’s most-popular musicians, is a leader in the movement that brought bossa nova from Brazil to the rest of the world as early as the 1960s.

Recently, Rogê visited ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., campus and performed his music for employees. In the video above, he discusses his music and Brazil’s anticipation for the upcoming Confederations Cup and the World Cup.

ICYMI: Highlights from the past week on Front Row

• ESPN’s John Buccigross (@Buccigross) shared the history and basic rules of his popular #bucciovertimechallenge. Bucci also defined some of his most commonly used hashtags including #cawlidgehawkey, #sickmitts and #howboutafresca.

• A “Lineup” of nine eye-catching attractions at ESPN includes a plethora of items including life size Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, a basketball court and geese!

• In a preview to this week’s Lombardi’s Legacy special on ESPN, Mike Ditka and Jerry Kramer shared lessons learned from the immortal Vince Lombardi.

Outside the Lines’ T.J. Quinn and ESPN the Magazine’s Chris Jones shared a brief oral history of what it was like to break a major U.S. sports story from across the globe.

Row of Four
Our favorites from across ESPN over the past week

• Five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson recently took a trip to the city of Moore, Okla., to lend a helping hand and show his support in the wake of several devastating tornadoes

• From Grantland’s Jonah Keri: Watch out for Crush Davis

• From espnW: With a new coach and sharper focus, Serena Williams has been sculpting a masterpiece leading to the French Open final

• Enjoy an array of photos in this gallery from ESPN Images

Mac Nwulu contributed to this post.
Video produced by Tonya Malinowski.

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