Pharrell Williams and the gospel choir Voices of Fire are set to kick off the World Series in Toronto, as announced by Major League Baseball (MLB). The renowned U.S. singer, famous for his hit song “Happy,” will deliver a pre-game performance on Friday alongside the gospel ensemble hailing from Virginia.
MLB stated that the performance aims to celebrate the spirit of “unity and togetherness” in baseball as the Blue Jays take the field for their first Toronto World Series game in 32 years against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Rogers Centre for Game 1.
Voices of Fire will also perform the national anthems of both the U.S. and Canada. For the Canadian anthem, the choir will be joined by a group of local Toronto orchestra members and other performers.
Voices of Fire was established five years ago through a TV competition series on Netflix, where Bishop Ezekiel Williams, Pharrell’s uncle, collaborated with the singer to create a top-tier gospel choir.
Pharrell and the gospel choir previously united for a recorded performance of their song “Are You Ready?” featuring a 25-piece orchestra in an empty stadium as part of a post-season initiative.
In a separate event, the Jonas Brothers will grace Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday with a special appearance, performing in support of the renewed collaboration between MLB and the charitable organization Stand Up To Cancer.
