Miami HEAT and Emilio Estefan to Unveil New HEAT Song & Debut New Percussion Group

Miami Icon Teams Up With The HEAT To Create New HEAT Song & Miami HEAT Rhythm Section Percussionists During Home Opener 

MIAMI, October 27th – The Miami HEAT announced that they have partnered with Grammy Award Winning music producer and songwriter Emilio Estefan to create a new Miami HEAT song, written specifically for the new-look HEAT. The song, titled “Celebrate,” will debut over local radio today and will be formally unveiled during the October 29 Home Opener when the HEAT take on their intrastate rivals, the Orlando Magic at 8:00 p.m. “Celebrate” is the second team song used by the HEAT. The first, “Can You Feel The HEAT (Down In My Soul),” was written by Miami resident and producer, Derrick “Big D” Baker, and adopted in 1996. In addition, in consultation with the HEAT, Estefan has created a group of percussionists, the Miami HEAT Rhythm Section, who will perform live during select HEAT games.  

The Miami HEAT Rhythm Section joins the NBA’s best in-arena entertainment lineup, featuring DJ Irie, the four-time most popular dance team in the NBA, the Miami HEAT Dancers, the groundbreaking HEAT Golden Oldies senior citizen dance team, HEATV, and Burnie, the HEAT mascot.  

“Not only are the Estefan’s quite literally our neighbors here at AmericanAirlines Arena with Bongo’s Cuban Cafe located right on site, but they’ve been our friends for many, many years,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “We welcome Emilio’s musical savvy and contributions into our game day presentation with open arms.” 

A talented songwriter and beloved Cuban icon, Estefan’s roots are deeply entrenched in the South Florida community. Estefan has earned 19 Grammy Awards with over 30 nominations during his illustrious career which has created superstars like Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and his wife, Gloria, who has sold over 90 millions albums worldwide. Most recently, Estefan wrote and produced “Somos El Mundo,” a song for Haiti, which is a Spanish version of Michael Jackson’s classic “We Are The World.” 

 “I am proud that the HEAT chose one of my songs to kick off its Home Opener.  Miami has become the centerpiece of the sports world with LeBron, Bosh, Wade, and all of the Miami HEAT players. The AmericanAirlines Arena will rock to the beat of new rhythms like never before. It’s going to be a big celebration,” said Estefan. 

Estefan’s “Celebrate” can be heard by visiting www.bongoscubancafe.com/www/miamiheat/

The Miami HEAT is proud to have ASSIST-CARD as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2010-11 season.