In the electrifying realm of the NBA, where legends are born and dynasties forged, a most unusual phenomenon has emerged from the heart of Florida – the Orlando Magic’s infectious victory anthem. This catchy tune, which traces its roots back to the team’s inaugural 1989 season, has transcended the boundaries of a mere jingle to become a unifying force for players and fans alike.
The Birth of an Icon
The year was 1989, and the fledgling Orlando Magic franchise was gearing up for its debut season. In search of a distinctive player introduction theme, the team collaborated with Gettings Production to craft a melodic masterpiece. Penned by the talented Glenn Gettings and performed by a local Disney artist, the original track featured an enchanting chorus:
Orlando Magic, oh, oh, ohhhhhh.
Abracadabra, razzamatazz. Slam Dunk sesame.
Hocus pocus, alakazam. Gonna set the spirit free.
Little did they know, this charming 80s-esque anthem would one day become the soundtrack to their triumphs.
Resurrection and Reinvention
Over time, the song faded into obscurity, relegated to the annals of team history. Yet, in November 2021, a serendipitous tweet by ESPN’s Kevin Clark reignited the magic. Sharing a clip of the original live performance, Clark declared that the track deserved far more recognition. The Magic’s social media team seized the moment, promising to revive the anthem if the post achieved 1,000 retweets – a feat accomplished within a mere 20 minutes.
From that point forward, the song began to evolve, undergoing various remixes and adaptations. The 2023-24 season marked a pivotal turning point, as the Magic partnered with Grammy-winning producer Ayo to add a fresh beat that would define the campaign. Simultaneously, the team’s social media content creators worked tirelessly to amass a library of viral videos, carefully curating clips to pair with each victory post.
The Magic of Unity
As the Magic’s on-court success grew, so too did the anthem’s prominence. Each win was celebrated with a creative social media post, often featuring dancing cows, Drake impersonators, or other lighthearted memes. The song became a rallying cry, uniting players and fans in a shared moment of jubilation.
It’s just a cool thing, like when you hear a good beat wherever [you are], how can you not nod your head? They found a great beat, good words behind it and it’s Orlando Magic; it is us … so how can you not love and support it?
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic Guard
The Magic’s victory anthem has even caught the attention of opposing teams, with players like Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson expressing their admiration for the catchy tune. Its influence has spread beyond the NBA, inspiring the Buffalo Bills and Juventus to adopt the melody for their own celebrations.
A Tradition in the Making
Drawing inspiration from the Sacramento Kings’ “Light the Beam” ritual, the Magic have now incorporated the song into their in-arena experience. After each win, players gather around a board as fans chant “play the song,” creating a shared moment that bridges the gap between physical and digital spaces.
As the Orlando Magic continue their ascent, their victory anthem serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite a fanbase and energize a team. With each triumphant rendition, the song weaves itself deeper into the fabric of the franchise, becoming an indelible part of their identity.
In the grand tapestry of NBA history, the Orlando Magic’s victory song may seem like an unlikely thread. Yet, its enduring presence and ever-growing popularity serve as a testament to the magic that can happen when a team, its fans, and a memorable melody align. As the anthem reverberates through the arena and across social media, one cannot help but wonder if this enchanting tune might just be the secret ingredient in the Magic’s quest for championship glory.
