Music plays a vibrant role in Kings League. In this realm, Mark Eme emerged as a creator behind the anthem Jijantes, the song associated with the Jijantes team led by journalist Gerard Romero in the competition. The track recently resonated across social platforms and has accumulated over a million streams on Spotify. Yotele sat down with Mark Eme to discuss Jijantes and more.
You crafted the Jijantes team’s anthem. How did this opportunity come about?
Mark Eme has known Gerard Romero for roughly nine or ten years. He had a band in Barcelona, and they met during a charity event called La Marató, where notable Catalan figures and Marc Márquez were present. Romero was taking photos, hosting Barça match coverage on the Barcelona radio, and a connection formed. They stayed in touch, and when Kings League launched, Eme leaned in because he believed in the project. He offered to create the anthem since no one else had stepped forward, Romero loved the idea, and the collaboration came together quickly. Eme sent over the initial track, and they moved through the process from there, finishing in about a week.
The song is earning strong traction on streaming platforms. Was the reception expected?
Eme says the optimism was there because he understood the Kings League ecosystem and Romero’s reach, but the level of response surprised him. He anticipated a strong first week since it was the league’s inaugural anthem, yet the sustained momentum exceeded expectations. As the weekend approached, people began sharing clips of themselves dancing and singing in clubs, and the platform wave grew with each post. TikTok chatter also surged for two weeks, something he did not foresee, especially for someone new to this kind of virality.
Is there a moment when you imagine Gerard Romero singing along if the team makes a big moment this edition?
He jokes that Romero might belt it out at Camp Nou. The idea of the whole stadium singing the tune excites him—an emotional moment that would feel like destiny. While the final destination for their next big moment remains uncertain, the belief is strong that the team could reach the finals, whether at Camp Nou, the Bernabéu, or Wanda Metropolitano. Romero’s involvement in sports and music makes the prospect of an anthem-filled celebration quite real, with fans continuing to chant Jijantes in unison.
How did the meme culture around the track unfold, and what does that say about the Kings League community?
The viral moment around Jijantes is noted as refreshingly positive. Eme keeps an eye on TikTok, though the sheer volume of content makes it impossible to monitor everything. The Kings League community is described as healthy and supportive, with a steady stream of kind messages. People on the street recognize the artist from the anthem and offer encouraging words. Many feel the tune struck a chord because Jijantes initially struggled in the first split, and its reception has been forgiving and celebratory, fueling ongoing virality and positive interactions.
What are Eme’s thoughts on the upcoming Kings League season? Is Jijantes the favorite, or is there a guilty pleasure team?
He expresses full backing for Jijantes and excitement for their potential. He has personal ties to Auri Pons and other Jijantes members, and he expects them to perform well, potentially reaching the playoffs. Another team he respects is Móstoles, partly because he has followed DJ Mario for years through FIFA simulations. The season promises competitive drama, and Eme is rooting for the squad to showcase what they can do on the stage.
Following the release, what comes next for Mark Eme professionally?
His aim is to broaden the reach of his broader catalog. Over the years, he has written songs for other artists and seen them resonate across Spain. Now he is stepping into the spotlight with his own material, collaborating with names like Quevedo, Lola Indigo, Omar Montes, Duki, Morad, and more. He speaks of building a brand with his own voice, supported by his record label, and weaving his personal stories into performances. The Kings League experience has served as a springboard, helping his music reach new homes and audiences, while fans continue to embrace what he creates.