Will Smith Delights Fans with a Nostalgic Performance at La Velada del Año IV
Now, this is a story all about how Will Smith is extending his return to music. Last month, the Bad Boys: Ride Or Die star made his unexpected comeback on stage at the BET Awards with the track “You Can Make It,” featuring Kirk Franklin.
On July 13, Smith kept the old-school vibes alive during his set at La Velada del Año IV at Spain’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Instead of performing his latest track, Smith thrilled the boxing fans with a mashup of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song and his 2005 single “Switch.”
Although many new fans are more familiar with the series’ reboot, Bel Air, from 1990 to 1996, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” dominated TV screens and became a cultural phenomenon.
“Blessed are the ears of those who can hear Will Smith sing the intro to ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ live,” wrote one user (roughly translated to English).
“I love that he’s on stage again and just having fun. This is what legends deserve,” penned another.
Another pointed out how fitting Will Smith’s performance was for a night dedicated to influencers stepping into the ring.
“The ultimate influencer Will Smith was a good fit,” wrote one user.
Ironically, despite the record’s popularity, it wasn’t actually supposed to be released. In June 2022, during an interview with WTOP, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith’s longtime friend, collaborator, and the song’s writer, made the surprising confession.
“I thought we were making a filler,” he said. “I thought this would be a thing they would use until they figured out what the real theme song was. We did it, I mixed it, and that’s the same thing that plays on television today. That still trips me out. It never changed.”
Clearly, producers saw the special quality in the track that listeners have cherished for decades.
Smith’s return to the stage and his nostalgic performance not only brought back memories for longtime fans but also showcased his timeless appeal and ability to connect with new generations. It’s moments like these that remind us why legends like Will Smith continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
