Global music icon Shakira has revealed why Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy was her first choice for the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying his powerful voice and authentic African sound made him the perfect collaborator for a song designed to unite football fans across the globe.
The Colombian superstar opened up about the collaboration following the worldwide success of “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup anthem that has become one of the tournament’s defining songs. The track, which blends Afrobeats with Latin pop and international rhythms, has resonated with millions of football supporters and music lovers since its release.
According to Shakira, Burna Boy’s unmistakable vocal style brought a unique dimension to the song that she believed was essential in capturing the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.
She explained that she wanted the anthem to celebrate the diversity of football while reflecting the cultural richness of different continents. Burna Boy, she said, represented exactly what she was looking for because his music carries African identity while enjoying enormous international appeal.
The singer praised the Nigerian star’s deep and commanding voice, describing it as the perfect complement to her own vocals. She noted that his masculine tone balanced the record and added emotional depth, creating a sound capable of connecting with audiences from different cultures and backgrounds.
Shakira is no stranger to creating unforgettable World Cup music.
She first captured the world’s attention with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song went on to become one of the most successful football anthems in history, accumulating billions of views online and remaining a staple at sporting events more than a decade after its release.
With “Dai Dai,” the Colombian singer sought to create another timeless record while embracing the evolving sound of global music. Bringing Burna Boy on board reflected not only his individual success but also the remarkable rise of Afrobeats as one of the world’s fastest growing music genres.
Over the past decade, Afrobeats has transformed from a regional movement into an international phenomenon. Nigerian artists now headline sold out stadium concerts across Europe, North America and Asia, while their music dominates streaming platforms and international charts.
Burna Boy has been one of the leading figures behind that global expansion.
The Grammy Award winner has consistently broken barriers for African musicians, becoming the first African artist to headline several major international venues while earning recognition from prestigious award organisations around the world. His influence has extended beyond music into culture, fashion and global entertainment, making him one of Africa’s most recognisable stars.
His collaboration with Shakira further highlights the growing influence of African music on the international stage.
Music critics have praised “Dai Dai” for successfully combining Afrobeats percussion with Latin melodies, creating an energetic anthem that reflects the multicultural identity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The song quickly climbed international charts following its release and received widespread attention after the pair performed it during the tournament’s historic halftime show.
The performance itself became one of the biggest entertainment highlights of the tournament.
In what was FIFA’s first Super Bowl style halftime show during a World Cup final, Shakira and Burna Boy shared the stage with several global music stars, delivering a spectacular performance watched by millions of viewers worldwide. The event showcased football’s growing connection with international entertainment and popular culture.
For Burna Boy, the collaboration represents another milestone in an extraordinary career that continues to elevate African music on the global stage.
The Nigerian singer has consistently used his music to celebrate African heritage while introducing international audiences to contemporary sounds from the continent. His partnership with one of the world’s most successful female artists further demonstrates the increasing demand for African talent in mainstream global entertainment.
Fans across Nigeria welcomed Shakira’s comments, viewing them as another acknowledgment of Burna Boy’s contribution to world music. Social media platforms were flooded with messages celebrating the collaboration, with many supporters describing it as a proud moment for Nigerian entertainment.
Industry observers believe the success of “Dai Dai” could encourage more collaborations between African artists and international superstars, particularly as Afrobeats continues to shape the future of global pop music.
For Shakira, the partnership was never simply about recording another hit song. It was about creating a musical experience capable of representing the unity, excitement and diversity that define the FIFA World Cup.
Her decision to choose Burna Boy ultimately proved to be a winning one, as the anthem has become one of the standout musical moments of the tournament and another landmark achievement in the careers of both artists.
As football and music continue to bring people together across continents, “Dai Dai” stands as a celebration of cultural collaboration, proving that great music, much like the beautiful game, has the power to unite the world.
