Global music icon Shakira has revealed why Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy was her first choice for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, saying his unique sound and commanding vocal presence made him the perfect collaborator for the global football celebration.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Colombian superstar explained that she wanted the anthem, titled “Dai Dai,” to reflect the diversity and energy of football by blending Latin pop with Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms, and contemporary global sounds.
According to Shakira, Burna Boy’s voice brought the ideal balance to the song, adding that the World Cup carries a powerful masculine energy that she felt required a strong male vocal performance.
“I’ve always wanted to work with Burna Boy. I knew he was the perfect artist for this project because his voice and style fit exactly what I envisioned,” she said.
The singer also disclosed that although Burna Boy agreed to feature on the track, she had to wait nearly 20 days before receiving his verse, leaving her anxious that the collaboration might not happen.
However, when the Nigerian Grammy-winning star finally delivered his vocals, Shakira described the performance as “magic,” saying it exceeded her expectations and became the finishing touch the anthem needed.
The collaboration has since attracted global attention, with fans praising the fusion of Latin and African sounds. The official World Cup anthem celebrates unity, diversity, and the universal passion for football while highlighting Afrobeats’ growing influence on the international music scene.
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