By Our Correspondent
Global music icon Shakira has opened up about the inspiration behind her decision to feature Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy on the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that she was “obsessed” with working with the Grammy-winning artist.
Speaking about the collaboration, the Colombian singer described Burna Boy as her first and only choice when she began searching for the perfect male voice to complement the energy of the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai.”
According to Shakira, the FIFA World Cup is an event that unites billions of people across different cultures, and she wanted the song to reflect that same spirit of diversity, passion and strength. She explained that Burna Boy’s unique voice, commanding stage presence and global influence made him the ideal artist for the project.
“I felt I really needed a male vocal,” Shakira said. “The World Cup carries a big male energy, so I asked myself who could bring that strong masculine voice into this Afrobeat setting. I was so obsessed with having Burna on this track.”
The singer also revealed that she had admired Burna Boy’s artistry for years and had always hoped they would collaborate on a song. When the opportunity to create the World Cup anthem came, she believed there was no better person to share the stage with than the African Giant.
The collaboration has been widely celebrated by fans around the world, with many describing it as a perfect blend of Latin pop and Afrobeats. The song showcases the musical chemistry between the two international stars while highlighting Africa’s growing influence on the global music scene.
For Burna Boy, being selected to perform on the official FIFA World Cup song marks another major milestone in his remarkable career. The Nigerian singer continues to strengthen his position as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports, following years of chart-topping hits, sold-out international tours and prestigious global awards.
Music lovers have praised the partnership as a powerful cultural moment, with many noting that Burna Boy’s inclusion reflects the increasing global recognition of Afrobeats and the impact Nigerian artists continue to make on the world stage.
The release of “Dai Dai” further reinforces the role of music in bringing people together during the world’s biggest sporting event. By combining Shakira’s iconic vocals with Burna Boy’s unmistakable sound, the anthem celebrates unity, passion and the universal language of football.
As excitement continues to build around the song, fans across continents are embracing the collaboration as one of the standout musical moments associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proving once again that great music knows no borders.
