Colombian pop star Shakira has disclosed her intense determination to feature Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, 'Dai Dai'. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, she admitted waiting nearly three weeks for the Nigerian singer to deliver his verse, a wait that tested her patience but ultimately resulted in what she described as a flawless contribution.
Shakira's Pursuit of Burna Boy
Shakira explained that the song 'Dai Dai' blends Afrobeats with Caribbean influences and R&B elements, making Burna Boy the ideal collaborator. “Once I had this song, I felt I really needed a male vocal in the song because the World Cup carries a big male energy,” she said. Having long admired the Nigerian artist, she seized the opportunity to work with him. She recalled asking him directly, “Are you down to do this?” and his response was, “Yeah, why not?”
The 20-Day Wait
Despite Burna Boy's initial agreement, Shakira admitted uncertainty crept in as days passed without receiving his verse. She revealed, “It took a while. I waited about 20 days for him to send something, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s not going to do it.’ But then he sent his magic, and it was just absolutely perfect.” The 'Hips Don’t Lie' singer stressed that Burna Boy's vocals elevated the track, calling his contribution “the cherry on top”. She added, “I was so obsessed with having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him.”
History with World Cup Anthems
Shakira unveiled 'Dai Dai' on 15 July 2026 as one of the official songs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making her the first artist to perform songs associated with four different World Cups. She previously recorded 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', the 2010 tournament's anthem in South Africa, which became one of the most enduring World Cup songs. She also performed 'La La La (Brazil 2014)' during the 2014 World Cup and was featured at the closing ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, underscoring her long-standing relationship with FIFA's global football campaigns.
