Waka -this Time For Africa- -the... !exclusive! — Shakira - Waka

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa, was a momentous occasion that brought together people from all over the globe to celebrate the beautiful game. One of the most memorable aspects of the tournament was its official song, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," performed by none other than the Colombian superstar, Shakira. Featuring Freshlyground, a South African band, the song became an instant hit and a defining anthem of the World Cup.

But Shakira maintained that she wasn't stealing; she was elevating . She insisted on featuring the South African band on the track. Their lead vocalist, Zolani Mahola, provided the emotional bridge: "Listen to your king / Don’t you worry, it’s your thing."

By 2010, FIFA had a reputation for picking safe, often Western-centric anthems. From "Waka Waka"‘s predecessor— Wavin’ Flag by K’naan—to prior hits like The Cup of Life (Ricky Martin), the formula was consistent: energy, charisma, and a hook that could survive stadium acoustics.

The case was eventually settled out of court in 2014. While terms were undisclosed, the official songwriting credits now include the three Cameroonian musicians. Shakira later stated in interviews: "I always said those rhythms belong to Africa. I was just the messenger." Shakira - Waka Waka -This Time for Africa- -The...

It holds the record for the most-streamed FIFA World Cup song on Spotify.

: Early accusations of plagiarism regarding the Cameroonian melody led to an out-of-court agreement between Sony, Shakira, and Golden Sounds to recognize their copyright and provide compensation. Notable Performances 2010 FIFA World Cup : Shakira performed the anthem at both the opening ceremony (June 10) and the closing ceremony (July 11) in Johannesburg. Super Bowl LIV : A snippet of the song was featured during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show Recent Tours : It remains a staple in her live sets, including the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour (2025-2026) of "Waka Waka" in a specific country?

"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is an upbeat, energetic track that combines Shakira's signature Latin beat with Freshlyground's African-inspired instrumentation. The song's title, "Waka Waka," is a phrase that roughly translates to "to move, to hustle" in the Cameroonian Creole language. The lyrics, co-written by Shakira and Freshlyground's lead singer, Zipho Dladla, celebrate the excitement and anticipation of the World Cup, while also highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Africa. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South

The song's infectious chorus is a reimagining of the 1986 Cameroonian hit "Zangaléwa" by the military band .

For the Colombian superstar, this was not theft; it was homage. “I wanted to do something that honored the continent,” Shakira said at the time. By sampling the Cameroonian classic, she turned a FIFA anthem into a pan-African celebration. The song features the original group’s member, Zangalewa, on vocals, creating a bridge between 1980s Central Africa and the global stage of 2010. It was the first World Cup anthem to explicitly center African rhythm and history—a fitting choice for the first time the tournament was held on African soil.

Shakira accepted the challenge, but she didn't build from scratch. She looked back to 1986. But Shakira maintained that she wasn't stealing; she

No discussion of is complete without the legal and ethical drama.

The iconic "Zamina mina" chorus is a sample from "Zangaléwa," a 1986 hit by the Cameroonian group Golden Sounds .