Over ten years after its release, Shakira’s popular track “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” has now secured a spot on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, reaching as high as number 46 on the latest list. Additionally, the song has also made its first appearance on the Billboard Global 200 chart, debuting at number 96.
The choice of Qatar as the host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is no coincidence. Soccer lovers are buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the songs and anthems that will accompany them throughout the tournament.
Shakira’s chart-topping anthem “Waka Waka,” featuring Freshlyground, made waves across the globe as the official FIFA World Cup song during the 2010 South Africa tournament. The song’s catchy and lively melody, blending Afro-fusion and soca sounds, captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With its unforgettable chorus, “Tsamina mina, eh, eh / Waka waka, eh, eh / Tsamina mina zangalewa / This time for Africa,” the track soared to No. 2 on the Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 38 on the Hot 100 chart. At the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup, Shakira dazzled fans with a performance of “Waka Waka” alongside a mix of her other hits like “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” This year, fans were buzzing with excitement for a potential new World Cup song from Shakira, with online rumors swirling about her potential involvement in the opening ceremony. While some reports inaccurately claimed she would perform, fans remained hopeful for new music from the cherished Colombian songstress.
Shakira was not originally slated to perform at the World Cup, but her legendary song “Waka Waka” made a strong comeback and once again proved her reign as the queen of World Cup music. “Waka Waka” is the only past World Cup song that has made it to the top of the Billboard global charts, demonstrating Shakira’s lasting popularity in this arena. Her first foray into the World Cup was in 2006 in Germany, where she stole the show with “Hips Don’t Lie” at the closing ceremony. She then returned in 2014 for the Brazil World Cup with “La La La,” featuring Carlinhos Brown, solidifying her position as a staple in the soccer world.
But let’s not forget, “Waka Waka” is a catchy tune that has truly left its mark. It will go down in history as one of the most memorable World Cup anthems, standing proudly next to Ricky Martin’s “Cup of Life” from 1998. And who can argue with the YouTube commenter on the “La La La” video who suggested, “If Shakira was in charge of all the World Cup songs, the world would be a much brighter and happier place”?
