Shakira reveals reason behind collaboration with Burna Boy on 2026 FIFA anthem
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
Global pop icon Shakira has revealed that she was determined to feature Afrobeats star Burna Boy on the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, because the song needed a strong male vocal to match the energy of the tournament.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Colombian singer said Burna Boy was her first choice after she considered who could deliver the masculine Afrobeats sound she envisioned. “I’ve always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him, so I called him. I’m like, ‘Hey, are you down to do this?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, why not?'”
Shakira, however, admitted that the Grammy-winning singer kept her waiting for about 20 days before sending his verse, leaving her unsure whether the collaboration would happen.
“It took a while. I was waiting for about 20 days for him to send something, and I’m like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s not going to do it.’ But then he sent his magic, and it was just absolutely perfect,” she said, adding, “I was so obsessed with having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him.”
She had previously described Burna Boy’s contribution to Dai Dai as the “cherry on top,” saying his voice took the song “to another level”.
Beyond the World Cup, Shakira said the song was created to inspire children worldwide and remind them that no dream is too big while promoting access to quality education.
Shakira and Burna Boy first performed Dai Dai during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The duo reunited for another performance during the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they performed alongside Uganda’s Ghetto Kids dance group.
