Why I chose Burna Boy for World Cup anthem — Shakira

Global pop star Shakira has revealed why she selected Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai.

Speaking in an interview aired on July 8 on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, Shakira said she wanted a strong masculine voice to complement the song’s Afrobeat-inspired sound, describing Burna Boy as the perfect fit for the collaboration.

The Grammy-winning singer said she had admired Burna Boy’s music for years and had always wanted to work with him.

Shakira also disclosed that Burna Boy initially took about 20 days to send his contribution to the song but said she remained hopeful throughout the process.

According to her, the wait was worthwhile after the Nigerian singer eventually delivered his verse, adding that she was determined to have him featured on the record.

Her words …

“Well, once I had the song, I felt that I really needed a male vocal, a male voice in the song.

“I don’t know, because the World Cup carries a big male energy, you know? And so I was like, who can give me that, you know, very masculine voice that I want in this sort of like Afrobeat setting?

Because this song is very Afrobeat-y, but it also has some Caribbean sounds and a little bit of, like, R&B-ish, but it’s mostly Afrobeat

And I always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him

It took a while. I was waiting for 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.

I think his voice is just… It works so well on this song. So well. I couldn’t imagine anybody else on it, actually.

I was so obsessed about having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him….”

Watch video below …

“i felt that i really need a male vocal on the song because the World Cup carries a big male energy so i texted him and he said “yeah.” it took a while but he sent his magic and it was absolutely perfect. i was so obsessed about having Burna Boy on this track.” — Shakira speaks… pic.twitter.com/2Jp6t7iBvN

— benny. (@1BENNY7G) July 25, 2026