Colombian superstar Shakira has opened up about her decision to collaborate with Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy on “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In interviews surrounding the track’s release, Shakira explained that the partnership was driven by both artistic vision and long-standing admiration. “I always wanted to do something with Burna, and I think that his voice just takes it to another level,” she said. “It was very easy to come up with the melody, the lyrics, the concept, and then obviously when I had Burna Boy recorded, that was like the cherry on top.”
Shakira noted that she has been a fan of Burna Boy for some time and immediately envisioned his contribution on the earliest demos. The collaboration blends her globally influenced pop sound with Afrobeats and Latin rhythms, creating a multilingual, high-energy anthem designed for a worldwide audience. The song’s chorus incorporates phrases meaning “let’s go” in Italian (“Dai Dai”), Japanese, Spanish, and French, underscoring its inclusive, unifying spirit.
Beyond the music, Shakira emphasized that “Dai Dai” carries a deeper message. “The song is much more than a World Cup song. It is a message for every child who has been told that their dream is too big, and a reminder that every champion was once a child who may have gone through hardship and struggle. There was always someone behind that child who believed in them, and that is why they did not give up.” Royalties from the track support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise funds for children’s access to quality education and football opportunities worldwide.
“Dai Dai” premiered at the World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City and was later performed by Shakira and Burna Boy during the historic first World Cup final halftime show. The track has achieved major commercial success, topping global charts and becoming one of the most streamed official World Cup anthems of the tournament.
Shakira, already celebrated for her 2010 World Cup hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” continues her association with the tournament through this latest collaboration, which pairs Latin and African musical forces for a truly global anthem.