Shakira Explains Why Burna Boy Was Her First Choice for 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem

Colombian global music icon Shakira has opened up about the reason she selected Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy to feature on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.”

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, the singer revealed that she wanted a powerful male voice to complement the song and immediately believed Burna Boy was the perfect fit.

According to Shakira, his unique sound, commanding vocals, and energy made him the ideal collaborator for one of football’s biggest musical moments.

“I have always loved Burna. I was obsessed with getting him on the track, so I called him,” she said.

She added that working with the Nigerian singer was something she had wanted for a long time and admitted she couldn’t picture anyone else on the record.

“I couldn’t imagine anybody else on it, actually.”

Burna Boy and Shakira’s World Cup Song Continues Breaking Records

Since its release, “Dai Dai” has enjoyed massive global success, setting multiple streaming milestones across major digital platforms.

The song became the first track to top Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart, following the platform’s launch of the ranking. It also helped Burna Boy become the first African artist to reach No. 1 on Apple Music’s Global Top Songs chart.

The collaboration further boosted Burna Boy’s worldwide presence, with the Nigerian star reportedly reaching a record 53 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 600 million monthly listeners on YouTube Music, the highest figures ever achieved by an African artist on the platforms.

Adding another historic milestone to his career, Burna Boy also became the first African artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, marking another landmark moment for African music on the global stage.

The continued success of “Dai Dai” has further cemented both Shakira and Burna Boy’s influence on the international music scene while highlighting the growing global impact of African artists.