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Shakira waited 20 days for Burna Boy's verse on World Cup song 'Dai Dai'
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Shakira waited 20 days for Burna Boy's verse on World Cup song 'Dai Dai'

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Pop star Shakira revealed she waited nearly three weeks for Nigerian singer Burna Boy to deliver his verse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup official song, 'Dai Dai'.
  • She expressed initial uncertainty but was ultimately pleased with Burna Boy's

Colombian superstar Shakira has revealed the intricate process behind securing Burna Boy's contribution to 'Dai Dai,' the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Shakira detailed her persistent efforts to collaborate with the Nigerian Grammy-winning artist, admitting she waited approximately 20 days for his verse.

Once I had this song, I felt I really needed a male vocal in the song because the World Cup carries a big male energy.

— ShakiraExplaining her desire for a male vocalist on the World Cup song.

Shakira described 'Dai Dai' as a fusion of Afrobeats, Caribbean influences, and R&B, making Burna Boy her ideal choice. "Once I had this song, I felt I really needed a male vocal in the song because the World Cup carries a big male energy," she explained. She admired Burna Boy and proactively reached out, asking, "Are you down to do this?" to which he readily agreed.

I’ve always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him, so I called him. I asked, ‘Are you down to do this?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, why not?’

— ShakiraDescribing how she initiated the collaboration with Burna Boy.

Despite his initial acceptance, Shakira confessed to experiencing doubt during the extended wait for his contribution. "It took a while. I waited about 20 days for him to send something, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s not going to do it,’" she said. However, her patience was rewarded when Burna Boy eventually submitted his part, which Shakira lauded as "magic" and "absolutely perfect."

It took a while. I waited about 20 days for him to send something, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s not going to do it.’ But then he sent his magic, and it was just absolutely perfect

— ShakiraRecounting the period of waiting for Burna Boy's verse.

She further emphasized the transformative impact of his vocals, calling his contribution "the cherry on top." Shakira expressed immense satisfaction with the final result, stating, "I was so obsessed with having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him." This collaboration adds to Shakira's extensive history with FIFA World Cup songs, including 'Waka Waka' for the 2010 tournament and 'La La La' for 2014.

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

— ShakiraExpressing her satisfaction with the final collaboration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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