More than a decade later, Shakira’s hit song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” has finally appeared on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, reaching a peak position of 46 on the latest rankings. The song also made its debut on the Billboard Global 200 chart, entering at number 96.
It’s no accident that the 2022 FIFA World Cup is happening in Qatar right now. Soccer fans are as enthusiastic as ever, focusing on the songs and anthems that will be their soundtrack for the duration of the tournament.
Shakira’s multilingual hit “Waka Waka,” featuring Freshlyground, became a global sensation as the official FIFA World Cup song in 2010 for the South Africa tournament. The song’s infectious and upbeat style, infused with Afro-fusion and soca influences, resonated with fans worldwide. With its catchy chorus, “Tsamina mina, eh, eh / Waka waka, eh, eh / Tsamina mina zangalewa / This time for Africa,” the track climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. During the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony, Shakira performed “Waka Waka” along with a medley of hits like “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” This year, fans eagerly anticipated a new World Cup song from Shakira and rumors even circulated online about her potential performance at the opening ceremony. While other reports incorrectly suggested she would be involved, fans were left hopeful for new music from the beloved Colombian singer.
In truth, Shakira was never actually on the lineup to perform at the World Cup, but she didn’t need a new song to be part of the celebration. With the return of her hit “Waka Waka,” she solidifies her status as the reigning queen of World Cup music. It’s the only previous World Cup song to make it onto the Billboard global charts, showcasing Shakira’s enduring popularity in this arena. Shakira first made her mark on the World Cup scene in 2006 when she wowed audiences with “Hips Don’t Lie” at the closing ceremony in Germany. She made a triumphant return in 2014 for the Brazil World Cup with “La La La,” featuring Carlinhos Brown, further solidifying her status as a fixture in the soccer world.
However, “Waka Waka” is a tune that sticks with you. It will be remembered as one of the most iconic World Cup anthems, alongside Ricky Martin’s “Cup of Life” from 1998. It’s safe to say that many would support the idea proposed by a YouTube commenter on the “La La La” video: “If Shakira was in charge of creating all the World Cup songs, the world would definitely be a happier place.”
