Global pop icon Shakira has revealed why she chose Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy to feature on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” saying his distinctive voice was exactly what the song needed.
Speaking during an interview on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, aired on July 8, the Grammy-winning singer explained that she wanted a powerful male vocal to complement the track’s Afrobeats-inspired sound and immediately felt Burna Boy was the ideal collaborator.
According to Shakira, she had admired the Nigerian music star for years and had always hoped they would one day work together.
She also disclosed that Burna Boy took about 20 days to send his contribution after she reached out, leaving her briefly unsure whether he would eventually join the project.
However, she said her patience paid off when the singer finally delivered what she described as the perfect verse.
“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,” she said.
The collaboration has been widely celebrated by fans, marking another major international milestone for Burna Boy as Afrobeats continues to expand its global influence through high-profile sporting and entertainment events.
Watch the 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
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
