"Waka Waka", called "Waka Waka" in Spanish, is a song by Colombian singer Shakira, featuring the South African band Freshlyground. It was released on 7 May 2010 by Epic Records as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was held in South Africa. Written, composed, and produced by Shakira and John Hill, "Waka Waka" is a song whose lyrics encourage one to aim for their goals like a soldier on a battlefield. It garnered generally favourable reviews from critics, receiving praise for its production. The song, however, generated controversy after numerous South Africans expressed disappointment in FIFA's decision to select Latin American Shakira to sing the song, arguing that a native artist should have been assigned the role. "Waka Waka" peaked at number one on record charts of fifteen countries worldwide.
Recorded | 2010 |
Genre | Afro fusion, Soca |
Label | Epic |
Writer(s) | John Hill, Golden Sounds, Shakira |
Producer(s) | John Hill, Shakira |
Spotify Track ID | 2Cd9iWfcOpGDHLz6tVA3G4 |
Acerca de Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira
Official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup with lyrics acting as a means to encourage one to aim for goals like a soldier on a battlefield. It features the band Freshlyground.
Los logros de Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira
The music video of the song features cameos from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Shakira performed the song at both the opening and closing ceremony of the World Cup.
Principales datos que no sabías sobre Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira
FIFA World Cup songs.. Official championship anthems.. Songs written by John Hill (record producer).. Music videos directed by Marcus Raboy.. Songs written by Shakira.. Shakira songs.. Ultratop 50 Singles (Wallonia) number-one singles.. Number-one singles in Poland.. Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles.. Number-one singles in Finland.. Number-one singles in Denmark.. Number-one singles in Austria.. European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles.. Number-one singles in Italy.. Number-one singles in Spain.. Number-one singles in Switzerland.. Number-one singles in Sweden.. Number-one singles in Germany.