I Was Obsessed: Why Shakira Waited 20 Days for Burna Boy on 2026 World Cup Anthem "Dai Dai"
Global music icon Shakira has shared the story behind her collaboration with Nigerian Afrofusion star Burna Boy on "Dai Dai," the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Colombian superstar revealed that Burna Boy was her first choice for the collaboration and admitted she became worried after waiting 20 days for him to send his verse.
Why Shakira Chose Burna Boy
According to Shakira, once the song was completed, she felt it needed a strong male voice that could match the energy of football's biggest tournament.
She explained that the anthem blends Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms, and R&B, making Burna Boy the perfect artist to complete the record.
Shakira added that she had admired Burna Boy's music for years and had always hoped to collaborate with him on a major project.
📅 Timeline of the Shakira & Burna Boy Collaboration
📅 Early 2026
FIFA announced that Shakira would perform the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
📅 During Production
Shakira decided she wanted Burna Boy to feature on the song because of his unique Afrofusion sound and global influence.
📅 20-Day Wait
After Burna Boy agreed to collaborate, Shakira revealed she waited about 20 days for him to send his verse, admitting she became anxious during the wait.
📅 Verse Delivered
Burna Boy eventually submitted his vocals, and Shakira said his performance exceeded her expectations and completed the song perfectly.
📅 World Cup Release
The anthem, "Dai Dai," was officially released ahead of the FIFA World Cup and quickly gained international attention.
📅 Global Performance
Shakira and Burna Boy later performed the song on one of football's biggest stages, introducing the collaboration to millions of fans around the world.
"I Waited 20 Days"
The singer revealed that after Burna Boy agreed to feature on the song, she patiently waited nearly three weeks for him to deliver his verse.
During that period, she admitted she began to wonder whether the collaboration would eventually happen.
However, once Burna Boy finally submitted his vocals, she said every concern disappeared.
According to Shakira, his contribution exceeded her expectations and became one of the highlights of the song.
"I Was Obsessed"
Shakira did not hide how determined she was to work with the Nigerian superstar.
She explained that she was "obsessed" with getting Burna Boy on the record because she believed no other artist could provide the unique vocal strength and Afrobeats influence the anthem required.
A Historic Collaboration
The partnership between Shakira and Burna Boy made history.
The pair performed "Dai Dai" during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before reuniting for the tournament's first-ever halftime show at the final.
The song went on to achieve impressive global streaming numbers and further strengthened Burna Boy's reputation as one of Africa's biggest international music stars.
Why Fans Loved the Song
Many music lovers praised the collaboration because it combined:
Shakira's global pop appeal.
Burna Boy's distinctive Afrofusion sound.
African and Caribbean musical influences.
A message of unity through football and music.
The collaboration introduced millions of listeners worldwide to a blend of musical styles that reflected the diversity of the FIFA World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the World Cup anthem?
The official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem is "Dai Dai" by Shakira featuring Burna Boy.
Why did Shakira choose Burna Boy?
She said she wanted a powerful male voice that matched the song's Afrobeats-inspired sound and believed Burna Boy was the ideal artist.
How long did Shakira wait for Burna Boy's verse?
She revealed that she waited 20 days before Burna Boy sent his vocals.
Conclusion
Shakira's story highlights both her admiration for Burna Boy and the growing global influence of African music.
Although waiting 20 days for the verse made her anxious, she says the final result proved it was worth every moment.
The success of "Dai Dai" has become another milestone in Burna Boy's international career and a reminder of Afrobeats' continuing impact on the global music industry.
What do you think?
Was Shakira right to wait 20 days for Burna Boy, or should she have released the song without him?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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