Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is a song by Colombian singer Shakira, featuring the South African band Freshlyground. Co-written by Shakira and John Hill, 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. Released in English and Spanish (with the title "Waka Waka (Esto es África)"), the song samples the original Cameroonian makossa song "Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)" by Golden Sounds and the lyrics encourage one to aim for their goals like a soldier on a battlefield.
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Shakira performing "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" during The Sun Comes Out World Tour in Madrid, Spain. The song peaked at number one in Spain for 17 consecutive weeks.
The dance routine performed during the song's chorus in the video (pictured) was dubbed the "waka waka dance". Adam Fairholm from IMVDb called it "recognizable as a dance and pretty easy to replicate if you have any dancing skill."
Shakira performing "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" during a concert show in Manchester, England
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Barranquilla, she has been referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music" and has been praised for her musical versatility. She made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. Following the commercial failure of her first two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), she rose to prominence in Hispanic countries with her next albums, Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). She entered the English-language market with her fifth album, Laundry Service (2001), which sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Buoyed by the international success of her singles "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes", the album propelled her reputation as a leading crossover artist.
Shakira at the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2023
Shakira before entering the stage to her Tour of the Mongoose in 2003
Shakira performing at the Rock in Rio festival in 2006
Shakira at the Rock in Rio festival in 2008