International pop sensation Shakira has explained why she selected Nigerian Afrobeats musician Burna Boy for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai: she wanted a powerful masculine voice to go with the song’s Afrobeat-inspired sound.
In an interview with Jimmy Hill on the Capital Evening Show on July 8, the Colombian singer stated that Burna Boy was the ideal choice for the collaboration because of the song’s energy and musical direction.
“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.”
“So I called him. I’m like, ‘Hey, are you down to do this?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, why not?”
“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.”
They made a fantastic pair, blending their talents seamlessly and bringing a vibrant energy to the stage. Their collaboration truly captivated the audience, leaving everyone in awe and creating a memorable moment that will be cherished for years to come.
