Let us take a trip down memory lane. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by the Columbian singer Shakira takes us a decade back. Shakira released this groundbreaking number in May (This Time for Africa) was a massive hit. Today, the song has almost 3 billion views on YT. It topped Billboard’s Music Charts. Moreover, the song went on to become the Best Selling Singles of All Times. What a massive leap!
How to Download Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
To download the song as digital audio, click on the Where to Listen button below. Waka Waka can be downloaded from iTunes.
The Song Review
The song garnered mixed reviews and attracted severe criticism as well. However, what took this number to the world was when FIFA announced Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) as the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010. It was held in South Africa in 2010. This was the point when Waka Waka became a real sensational hit for football fans across the globe. After that, the song was also certified as a Platinum by the RIAA.
Shakira wrote Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) along with John Hill. Now, the song needed some original African elements. For this, the starlet collaborated with the South African Afro-fusion band, Freshlyground. The band was given a free hand to make additions, by Shakira. The result was just phenomenal!
Waka Waka went on to create a legacy. This song sold over 10 million units that time. In this way, it became Shakira’s best-selling song. On a global level, the number received massive acclamation. It was also declared as the Best FIFA song by leading media and publication houses globally. Some of these names are Billboard, The Sydney Morning Herald, and the Dallas Observer. It is also the 28th Most Viewed Video on YouTube.
The Waka Waka beat will live on forever.
Its video became a sensational hit as well. Now, let us talk about its music video.
Music Video: “Round the World Trip, Ending in Africa”
Waka Waka’s music video is one of the most famous videos on YT.
Shakira herself conceptualized the whole music video. She was also assisted by Antonio Navas, the executive creative director for the international marketing entity, Ogilvy & Mather. It was Marcus Raboy.
In an Ogilvy press release, Antonio gave a subtle hint about the video. He said, “Take the viewer on a trip around the world, ending in Africa”. The whole video featured dancers performing to the beat of Waka Waka. It was choreographed by Hit Hat and shot in Los Angeles.
The video features Shakira and Freshly Ground’s artists, Kyla Rose Smith and Zolani Mahola. There are children and performers all dancing together. All of them are dressed in funky native African ensembles.
What makes this music video stand out are the active cameos of footballers. These are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Marquez, Dani Alves, Carlos Kameni, and Gerard Piqué. Gerard is Shakira’s partner.
The video also features an archival video clip from the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It is the infamous shot of the footballer Roberto Baggio. It shows Baggio missing the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Coming to its music now.
Music & Composition
The terms “Waka Waka” are taken from the song Zangalewa. It is a 1986 song by the Cameroonian band “Golden Sounds”. Moreover, the song has a good mix of Columbian-African beats and rhythms. There is a Sona beat too.
The lyrics draw a contrast between the war field soldiers and footballers. Waka Waka’s lyrical composition motivates the footballers to achieve their goals.
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) will stand as the leading Football anthem and will transcend generations. If you still have not listened to it, you are missing it big time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What event was Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) recorded for?
Released in May 2010 featuring South African band Freshlyground, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) served as the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and was performed live by Shakira at the tournament’s closing ceremony in Johannesburg.
Which classic African song inspired the chorus of Waka Waka?
The unmistakable ‘Zamina mina, eh eh, Waka waka, eh eh’ hook adapts the 1986 Cameroonian makossa marching hit Zangalewa by Golden Sounds, celebrating African soldiers and Pan-African unity with upbeat Afro-Colombian percussion and guitar.
How successful did Waka Waka become worldwide?
Waka Waka reached number one in more than fifteen countries, became the best-selling World Cup anthem in history, and surpassed four billion views on YouTube alongside a Spanish-language version titled Waka Waka (Esto es Africa).
Where can you stream or officially download Shakira’s Waka Waka?
Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) is available for lossless streaming and offline download on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and YouTube Music, as well as digital MP3 purchase on Amazon and iTunes.
