How timely this song should appear in the alphabetical listing since we are now just 27 days away from the commencement of the 2026 World Cup. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) was the official theme song for the 2010 World Cup and I have fond memories of both the song and the whole occasion.
As you can see below, such was my anticipation for the tournament that I collected all the player stickers and placed them in my official Panini sticker album. While it may no longer be in top condition after so much use, it still adorns my little bookcase as a reminder of that wonderful event.
Shakira is Colombia’s biggest musical export and she has enjoyed a long association with the world’s biggest sporting event. Waka Waka is such an infectious tune and perfectly matches the excitement and fervour of the occasion. I have always found it animated, inspiring and uplifting. The African rhythms and groove from the South African band Freshlyground are simply spectacular. Shakira certainly struts her stuff here and completely brings it home.
Shakira also performs with Burna Boy on Dai Dai, the official song for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. She will also make an appearance during the half-time ceremony of the World Cup Final.
Wikipedia:
The selection of Shakira to sing the song generated controversy after numerous South Africans argued that a native artist should have been assigned the role.
It peaked at No. 1 on the record charts of numerous countries worldwide and was the most successful song of 2010 in seven countries. In the United States, it peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard and was later certified platinum.
It sold 15 million downloads worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. It earned a song a Guinness World Record, certified as the most streamed FIFA World Cup song on Spotify.
The chorus of the song and the words “waka waka” are borrowed from “Zangaléwa”, a 1986 song recorded by Cameroonian band Golden Sounds, which was a hit not only across Africa but also in Colombia.
Shakira performed “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on 10 June at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
[Intro]
Ohh-ehh
Uh, zangalewa (Otra, otra)
Uh, zangalewa (Otra, otra)
Uh, zangalewa (Otra, otra)
Uh, zangalewa (Otra, otra)
[Verse 1: Shakira]
You’re a good soldier, choosing your battles
Pick yourself up and dust yourself off, get back in the saddle
You’re on the front line, everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious, we’re getting closer, this isn’t over
[Pre-Chorus: Shakira]
The pressure’s on, you feel it
But you got it all, believe it
When you fall get up, oh-oh
And if you fall get up, eh-eh
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
‘Cause this is Africa
[Chorus: Shakira]
Zamina-mina, hé-hé
Waka, waka, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
This time for Africa
[Verse 2: Shakira]
Listen to your God, this is our motto
Your time to shine, don’t wait in line y vamos por todo
People are raising their expectations
Go on and feed ’em, this is your moment, no hesitations
[Pre-Chorus: Shakira]
Today’s your day, I feel it
You paved the way, believe it
If you get down, get up, oh-oh
When you get down, get up, eh-eh
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
This time for Africa
[Chorus: Shakira]
Zamina-mina, hé-hé
Waka, waka, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
Anawa, ha-ha
Zamina-mina, hé-hé
Waka, waka, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
This time for Africa
[Verse 3: Zolani]
Awabuye lamajoni ipikipiki mama wa A to Z
Bathi susa lamajoni ipikipiki mama from East to West
Bathi waka-waka, mah, hé-hé, waka-waka, mah, hé-hé
Zonk’ izizwe mazibuye, ’cause this is Africa
[Bridge]
Zamina-mina
Anawa, ha-ha
Zamina-mina
Zamina-mina
Anawa, ha-ha
[Chorus: Shakira]
Zamina-mina, hé-hé
Waka, waka, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
Anawa, ha-ha
Zamina-mina, hé-hé
Waka, waka, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
This time for Africa
[Post-Chorus: Shakira]
Django, hé-hé
Django, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
Anawa, ha-ha
Django, hé-hé
Django, hé-hé
Zamina-mina, zangalewa?
Anawa, ha-ha
[Outro: Shakira]
This time for Africa
This time for Africa
We’re all Africa (Zama qhela)
We’re all Africa (Kwela, kwela)
(Zama qhela)
References:
1. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
A cheery Sunday to you, Matt! “Waka Waka” is a wonderfully spirited, celebratory song. I’ve always loved Shakira’s distinctive voice; it has such depth and character.
TBH, it’s the only song I can tolerate from Shakira – vocal wise. But here it does fit – well only just lol. It’s more the melody and rhythm that gets me going here. Super you like it.
It’s got a lot going on, for sure.