-
Burna Boy has praised Shakira’s work ethic while reflecting on their collaboration on the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” He described the Colombian superstar as “very hands on,” saying she remained closely involved throughout the recording process.
-
The Grammy winner also revealed that Ed Sheeran prepared him for the project before recording began. Sheeran, who co-wrote the song, reportedly called Burna Boy to warn him about the pressure that comes with working on an official FIFA World Cup anthem. Burna Boy said the collaboration turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of his career.
-
Shakira has also spoken about wanting Burna Boy on the record. She previously revealed that she specifically wanted his energetic Afrobeats sound and even waited about 20 days for him to send his verse.
-
“Dai Dai” has added another major milestone to both artists’ careers. The song became the first official FIFA World Cup anthem to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. It also surpassed Shakira’s iconic “Waka Waka” as the highest-charting World Cup song in history.
July 31, (THEWILL) — Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has opened up about working with Colombian superstar Shakira on “Dai Dai”, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking during an interview with Capital Radio, Burna Boy praised Shakira’s work ethic, describing her as highly involved throughout the recording process.
“She’s very hands on yunno, she’s pushing all the buttons, she’s making all the calls. I received a million calls from her throughout this whole situation. And I love it men, it’s not every day you get a million calls from Shakira.”
He added: “She’d make some corrections on the lyrics, tell me to speak Spanish in some parts. It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve never seen an artist work like that except for me.”
Burna Boy also revealed that British pop star Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the song, called him before recording began to warn him about the pressure of working on an official FIFA World Cup anthem.
Shakira has previously said she was determined to feature Burna Boy on the track because of the energy and Afrobeats influence he would bring to the song. She also revealed that she waited about 20 days for him to send his verse.
Released as the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, “Dai Dai” has enjoyed global success. The song topped the Billboard Global 200, becoming the first official FIFA World Cup anthem to reach No. 1 on the chart.
It also surpassed Shakira’s “Waka Waka” as the highest-charting World Cup song in history.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
