‘Why I Chose Burna Boy for the World Cup Anthem’ — Shakira Explains
International music superstar Shakira has explained why she chose Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy to collaborate on the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking about the collaboration, Shakira said Burna Boy’s global influence, distinctive sound, and ability to unite audiences through music made him the ideal choice for the historic project.
According to the Colombian singer, the World Cup is a celebration of cultures from every continent, and Burna Boy’s music perfectly represents Africa’s growing influence on the global entertainment stage.
She noted that the Nigerian superstar brings authenticity, energy, and originality to every performance, qualities she believed would resonate with football fans around the world.
Shakira also praised Burna Boy’s artistic evolution, describing him as one of the most respected voices in contemporary music whose work transcends borders and languages.
The collaboration has been widely celebrated by fans, who view Burna Boy’s involvement as another major milestone for African music on the international stage.
For Burna Boy, the project adds to a growing list of global achievements, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports and a leading ambassador for Afrobeats worldwide.
Music lovers have taken to social media to applaud the partnership, expressing excitement about hearing two internationally acclaimed artists combine their unique styles on one of football’s biggest stages.
The official World Cup anthem is expected to accompany one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, reaching billions of viewers and listeners across multiple countries.
The collaboration further highlights the increasing recognition of African artists in major global events, reflecting the continued rise of Afrobeats as a dominant force in international music.
