The pair recently joined forces on Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beyond celebrating football’s biggest tournament, the song will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative seeking to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
Speaking about the creative journey behind the project, Shakira said the collaboration came together naturally, but Burna Boy’s involvement elevated the song to an entirely new level.
“It was very easy to come up with the melody, the lyrics, the concept, and then obviously when I had Burna Boy recorded, that was like the cherry on top. I always wanted to do something with Burna, and I think that his voice just takes it to another level.”
The partnership brings together two of the most influential artists from different corners of the global music industry. While Shakira remains one of Latin music’s most recognisable figures, Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s biggest exports, helping to push Afrobeats and Afro-fusion onto the world stage.
For Shakira, however, Dai Dai represents far more than a traditional football anthem. The singer explained that the song carries a deeper message of hope, resilience and empowerment for young people across the globe.
“The song is much more than a World Cup song. It is a message for every child who has been told that their dream is too big, and a reminder that every champion was once a child who may have gone through hardship and struggle. There was always someone behind that child who believed in them, and that is why they did not give up.”
The singer also stressed the importance of using the global platform of the FIFA World Cup to draw attention to issues affecting children and future generations.
“At a time when the world feels divided and the algorithm manipulates us all, it is important that we come together, focus on children, and place them at the centre of the conversation and make them the real protagonist here.”
The collaboration adds another remarkable chapter to Shakira’s long-standing relationship with football. Over the years, the award-winning artist has become synonymous with major international tournaments, producing some of the most memorable football anthems in modern history. With a music catalogue spanning 12 studio albums and global hits such as Hips Don't Lie, she remains one of the most successful female artists of her generation.
For Burna Boy, the project further underscores his growing influence on the international music scene. Widely known as the “African Giant,” the Port Harcourt-born star has built an impressive career through critically acclaimed releases, including the Grammy-winning Twice as Tall and the chart-topping I Told Them....
With eight studio albums to his name and numerous international accolades, Burna Boy has become one of the leading voices of contemporary African music, helping to introduce global audiences to the richness and diversity of Afro-fusion sounds.
Excitement surrounding Dai Dai is expected to intensify as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues. Fans are also eagerly anticipating the tournament’s final, where Shakira and Burna Boy are scheduled to co-headline a historic halftime show.
The performance is expected to blend music, sport and social impact on one of the world's biggest stages, reinforcing the campaign’s message that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn and succeed. Through their collaboration, both artists hope to inspire a new generation while using football’s universal appeal to drive meaningful change.