Shakira

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Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) album cover

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

Shakira

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehh!
Viva Africa (Otra, otra)
Viva Africa (Otra, otra)
Viva Africa (Otra, otra)
Viva Africa (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
If you fall get up, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
'Cause this is Africa

[Chorus: Shakira]
Tsamina mina, eh, eh
Waka waka, eh, eh
Tsamina 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 them, 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
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

[Chorus: Shakira]
Tsamina mina, eh, eh
Waka waka, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa-a-a
Tsamina mina, eh, eh
Waka waka, eh, eh
Tsamina 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, eh, eh
Waka waka mah, eh, eh
Zonk' izizwe mazibuye
'Cause this is Africa
[Bridge]
Tsamina mina, Anawa-a-a
Tsamina mina
Tsamina mina, Anawa-a-a

[Chorus: Shakira]
Tsamina mina, eh, eh
Waka waka, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa-a-a
Tsamina mina, eh, eh
Waka waka, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

[Post-Chorus: Shakira]
Django, eh, eh
Django, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa-a-a
Django, eh, eh
Django, eh, eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa-a-a

[Outro: Shakira]
This time for Africa
This time for Africa
We're all Africa (Zama qhela)
We're all Africa (Kwela kwela)
Zama qhela

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Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) is the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and it was performed by none other than the Colombian singer Shakira, featuring Freshlyground - a South African group. The catchy tune was an instant hit all over the world and garnered huge attention and love not just from the football fans but from music lovers too. Despite the controversy surrounding the fact that it wasn't sung by a South African native, the song was successful in achieving its aim of entertaining people around the world.

When you listen to Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), the first thing that hits you is the electrifying vibe and the blend of African rhythms and Latin pop elements. According to Shakira, the song represents the spirit of the African continent and how it relates to the spirit of football. The song is captivating, and it's no wonder it held the number one position on the record charts in various countries.

About Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

To create Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), Shakira incorporated some uniquely African elements, such as the guitar instrumental, which is a South African rendition. She also included a chorus, which is a sample taken from an old Cameroonian song called "Zangaléwa," composed by a band known as Golden Sounds. Shakira worked with the South African group, Freshlyground, who added their distinctive musical flavor to the song, providing the perfect blend between two cultures.

Shakira wrote the lyrics of the song in English, Spanish, and a few phrases in a Nigerian dialect known as "Fang." The lyrics express the message of hope and unity for a better Africa, and it's sung with conviction, making it an inspiring anthem for the people of the continent.

One unique aspect of Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) is the fact that the song is multilingual, with lyrics written in three different languages. The song is not only entertaining but also educational as it exposes people to the linguistic diversity that the African continent is known for.

Shakira performed the song during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which took place in South Africa, and her performance was a spectacle that got the crowd on their feet. This performance remains one of the most memorable moments in football competitions because of the enthusiasm that the song drew from the audience.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) has won several awards and nominations, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video and the Billboard Latin Music Award for Hot Latin Song of the Year. The song has also been covered by different artists worldwide, proof of its universality and appeal.

Conclusion

Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) is more than just a song; it is a cultural icon, a unifying force, and an inspiring message of hope for the people of Africa. Shakira crafted the song perfectly, seamlessly fusing African and Latin elements into an upbeat, multilingual tune that transcends boundaries and resonates with people worldwide. The song is a testament to the fact that music is a language that unites and transcends language barriers, and it's no wonder Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) continues to be a favorite worldwide.

  • Release Date: May 7, 2010
  • Artist: Shakira