Soccer Extreme : "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is a song by Colombian singer Shakira. It features South African band Freshlyground. It is the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, along with its Spanish language version, titled "Waka Waka (Esto es África)". Released on May 11 for digital download, the song has received generally positive critical reception, and has become a worldwide hit.It was later included on Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album, released on May 31. "Waka Waka" was performed by Shakira and Freshlyground at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert in Soweto on June 10. It was also sung at the opening ceremony, before the South Africa vs. Mexico match in Soccer City Stadium on June 11, and will be performed at the final on July 11.
"Waka Waka" is based upon a traditional African soldiers' song named Zangalewa, a 1986 makossa hit for Cameroonian group Golden Sounds. It appears Shakira reinterpreted the song without permission of the band, and after legal intervention by the band, an undisclosed deal was struck with Sony Music.
The song was officially chosen as the anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. About this, Shakira said "I am honored that 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' was chosen to be part of the excitement and the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that’s what this song is about." Shakira added that "African music is so inspiring and is poised to take its place on the global pop culture stage. I was proud to be able to work with one of South Africa's most acclaimed groups, Freshlyground. Through "20 Centers for 2010" and 1GOAL, FIFA and its partners have committed to creating a lasting legacy of education for all – an issue that has been close to my heart for many years".
About the collaboration, Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground said that "We are thrilled to have collaborated with Shakira on 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', especially as we feel that the song captures the spirit and energy of the African World Cup. We are certain the song will inspire people around the world to celebrate the gathering of nations at the place where it all started. Here in Africa!"
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" debuted at number forty-three on the June 17, 2010 chart of the Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-three on Hot Digital Songs, with selling of 56,000 Digital downloads, becomes Shakira second-highest debut on the chart. "Waka Waka" also debuted at No.47 on Hot Latin Songs and No.35 on Latin Pop songs. On the successive week, June 19, 2010 it becomes Greatest Gainer, with peak position 26 on Hot latin Songs and No. 11 on Latin Pop song, and debuted on Tropical Song at 37.On the Canadian Hot 100, the song debuted at No.65 on the May 29, 2010. Then on the June 19, 2010 "Waka Waka" re-entered at 72 as Best-Comeback. On the successive week, it jumps up sixty position and peaked at 14 with 298% increase.On the European Hot 100, "Waka Waka" debuted at 88 and currently peaked at number two, becomes Shakira second highest peaked song on the chart, after Hips Don't Lie.
"Waka Waka" debuted at number twenty-three on Australian Physical Singles Chart on June 14,2010 and currently peaked at number six. On June 21,2010 the make debuted at number thirty-nine on Australian Top 50 Singles Chart and number thirty-seven selling 2,750 copies. This become Shakira ninth top 50 single on the Aria single chart.
Shakira, wearing a dress by Gaultier Paris and a Cartier ringThe single has become a worldwide hit with No.1 spots in 17 countries including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and host country South Africa. According to Colombia Record Label, "Waka Waka" cross 27,000 legal digital downloads in Mexico alone. AFStereo's Aircheck said that "Waka Waka" was played 518 times on 30 of the radio stations it monitored, as well as six television channels in May Month. (Wikipedia)
Music video by Shakira featuring Freshlyground performing Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)