Burna Boy and Shakira perform the official anthem “Dai Dai” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Burna Boy has officially performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — and the moment was everything Nigerian music fans have been waiting for. The Lagos-born Afrobeats star took the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, alongside Colombian superstar Shakira, in front of over 80,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the world.

Shakira opened the performance, taking to the pitch and executing the choreography of “Dai Dai” — the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem — with her dancers before Burna Boy joined her on stage. The two danced together as the crowd roared, closing the song with “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Following the performance, plumes of red and green smoke erupted from the top of the stadium in a nod to the colours of the Mexican flag.

Shakira performs the tournament anthem with her choreography team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening festivities in Mexico City. Photo Credit: FIFA/Instagram

For Shakira, the performance was a return to the World Cup stage 16 years after “Waka Waka” became the defining cultural moment of the 2010 South Africa tournament. For Burna Boy, it was one of the biggest stages any Nigerian artist has ever stood on — performing the official anthem of the most watched sporting event on the planet.

The ceremony also featured Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion, with Alejandro Fernández performing the Mexican national anthem and Tyla delivering the South African anthem. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault also welcomed fans from around the world before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa got underway.

Shakira participates in the official on-field choreography rehearsal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Global artist Shakira performs the official anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy during the World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Gianni Infantino/Instagram

 

The post Watch Shakira & Burna Boy Perform “Dai Dai” at FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A three-panel portrait collage featuring Nigerian musicians Rema in a gold shearling vest, Ayra Starr in a black strapped outfit, and Burna Boy performing with a microphone.

If you have been jamming to “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy since it dropped on 15 May — and if you have watched the music video featuring Uganda’s Ghetto Kids — then we have some very good news for you. That song is just one piece of a much bigger project, and Nigeria did not stop at one feature. The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album drops tomorrow, 5 June, and it turns out four Nigerian artists made the cut on what FIFA has described as the most extensive multi-track music initiative ever created for a World Cup.

Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” with Shakira serves as the official song of the tournament and the theme for the FIFA Education Fund, with songwriting credits that include Ed Sheeran among others. Rema follows with “Goals,” a collaboration with Thai rapper and singer Lisa and Brazilian singer Anitta that brings Afrobeats, K-pop, and Latin pop together on one track — released on 21 May and already doing numbers. Davido features on “No Place Like Home” alongside electronic music collective Major Lazer and Canadian pop icon Nelly Furtado, while Ayra Starr rounds off Nigeria’s representation with “Show Me,” alongside American rapper Latto.

The album’s full 18-track lineup also features the likes of Future and Tyla, Stormzy, The Rolling Stones, Daddy Yankee, and 21 Savage.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is available to pre-save now across all major streaming platforms and releases in full tomorrow, 5 June 2026. Set your reminders.

The post Rema, Davido, Burna Boy & Ayra Starr Fly Nigeria’s Flag on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Album appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Three members of the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids executing a synchronised mid-air dance routine on stage at the Oslo Business Forum. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

If you have spent any time on the internet over the last few years, chances are you have come across the Ghetto Kids. The Ugandan dance group’s high-energy performances have a definitive way of stopping people mid-scroll. Recently, the group brought their signature choreography to “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy.

As the world prepares for their upcoming appearance alongside Shakira at the World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, here are five essential facts about the Kampala creators who made it to football’s ultimate stage.

They grew up in the Katwe slums of Kampala

Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids began in the Katwe slums of Kampala, Uganda. Kavuma’s foundation has provided shelter, nutrition, and education to street children since 2007, using music, dance, and drama as a sustainable pathway to a better life. The group currently supports 60 children between the ages of 4 and 16, all coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

A group portrait of the Ghetto Kids dance group from Kampala posing outdoors in matching green, yellow, and black patterned tracksuits. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

A viral 2014 video changed everything

The group first secured international attention after a homemade dance routine to Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo‘s hit track “Sitya Loss” went viral online. Their digital footprint expanded significantly in 2017 when they teamed up with Rwanda-born choreographer Sherrie Silver for a routine to Angolan musician Dotorado Pro’s Afro-house track “Marimba Rija,” gathering over 25 million views and establishing a permanent global audience.

They made Britain’s Got Talent history

The Ghetto Kids became a global talking point when they earned a Golden Buzzer mid-performance on Britain’s Got Talent—marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the buzzer was pressed before an act had even finished their routine. The moment introduced their story to a massive European audience and ultimately propelled them to the competition’s finals.

They have commanded global stages for years

Their upcoming stadium performance is part of a long history of high-profile appearances. The group famously featured in French Montana’s multi-platinum “Unforgettable” music video, performed at events during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and made their Norwegian debut at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2025. Their accolades include an AFRIMMA Award, a YouTube Creators Award, and official recognition from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Ghetto Kids delivering their debut performance in Norway at the Oslo Business Forum, incorporating traditional African props into their routine. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

They are co-starring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The group’s relationship with Shakira evolved from a viral dance challenge they created for one of her tracks, eventually landing them a featured slot in the official Hannah Lux Davis-directed music video for “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy. Now, Shakira has confirmed the Ghetto Kids will join her live on stage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for the halftime show on 19 July—placing the Kampala dancers in front of a global television audience expected to exceed one billion viewers

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post 5 Things to Know About Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Ahead of Their 2026 World Cup Final Performance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

The post 6 Million Views in 24 Hours! IShowSpeed’s Unofficial “World Cup” Anthem Goes Viral appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram 

If you have been counting down to the World Cup and listening to “Dai Dai” on repeat, the good news is that you can now head straight to Shakira’s YouTube channel to watch the official music video. The Colombian pop icon and Burna Boy have officially dropped the highly anticipated visuals for their mega-collaboration, and it is already pulling in massive numbers online. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video splits its breathtaking scale between the sun-drenched streets of Miami and a stunning sequence with Shakira perched right on top of Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence.

While the track is a certified summer bop, the insane star power in this video has everyone talking. Serving as the official anthem for the tournament and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the visuals feature huge cameos from football royalty. Keep your eyes peeled because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Rodri all make major appearances, adding some serious sports authority to the global track.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Despite the multi-million dollar football roster, the absolute heart and soul of the video belongs to Uganda’s phenomenal Triplets Ghetto Kids. The dance troupe is featured heavily right from the opening frames, delivering their unmistakable pace alongside Shakira in a dramatic desert landscape set against a massive Baobab tree.

Their inclusion brings a raw African dance spirit to the screen, completely stealing the show and grounding the video’s theme of global unity. Burna Boy delivers his verses with effortless charisma, showing once again why he is a premier global performer.

Watch below

The post The Ghetto Kids Just Became the Best Part of Shakira & Burna Boy’s New Video for “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Uganda’s Ghetto Kids dance group pose together in matching green, yellow, and patterned Ankara-inspired outfits. Photo Credit: @ghettokids_tfug/Instagram

Africa’s footprint on the 2026 FIFA World Cup just got even bigger! Colombian pop star Shakira has invited Uganda’s Triplet Ghetto Kids to perform with her at the tournament’s final halftime show.

Shakira shared the news in a video message to fans, explaining her vision to make the performance unique by bringing together different dance talents from around the world. She confirmed that the Ugandan dance group is among those officially invited to join her on stage.

During the show, Shakira is expected to perform “Dai Dai,” the official tournament anthem she recently released featuring our very own Burna Boy.

The Ghetto Kids, founded by Dauda Kavuma in Kampala, have gained international recognition over the past decade for their choreography. The dance group previously featured in French Montana’s “Unforgettable” music video, performed during festivities at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and reached the finals of Britain’s Got Talent.

The announcement adds to a strong lineup of African talent confirmed for the tournament. Alongside Burna Boy’s feature on the official anthem, Nigerian singer Rema and South African artist Tyla are scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post Uganda’s Ghetto Kids to Perform with Shakira at 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

The wait is over. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira have released “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. It is Burna Boy’s first time on an official FIFA World Cup anthem, and Shakira’s second — her first being the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

“Dai Dai” is a nearly four-minute track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón into a chorus that rallies in five languages — Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian — with the words “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Lyrically, it is a love letter to football and the people who play it. Shakira opens with “You knew from the day you were born, that here in this place you belong,” while Burna follows with “Go follow your desire, where there’s a will there’s a way.” The pair also shout out the legends — Maradona, Maldini, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Messi — as well as participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Royalties from “Dai Dai” will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children across the world with access to quality education and football.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes well beyond the official anthem. A record 10 African teams have qualified for this tournament — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. On the performance side, Tyla and Rema will also perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and wraps on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS. Dai Dai will almost certainly soundtrack all of it.

Listen to “Dai Dai” below

The post Listen to Burna Boy & Shakira’s Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Shakira and Burna Boy have partnered for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, “Dai Dai”. The track, which serves as the lead anthem for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026.

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and from 11th June 2026 to 19th July 2026, football fans all around the world will be glued to their screens for the largest edition of the tournament yet. But before then, we have a song that we will be jamming to—as a matter of fact, we are already jamming to it. The “Queen of World Cup Anthems,” Shakira, is back, and this time she has teamed up with our very own African Giant, Burna Boy, for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song titled “Dai Dai.”

Both artists shared a 67-second teaser in a joint Instagram post filmed at the Maracaná Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. In the clip, Shakira appears on the pitch wearing a yellow top and blue skirt while holding the “Trionda,” the official match ball for the 2026 tournament.

The song pulls together Caribbean rhythms, Latin pop, and Burna Boy’s Afrobeats sound into something built for stadium singalongs, football celebrations, and those moments when entire crowds start chanting together without needing instructions. It also mirrors the international spirit of the tournament itself, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico serving as host nations.

The full song arrives globally on 14th May 2026, but the teaser alone already has people online singing the “Oe, oe, oe” chorus. The track also moves between English and Spanish lyrics centred around unity and togetherness,

The full song is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026. While we have only heard snippets so far, the chorus featuring the classic football chant “Oe, oe, oe” alongside English and Spanish lyrics about unity has already gained significant traction online. Shakira, who previously delivered anthems like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014, expressed her excitement on social media, saying: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!” FIFA also shared the clip, echoing the sentiment with a simple: “We’re ready!”

Watch below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post Afrobeats Meets Football! Burna Boy Joins Shakira for the Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Song “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Burna Boy and Shakira perform the official anthem “Dai Dai” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Burna Boy has officially performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — and the moment was everything Nigerian music fans have been waiting for. The Lagos-born Afrobeats star took the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, alongside Colombian superstar Shakira, in front of over 80,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the world.

Shakira opened the performance, taking to the pitch and executing the choreography of “Dai Dai” — the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem — with her dancers before Burna Boy joined her on stage. The two danced together as the crowd roared, closing the song with “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Following the performance, plumes of red and green smoke erupted from the top of the stadium in a nod to the colours of the Mexican flag.

Shakira performs the tournament anthem with her choreography team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening festivities in Mexico City. Photo Credit: FIFA/Instagram

For Shakira, the performance was a return to the World Cup stage 16 years after “Waka Waka” became the defining cultural moment of the 2010 South Africa tournament. For Burna Boy, it was one of the biggest stages any Nigerian artist has ever stood on — performing the official anthem of the most watched sporting event on the planet.

The ceremony also featured Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion, with Alejandro Fernández performing the Mexican national anthem and Tyla delivering the South African anthem. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault also welcomed fans from around the world before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa got underway.

Shakira participates in the official on-field choreography rehearsal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Global artist Shakira performs the official anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy during the World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Gianni Infantino/Instagram

 

The post Watch Shakira & Burna Boy Perform “Dai Dai” at FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A three-panel portrait collage featuring Nigerian musicians Rema in a gold shearling vest, Ayra Starr in a black strapped outfit, and Burna Boy performing with a microphone.

If you have been jamming to “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy since it dropped on 15 May — and if you have watched the music video featuring Uganda’s Ghetto Kids — then we have some very good news for you. That song is just one piece of a much bigger project, and Nigeria did not stop at one feature. The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album drops tomorrow, 5 June, and it turns out four Nigerian artists made the cut on what FIFA has described as the most extensive multi-track music initiative ever created for a World Cup.

Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” with Shakira serves as the official song of the tournament and the theme for the FIFA Education Fund, with songwriting credits that include Ed Sheeran among others. Rema follows with “Goals,” a collaboration with Thai rapper and singer Lisa and Brazilian singer Anitta that brings Afrobeats, K-pop, and Latin pop together on one track — released on 21 May and already doing numbers. Davido features on “No Place Like Home” alongside electronic music collective Major Lazer and Canadian pop icon Nelly Furtado, while Ayra Starr rounds off Nigeria’s representation with “Show Me,” alongside American rapper Latto.

The album’s full 18-track lineup also features the likes of Future and Tyla, Stormzy, The Rolling Stones, Daddy Yankee, and 21 Savage.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is available to pre-save now across all major streaming platforms and releases in full tomorrow, 5 June 2026. Set your reminders.

The post Rema, Davido, Burna Boy & Ayra Starr Fly Nigeria’s Flag on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Album appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Three members of the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids executing a synchronised mid-air dance routine on stage at the Oslo Business Forum. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

If you have spent any time on the internet over the last few years, chances are you have come across the Ghetto Kids. The Ugandan dance group’s high-energy performances have a definitive way of stopping people mid-scroll. Recently, the group brought their signature choreography to “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy.

As the world prepares for their upcoming appearance alongside Shakira at the World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, here are five essential facts about the Kampala creators who made it to football’s ultimate stage.

They grew up in the Katwe slums of Kampala

Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids began in the Katwe slums of Kampala, Uganda. Kavuma’s foundation has provided shelter, nutrition, and education to street children since 2007, using music, dance, and drama as a sustainable pathway to a better life. The group currently supports 60 children between the ages of 4 and 16, all coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

A group portrait of the Ghetto Kids dance group from Kampala posing outdoors in matching green, yellow, and black patterned tracksuits. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

A viral 2014 video changed everything

The group first secured international attention after a homemade dance routine to Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo‘s hit track “Sitya Loss” went viral online. Their digital footprint expanded significantly in 2017 when they teamed up with Rwanda-born choreographer Sherrie Silver for a routine to Angolan musician Dotorado Pro’s Afro-house track “Marimba Rija,” gathering over 25 million views and establishing a permanent global audience.

They made Britain’s Got Talent history

The Ghetto Kids became a global talking point when they earned a Golden Buzzer mid-performance on Britain’s Got Talent—marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the buzzer was pressed before an act had even finished their routine. The moment introduced their story to a massive European audience and ultimately propelled them to the competition’s finals.

They have commanded global stages for years

Their upcoming stadium performance is part of a long history of high-profile appearances. The group famously featured in French Montana’s multi-platinum “Unforgettable” music video, performed at events during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and made their Norwegian debut at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2025. Their accolades include an AFRIMMA Award, a YouTube Creators Award, and official recognition from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Ghetto Kids delivering their debut performance in Norway at the Oslo Business Forum, incorporating traditional African props into their routine. Photo Credit: Triplets Ghetto Kids/Instagram

They are co-starring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The group’s relationship with Shakira evolved from a viral dance challenge they created for one of her tracks, eventually landing them a featured slot in the official Hannah Lux Davis-directed music video for “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy. Now, Shakira has confirmed the Ghetto Kids will join her live on stage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for the halftime show on 19 July—placing the Kampala dancers in front of a global television audience expected to exceed one billion viewers

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post 5 Things to Know About Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Ahead of Their 2026 World Cup Final Performance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

The post 6 Million Views in 24 Hours! IShowSpeed’s Unofficial “World Cup” Anthem Goes Viral appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram 

If you have been counting down to the World Cup and listening to “Dai Dai” on repeat, the good news is that you can now head straight to Shakira’s YouTube channel to watch the official music video. The Colombian pop icon and Burna Boy have officially dropped the highly anticipated visuals for their mega-collaboration, and it is already pulling in massive numbers online. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video splits its breathtaking scale between the sun-drenched streets of Miami and a stunning sequence with Shakira perched right on top of Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence.

While the track is a certified summer bop, the insane star power in this video has everyone talking. Serving as the official anthem for the tournament and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the visuals feature huge cameos from football royalty. Keep your eyes peeled because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Rodri all make major appearances, adding some serious sports authority to the global track.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Despite the multi-million dollar football roster, the absolute heart and soul of the video belongs to Uganda’s phenomenal Triplets Ghetto Kids. The dance troupe is featured heavily right from the opening frames, delivering their unmistakable pace alongside Shakira in a dramatic desert landscape set against a massive Baobab tree.

Their inclusion brings a raw African dance spirit to the screen, completely stealing the show and grounding the video’s theme of global unity. Burna Boy delivers his verses with effortless charisma, showing once again why he is a premier global performer.

Watch below

The post The Ghetto Kids Just Became the Best Part of Shakira & Burna Boy’s New Video for “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Uganda’s Ghetto Kids dance group pose together in matching green, yellow, and patterned Ankara-inspired outfits. Photo Credit: @ghettokids_tfug/Instagram

Africa’s footprint on the 2026 FIFA World Cup just got even bigger! Colombian pop star Shakira has invited Uganda’s Triplet Ghetto Kids to perform with her at the tournament’s final halftime show.

Shakira shared the news in a video message to fans, explaining her vision to make the performance unique by bringing together different dance talents from around the world. She confirmed that the Ugandan dance group is among those officially invited to join her on stage.

During the show, Shakira is expected to perform “Dai Dai,” the official tournament anthem she recently released featuring our very own Burna Boy.

The Ghetto Kids, founded by Dauda Kavuma in Kampala, have gained international recognition over the past decade for their choreography. The dance group previously featured in French Montana’s “Unforgettable” music video, performed during festivities at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and reached the finals of Britain’s Got Talent.

The announcement adds to a strong lineup of African talent confirmed for the tournament. Alongside Burna Boy’s feature on the official anthem, Nigerian singer Rema and South African artist Tyla are scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira)

The post Uganda’s Ghetto Kids to Perform with Shakira at 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

The wait is over. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira have released “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. It is Burna Boy’s first time on an official FIFA World Cup anthem, and Shakira’s second — her first being the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

“Dai Dai” is a nearly four-minute track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón into a chorus that rallies in five languages — Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian — with the words “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Lyrically, it is a love letter to football and the people who play it. Shakira opens with “You knew from the day you were born, that here in this place you belong,” while Burna follows with “Go follow your desire, where there’s a will there’s a way.” The pair also shout out the legends — Maradona, Maldini, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Messi — as well as participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Royalties from “Dai Dai” will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children across the world with access to quality education and football.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes well beyond the official anthem. A record 10 African teams have qualified for this tournament — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. On the performance side, Tyla and Rema will also perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and wraps on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS. Dai Dai will almost certainly soundtrack all of it.

Listen to “Dai Dai” below

The post Listen to Burna Boy & Shakira’s Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Shakira and Burna Boy have partnered for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, “Dai Dai”. The track, which serves as the lead anthem for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026.

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and from 11th June 2026 to 19th July 2026, football fans all around the world will be glued to their screens for the largest edition of the tournament yet. But before then, we have a song that we will be jamming to—as a matter of fact, we are already jamming to it. The “Queen of World Cup Anthems,” Shakira, is back, and this time she has teamed up with our very own African Giant, Burna Boy, for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song titled “Dai Dai.”

Both artists shared a 67-second teaser in a joint Instagram post filmed at the Maracaná Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. In the clip, Shakira appears on the pitch wearing a yellow top and blue skirt while holding the “Trionda,” the official match ball for the 2026 tournament.

The song pulls together Caribbean rhythms, Latin pop, and Burna Boy’s Afrobeats sound into something built for stadium singalongs, football celebrations, and those moments when entire crowds start chanting together without needing instructions. It also mirrors the international spirit of the tournament itself, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico serving as host nations.

The full song arrives globally on 14th May 2026, but the teaser alone already has people online singing the “Oe, oe, oe” chorus. The track also moves between English and Spanish lyrics centred around unity and togetherness,

The full song is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026. While we have only heard snippets so far, the chorus featuring the classic football chant “Oe, oe, oe” alongside English and Spanish lyrics about unity has already gained significant traction online. Shakira, who previously delivered anthems like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014, expressed her excitement on social media, saying: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!” FIFA also shared the clip, echoing the sentiment with a simple: “We’re ready!”

Watch below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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The post Afrobeats Meets Football! Burna Boy Joins Shakira for the Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Song “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The first wave of AI tools taught machines to respond. The current wave is teaching them to act. Across the...

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Banks are no longer discussing artificial intelligence (AI) as a distant possibility. It is already moving into analytics, risk, fraud,...

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The anxiety is understandable. Generative AI tools have become genuinely capable in a short period of time; global headlines about...

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For many Nigerians, the side hustle is not optional. It is how rent gets paid, school fees get sorted, and...

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