Shakira immerses herself in the lively energy of the 2010 South Africa World Cup by honoring the unique and colorful birds of Swaziland in her newest track.
Are you searching for the perfect summer anthem to pump up your workout playlist? Look no further than Shakira, the talented Colombian songstress known for her hip-shaking moves. In collaboration with South African band Freshlyground, she delivered the infectious 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song, “WAKA WAKA (This Time for Africa).” This catchy track is bound to make you groove, so don’t confuse it with Fozzie Bear’s catchphrase or the retro tunes of Pac-Man. The chorus features a snippet from Zangalewa, a popular song by Cameroonian group Zangalewa, which is also the rallying cry of their national team (Senegalese rapper Awadi also pays homage in his hit “Zamouna”). By incorporating this song into her discography, Shakira continues the tradition of FIFA World Cup anthems. Let’s take a moment to revisit the iconic official songs from past tournaments.
Known as “Boom” by Anastacia, this song received a solid nine out of 10 Park Ji-Sung ratings. Anastacia’s powerful vocals, combined with a catchy beat, made this anthem a fan favorite during the tournament. It was a perfect choice to pump up the crowds and players alike, setting the tone for an unforgettable World Cup. Looking back, “Boom” remains a timeless classic that brings back memories of that exciting time in football history.
Anastacia’s track “Boom” has been rated four out of 10 Ronaldinhos. It’s a wild blend, featuring vocals that bring to mind a forgotten album from C&C Music Factory. This song is perfect for the Germany ’06 playlist.
Celebrate the Day by Herbert Gronemeyer is a solid pick, earning a strong 7 out of 10 in Miroslav Klose’s rating system. Gronemeyer, a top-selling German-language artist, brings a soft rock vibe that sets him apart. While some may think of David Hasselhoff at first, Gronemeyer’s fusion of African rhythms gives him a unique edge, influencing later artists such as Shakira and Vampire Weekend. Although he may not reach the legendary status of artists like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, Gronemeyer holds his own in the music industry. Alongside Gronemeyer’s hit, this year’s World Cup soundtrack also includes K’naan’s Waving Flag, a track that rivals “The Cup of Life” as the ultimate sing-along anthem. This song has quickly become the summer anthem, even being endorsed by a major cola brand.
