Key Takeaways
- Burna Boy collaborated with Shakira on the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai
- Ed Sheeran played a key role in initiating the collaboration and is credited as a songwriter on the song
- Burna Boy praised Ed Sheeran's thoughtfulness and professionalism
Burna Boy, the Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, has opened up about his experience working with Shakira on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai. In a recent interview with Capital FM, Burna Boy revealed that British pop star Ed Sheeran was the one who brought him on board for the project. Ed Sheeran, who is credited as one of the songwriters on Dai Dai, alongside producer Alexander Castillo, reportedly called Burna Boy to work on the World Cup song, and the Nigerian singer jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with Shakira.
Burna Boy recalled that Ed Sheeran had given him a heads-up about the pressure of performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, warning him about the scale of the event. Ed Sheeran's warning was not unfounded, as Burna Boy has spoken publicly about the stress he experiences when performing at high-profile events. Despite this, Burna Boy described Ed Sheeran as one of the most thoughtful people he has worked with, praising his personality and professionalism.
The Collaboration
The collaboration between Burna Boy and Shakira on Dai Dai was a highly anticipated one, with Shakira revealing that she waited 20 days for Burna Boy to submit his verse for the World Cup anthem. However, the wait was worth it, as Shakira described Burna Boy's contribution as the “cherry on top”, saying his vocals elevated the song to “another level”. The song, which celebrates resilience, unity, and inner strength, brings together two global music stars for one of football's biggest stages.
Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. With its uplifting message and catchy melody, the song is sure to resonate with football fans around the world. As the World Cup approaches, fans can look forward to hearing Dai Dai played on the biggest stage in football.
Why This Matters
The collaboration between Burna Boy and Shakira on Dai Dai is a significant one, as it showcases the global reach and appeal of African music. The fact that Ed Sheeran played a key role in initiating the collaboration is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural divides. As the world comes together to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dai Dai is sure to be an anthem that inspires and uplifts fans from all over the globe.