How Shakira & Burna Boy's 'Dai Dai' Was Born, As Told by Sony Music Exec

Since its release in May, just ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, “Dai Dai,” the official anthem featuring Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, has emerged as a defining global hit. The track’s fusion of Afrobeats, dance-pop, reggaetón, and world music elements reflects the diverse artistic backgrounds of its creators, crafting an energetic sound that resonated worldwide during and after the month-long soccer tournament.

The song's lyrical content embraces the unifying and motivational spirit of football, aligning with the international event’s ethos. More than a mere soundtrack, “Dai Dai” has been positioned as a vehicle for social impact. Notably, Shakira has committed all her royalties from the song to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative striving to raise $100 million to support education and sports resources for children globally. Complementing this philanthropic effort, Sony Music pledged to match the fund's initial $250,000 donation, underscoring the song’s broader mission beyond entertainment.

“Dai Dai” made history by becoming the first World Cup song to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart as of early July 2026, a notable achievement highlighting its widespread appeal. It subsequently ascended to the summit of the Billboard Global 200, maintaining its dominant presence on both charts weeks after the conclusion of the tournament, with Spain securing the championship title. Its sustained success marks it as the leading global single for a sixth week on the Global 200 and a ninth week on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.

The song’s creation was deeply intertwined with the unique platform provided by the FIFA World Cup. Shakira’s longstanding association with the tournament, combined with her dedication to educational causes through partnerships like Global Citizen, created a natural synergy for the project. Sony Music’s leadership, including U.S. Latin division head Esteban Geller, emphasized that the song was crafted not simply as a sporting anthem but as a bridge connecting music, football, and social engagement on an unprecedented scale.

Collaborations with FIFA, Global Citizen, and various creative teams ensured that “Dai Dai” integrated seamlessly into the World Cup experience. It was designed to be more than a temporary theme; it became a cultural thread woven into the event’s fabric, engaging fans through live performances, digital content, and social media activations. This multifaceted approach helped the song transcend traditional music audiences, appealing to football fans and younger demographics worldwide.

Critical to the song’s impact was its ability to unite diverse audiences. Shakira’s global popularity, combined with Burna Boy’s rising international profile, created a powerful cross-cultural alliance. The official music video amplified this message visually, featuring prominent football personalities alongside the artists and the Ghetto Kids, which helped connect the song’s themes with youth and sports communities.

Post-tournament, “Dai Dai” has not seen its momentum wane. Instead, the team behind it has continued to cultivate engagement through new versions, including a Spanish-language rendition aimed at deepening its reach within Spanish-speaking markets. This strategic release sequence allowed the English version to anchor the World Cup moment while the Spanish version extended the song’s lifecycle, inviting fresh audiences to connect with its message.

The legacy of World Cup anthems is significant, with previous hits like Shakira’s own “Waka Waka” and “La La La” becoming enduring cultural touchstones. Industry insiders and Sony Music executives see “Dai Dai” as poised to join this illustrious lineage, not just as a soundtrack to a sporting event but as a lasting emblem of global unity, music innovation, and social responsibility linked to the World Cup brand.

Details about the song’s ongoing impact and future projects related to “Dai Dai” remain limited. However, the combined forces of high-profile artistic collaboration, an unprecedented global platform, and a commitment to meaningful social causes have positioned the track as a milestone in the intersection of music and international sports. As the World Cup continues to be a global cultural phenomenon, “Dai Dai” exemplifies how music can amplify its reach and legacy far beyond the field.