Waka Waka

It's easy to recall how enormous "Waka Waka" (also known as This Time For Africa) was at the time of its debut. The song's stunning 3 billion views on YouTube is the finest tribute to the World Cup marketing strength, even if many people think that this song is one of the weakest soccer-sounding in tournament history.

Given how crazy Shakira's lyrics can be in the best of ways, it's sad that such a massive song was constrained by such predictable composition. However, since it features Shakira and South African duo Freshlyground, it remains a banger that we cannot get off our heads eleven years later.

The aforementioned Freshlyground lifts the song's middle section, albeit the music loses points later on as the artists instantly undermine it with a cringe-inducing "we are all Africa '' theme. (That is essentially what Waka Waka is about). Listening to it today, in 2022, we realize that it talks about the attention South Africa had during that tournament in a rather condescending way. Still, you cannot deny that it is a pleasant song to play before football games.

Artist: Shakira ft. Freshlyground

Album: Sale et Sol

Release year: 2010