"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is a song by Colombian singer Shakira. It is called "Waka Waka (Esto es África)" in Spanish. The song features the South African band Freshlyground. It was released on 7 May 2010 by Epic Records. "Waka Waka" was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was written, composed and produced by Shakira and John Hill. "Waka Waka" is a pop song.
The song got positive reviews from critics. It was controversial after many South Africans were disappointment that FIFA chose Shakira to sing the song. They said that it would have been better for a South African artist to perform it.[1] Many have also accused Shakira of plagiarism. They said that the chorus and melody are borrowed from the 1986 Cameroonian song "Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)" by Golden Sounds.[2][3] The members of the group and its manager later made an agreement with Shakira. They said that she simply readapted the song.[4]
"Waka Waka" peaked at number one on record charts of fifteen countries. It was the biggest song of 2010 in seven countries. The song is the seventh bestselling song of all-time in Switzerland[5] and the tenth in Belgium and France.[6][7][8] "Waka Waka" has sold 15 million downloads worldwide. It is one of the best-selling singles of all time.[9]
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