What makes Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira notable?

The song achieved remarkable commercial success, topping charts in over 15 countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. It played a significant role in promoting the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, thus solidifying Shakira's influence beyond music into cultural and sporting realms. Released in March 2010, 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' marked Shakira's ascent to international superstardom following her breakthrough album 'Laundry Service' in 2001. At this point, she was not only a beloved Latin pop star but also a prominent figure in the global music scene, leveraging her wide appeal as the official song for the FIFA World Cup.

How many songs are on Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)?

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

Shakira · 2010

6 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

An exuberant anthem fusing African rhythms with infectious pop melodies, celebrating unity and resilience on a global stage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (English version) — This track encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and hope, driven by its anthemic chorus and uplifting message tailored for the World Cup audience.
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Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (Freemasons club mix) — The Freemasons club mix transforms the original into an energetic dance floor staple, showcasing Shakira's versatility and broadening its appeal in nightlife settings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The song blends infectious pop with African rhythms, making it a standout anthem for unity during the World Cup.

What we noticed

The song features a prominent use of African percussion instruments, creating a rhythmic foundation that drives the track.
Shakira's vocals alternate between English and Spanish phrases, enhancing its global appeal and accessibility.
The chorus is highly repetitive and anthemic, designed to encourage audience participation during live performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single significantly boosted Shakira's global recognition during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Themes: FIFA World Cup spirit· African rhythms celebration· global unity anthem
Career context: Released in March 2010, 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' marked Shakira's ascent to international superstardom following her breakthrough album 'Laundry Service' in 2001. At this point, she was not only a beloved Latin pop star but also a prominent figure in the global music scene, leveraging her wide appeal as the official song for the FIFA World Cup.
Stylistic neighbors: Jennifer Lopez· Ricky Martin· Carlos Vives