The song was renamed ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’, with FIFA making the announcement that it was the tournament’s official song on May 5.
They agreed to credit Zangalewa and began working out details for a financial compensation. In an interview with Cameroon Tribune, which ran a special report on the controversy, Ze Bella, the leader of the defunct group declared that while they were proud that a “world music icon” had remixed their song as the World Cup anthem, they nonetheless expected to be properly credited and adequately compensated….įaced with the barrage of worldwide negative publicity Sony and Shakira (probably with the prodding of FIFA which did not want anything that could mar the World Cup) quickly settled. Golden Sounds would later change its name to Zangalewa.Īccording to Bakwa Magazine, the group was alerted to Shakira’s song, originally titled ‘Zaminamina’, and the striking similarities ahead of the World Cup:
‘Zangalewa’ was released in 1986, and was also popular in Shakira’s native country, Colombia. I was alerted to this via a TikTok video that did the rounds on Twitter, which has since been deleted, but here are the basics. The song is inspired by a popular training and rallying cry used by soldiers, policemen, and others in parts of Africa. Just a minor detail to point out, though – calling it Shakira’s song isn’t exactly on the money, given that ‘Waka Waka’ is an almost identical copycat of ‘Zangalewa’, a song by The Golden Sounds, a Cameroonian group comprising mostly military members. Throw in some K’Naan, with ‘ Wavin’ Flag‘, and a few chords from Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’, and I’m transported back to those magical days. There’s a solid chance that I can turn around an average day by watching Siphiwe Tshabalala’s magical left foot rocket home the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shocking Details Of South Africa’s $10 Million Bribe To Secure The 2010 World Cup.WATCH LIVE: Sports Minister Fikile Is Addressing The FIFA Bribe Story Right Now.Trevor Noah Teams Up With Shakira In Latest Carpool Karaoke.SA Youth Choir On 'America's Got Talent' Smashed Their Latest Performance.