Johannesburg/South Africa — Released on May 7, 2010, Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” featuring South African band Freshlyground, served as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa. The track, co-written by Shakira and producer John Hill, became a global commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries and selling millions of copies worldwide.
The song incorporates a direct sample of the chorus from the 1986 Cameroonian makossa track “Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)” (also known as “Zangaléwa”) by the band Golden Sounds, who later renamed themselves Zangaléwa after the song’s popularity. The borrowed chorus includes the lines “Tsamina mina eh eh / Waka waka eh eh / Tsamina mina zangalewa / ‘Cause this is Africa.”
Origins of the Original Song
Golden Sounds formed in 1984 in Cameroon, with core members including Jean Paul Zé Bella, Victor Dooh Belley (also known as Guy Dooh), Emile Kojidie, and others who were members of the Cameroonian Presidential Guard. The group performed in military-style outfits with comic elements, such as padding to exaggerate physical features.
“Zangaléwa,” released in 1986 as part of a makossa album, blended Cameroonian rhythms with multilingual lyrics incorporating elements of Fang/Ewondo, French, Douala, and pidgin English. The song became a major hit across Africa and gained popularity in Colombia through West African DJs, where Shakira has stated she first encountered it as a child.
Approximate translations of key phrases include:
– “Tsamina mina” or “Zamina mina”: “Come” or “Come on.”
– “Waka waka”: “Do it” (perform the task).
– “Zangaléwa”: Roughly “Who called you?” in Ewondo.
The track has been described as having satirical elements referencing military life, soldiers’ experiences, and possibly paying tribute to African tirailleurs (skirmishers) who served in World War II, while incorporating humor and social commentary.
Commercial Impact and Credits
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” topped charts in countries including Germany, France, Sweden, and Spain. A Spanish-language version, “Waka Waka (Esto es África),” was also released. As of available data, the official music video has accumulated billions of views on YouTube. Songwriting credits include contributions from members of Golden Sounds/Zangaléwa.
Shakira performed the song at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert and the closing ceremony.
Sampling and Resolution
Following the release, the use of the chorus prompted public discussion and accusations of insufficient initial credit. Members of Golden Sounds/Zangaléwa, including Guy Dooh and Jean Paul Zé Bella, along with their manager, held a press conference stating there was no plagiarism and that the song had been readapted under an agreement with Shakira’s team and Sony Music. An out-of-court settlement was reached, with reports indicating financial compensation and publishing arrangements for the original creators.
The chorus of “Zangaléwa” itself has roots in older military marches, with some sources tracing similar elements back to World War II-era traditions.
“Waka Waka” remains one of the most recognized FIFA World Cup anthems, bridging Cameroonian musical heritage with global pop audiences through Shakira’s adaptation and Freshlyground’s contribution.
