Shakira and the World Cup go way back. Through the years, Shakira’s music has served as the backdrop of many FIFA tournaments. Her connection to the tournament goes beyond music itself; it led her to her relationship with Gerard Piqué and her two kids, Sasha and Milan.
In an interview with Noticias Caracol, Shakira talked about the connection she feels with the tournament, which goes beyond music. “For me, it’s been my destiny as an artist and a person,” she said.
“To think that without ‘Waka Waka,’ I wouldn’t have met the father of my children. Maybe I wouldn’t have these two kids that life has given me and that have been the best thing that have happened to me. They’re my Waka babies,” she said with a laugh.
“They came to the world through that song. Which was a magical song in my life, in terms of my career and my musical history.”
Shakira and Piqué met on the set of the “Waka Waka” music video, ahead of the South Africa World Cup.
“It all started when we were together in South Africa and I wrote to her,” he said in an interview with TV3. “She was already there because she sang in the opening ceremony, and I asked her what the weather was like. She started telling me what the weather was, like, every minute, and it got to the point where I told her we [the Spanish team] would have to get to the World Cup final to see her again — she was singing at the final.” Spain went on to win the World Cup, with Shakira and Piqué beginning their relationship amid celebrations.
Shakira also talked about her new song, “Dai Dai,” marking her third World Cup song, a journey that began in 2006 with “Hips Don’t Lie.”
“The song has a meaning that’s more special than any other because it serves a purpose,” she said.
Shakira revealed that the intent of the song is to raise funds for children in need and is made in partnership with the “We Are Ready” campaign. “The importance of investing in children’s education and providing them with opportunities so that they’re the champions of tomorrow. I want that to be what steals the show on that World Cup final stage.”
© Getty Images for MTVMore details about the incoming World Cup final
As we enter the quarterfinals, which kick off tomorrow, we near the end of the World Cup. The final match is scheduled for July 19th, and will be played in the New York/New Jersey stadium.
Shakira will be performing with Madonna, BTS, and Coldplay, a moment that she’s called a dream. “That’s life,” she said. “We’re all so close and connected. Singing alongside Madonna is an honor.”
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