Shakira’s FIFA World Cup song Waka Waka becomes global phenomenon

MUMBAI: In front of the world’s largest stage, Shakira and special guest Freshlyground performed the #1 Hit Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) to audiences in 215 countries with 700 million viewers during the closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Selling over a million singles has made Waka Waka the fastest-selling single and biggest-selling World Cup single of the digital age. The song is the #1 selling single in over 15 countries including Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

In addition, the official video for Waka Waka has seen nearly 100 million YouTube views and over 150 million of additional postings making it the #13 most watched video of all time and the #9 most watched music video.

Waka Waka’s success goes far beyond its popularity as a song, turning into a cultural phenomenon, as fans have taken to the streets to re-enact the now popular Waka Waka choreography in flash-mobs popping up across the world. The dance sensation swept through over 85 countries including Haiti, Chile, Taiwan, Sweden, Rome, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela and Colombia, resulting in thousands of fan participation events. Over 1400 videos of people dancing the Waka Waka can be viewed on YouTube, totaling over 400 million views from around the world.

Waka Waka has become the soundtrack to World Cup celebrations across the globe. Even Spain’s World Cup winning team celebrated by singing and dancing the Waka Waka.

BOC Editorial

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