Do you know that Burna boy and Shakira have teamed up for the next global anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Another W in the chat for Nigeria!
But this isn’t Nigeria’s first time on the main pitch! Our superstars have been stamping their names at massive football arenas for years.
Let’s talk about it:
- Davido
In 2022, Davido gave us goosebumps as he featured on one of the official songs of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, titled “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)”. He performed alongside Trinidad Cardona and Aisha at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
- Burna Boy
Before he linked up with Shakira for the 2026 anthem, Burna Boy had already been making history in the football space. In 2023, he became the first African artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final kickoff show in Istanbul. Performing a medley of “Last Last” and “It’s Plenty,” he turned the Atatürk Olympic Stadium into a giant rave before Manchester City lifted the trophy.
- Tems
In July 2025, Tems became the first African artist to headline the FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show. Performing at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, she shared the stage with global giants like Doja Cat and J Balvin.This became a statement that Nigerian women are leading the global sound.
- Rema
While not a “tournament” in the traditional sense, the Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual stage in football. In 2023, Rema took “Calm Down” to Paris, performing for the world’s best players, including Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. Seeing the world’s elite footballers vibing to a boy from Benin City was a “pure vibes” moment for the books.
- Yemi Alade
You can’t talk about football and music without mentioning Mama Africa. Yemi Alade brought her signature energy to the 2024 AFCON opening ceremony in Ivory Coast. Performing the official theme song “Akwaba,” she reminded everyone that when it comes to continental pride, nobody does it quite like her.
- The Fan Festival Kings: Kizz Daniel & Patoranking
We can’t talk about the 2022 World Cup In Qatar without mentioning the vibes at the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha. While they weren’t on the main pitch, these two held down the “Afrobeats Residency” at Al Bidda Park. Kizz Daniel had 50,000 people screaming “Buga” on November 23, while Patoranking brought the reggae-dancehall heat with “Abule” on November 28. They proved that even off the pitch, Naija music is the life of the party.
And now in 2026, we are on the verge of another major FIFA moment with “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, announced as part of the official FIFA World Cup music lineup. The song is expected to be released on May 14th.
