The Meaning Behind The Song: Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira and Freshlyground
Shakira, a Colombian singer-songwriter, once said that music has the power to unite people of different cultures and backgrounds. Her hit song, Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), is an excellent example of this statement. It became the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and instantly became a global sensation, stirring people all over the globe. The combination of the song’s upbeat tune and its lyrics meant much more than just a catchy tune. So, what is the meaning behind this song by Shakira and Freshlyground? Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
The Origin of the Song
In 1986, there was a song called Zamina Mina by Cameroonian singer Golden Sounds that became very popular in Africa. This song had a catchy tune and was about bringing people together. However, it was not until 2010 that Waka Waka grabbed the world’s attention as it picked up from where Golden Sounds left off. Shakira and Freshlyground modernized the song and conveyed the same message of bringing people together but on a much larger scale.
The song’s lyrics were written by Shakira and the South African group Freshlyground. The song reflects the unity and spirit that engulfed the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It is a call to the world to come together in unity and celebrate Africa’s culture, diversity, and passion for soccer.
The Message: Celebrating the African Spirit
Waka Waka’s lyrics are South African with a blend of Spanish, Shakira’s native language. The opening lines of the song, “You’re a good soldier, choosing your battles, pick yourself up and dust yourself off and back in the saddle,” are a call for courage and resilience. The song highlights the power of teamwork and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and ambitions, no matter how difficult things may seem.
The chorus of the song, “Tsamina mina eh eh, Waka Waka eh eh, Tsamina mina zangalewa, this time for Africa,” is a celebration of Africa’s spirit. The word “Waka” is from the Bantu language of Cameroon. It implies to move forward and walk in rhythm. The phrase “zangalewa” in the chorus is also a Cameroonian dance term that expresses joy, excitement, and enthusiasm.
The song and its lyrics show the world a different side of Africa. In many places around the world, Africa is seen as a continent ravaged by poverty and disease. Shakira and Freshlyground communicate a message of hope that highlights the richness of African culture and diversity. Waka Waka teaches everyone to look beyond the stereotypes and celebrate the joys of African life.
A Reminder to Be Grateful
The song’s bridge is where Shakira recognizes that the beauty of life lies in its ups and downs. She emphasizes that tough struggles and challenges teach us to be grateful for what we have. The lyrics encourage gratitude and remind everyone to stay positive, even in adverse circumstances.
The song’s message is clear and straightforward: We are all transient beings in this world, and we should make the most of our time here. We should appreciate the present and not take anything for granted.
The song’s impact worldwide
Waka Waka became a colossal hit in South Africa and around the world after its release in 2010. The song topped music charts worldwide, and the accompanying music video is the eighth most-watched video on YouTube, with over 2.8 billion views. Its popularity and the attention it brought to Africa cemented its reputation as a global anthem and the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Waka Waka’s success was a demonstration of the power of music to connect people from different parts of the world. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Shakira said, “I wanted to bring joy and cheerfulness to South Africa and around the world, and Waka Waka as a song was the perfect avenue to deliver that message.”
Conclusion
Shakira’s Waka Waka was a unifying song that transcended borders and brought people together worldwide. It teaches everyone to appreciate life’s ups and downs and to remain upbeat and positive always. The song was not only an expression of Africa’s diverse culture and strength but also a message to the world to put aside differences and come together in the name of peace, sport, and harmony. As Shakira once said, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”
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