In celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Shakira traveled abroad to South Africa, where she performed the South African national anthem and revealed the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song in a music video in early June. Performing “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” Shakira’s signature hip moves are all over the video that features cameos from soccer stars like Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Rafael Marquez, Gerard Pique and Carlos Kameni.

“The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that’s what this song is about,” Shakira said. Get Shakira tickets online today if you want to help this Colombian native celebrate the global union of FIFA World Cup with a live performance today!

Performing alongside international stars like Alicia Keys, John Legend, Juanes, the Parlotones, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS and others, the kick-off concert celebration was captured live on VEVO from Soweto and Johannesburg, South Africa. Following the event on June 10th in which Shakira donned a one-of-a-kind Roberto Cavalli number, the international musician rested for a few weeks before heading to Great Britain for a slot at the Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, UK. The festival set is just one of many that Shakira will be participating in this year, though September will see her on a full blown tour throughout North America.

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” also inspired Shakira to partner with MANGO, a Spanish based retail chain with stores in 100 different countries, by wearing an African inspired shirt that sold during the World Cup Tournament. The designer item visually represents the 2010 FIFA World Cup host continent with brilliant colors and the phrase “This Time for Africa.”

“The true spirit of this World Cup means making a lasting contribution,” she said. “We can add to its legacy by using this historic moment as a platform to advocate for quality education for South Africa’s children, and an end to poverty and inequality wherever it exists.” Part of the shirt proceeds, which sold worldwide starting the day of the kick-off concert, goes towards Shakira’s own organization, the Barefoot Foundation, which helps education initiatives for young children in South Africa.

Born in Barranquilla, Columbia, Shakira Mebarak first found success in Latin America, taking cues from her Columbian mother, Lebanese father and her love for English rock and roll. She started singing and writing songs at an early age, winning local talent competitions and earning a Sony recording contract by 13. She found fame with her 1995 release Pies Descalzos, the first album that Shakira personally took control of by infusing her Latin background with rock inspirations.

Next came 1998’s Donde Estan los Ladrones, her first with Emilio Estefan as producer and manager, which became her biggest international hit at the time. After Cialis picking up a few Latin Grammy Awards and the first Spanish MTV Unplugged awards ceremony, Shakira worked on her first English album (2001’s Laundry Service) that helped to give her crossover success.

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Category: Music
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