Waka Waka: What Has World Cup Festivities Really Done for Africa?
With the close of the World Cup just behind us, we’re still congratulating modern times on its enlightened diversity. More Black players than ever ran up and down the fields, playing in a country that, despite its troubled racial history, is actively working toward equality for all its citizens. In fact, the World Cup’s star-studded opening ceremony featured a large number of artists of color, all centered around Shakira singing the official World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” The beautiful Shakira gave the flawless performance we’ve come to expect from her. But after the applause died down, many wondered why an African wasn’t on that stage, “this time for Africa.”
Shakira’s fair skin and bottle-blond hair separated her from most of the people on the continent, but you can’t say homegirl isn’t trying. “Waka Waka” samples a 1986 song called “Zangaléwa” from the Cameroonian group Golden Sounds. Shakira undoubtedly heard it growing up, since it got all of Africa and parts of Latin American—including Colombia—dancing in the 80’s. She covered all bases by recording the song with the popular South African band Freshlyground. When she and Freshlyground took the stage a month ago to kick off the World Cup, Shakira donned an animal-print cutout leotard and grass skirt. Her dancers came in all shades, creating Bishop Tutu’s projection of a Rainbow Nation. The band, the outfit, the dancers, and the sample are all a nod to Africa and the diaspora; she wouldn’t have heard “Zangaléwa” in the first place if West African DJs hadn’t made their way to Colombia. Shakira’s no fool– a sugary pop confection simply won’t work when the World Cup is held on African soil for the first time.
But maybe her detractors have a reason to be upset. It’s no small thing that the World Cup finally came to Africa, and as one of the event’s many prominent faces, it would’ve felt like change had truly come if Shakira were African, or at least brown. The assumption seems to be that Africa provides great subject matter but Africans in and of themselves just aren’t interesting. Hollywood makes this mistake all the time; rarely are African actors used in movies about Africa. Once again, Africans are left out of their own representation. Her animal-print and grass skirt getup (designed by none other than Roberto Cavalli) is an obvious reference to where she is, but it’s blind to the fact that while many modern Africans incorporate traditional elements in their everyday wear, most save the head-to-toe ethnic outfits for special occasions. It came off as insensitive and dated, almost like the lily-white Bo Derek sporting cornrows thirty years ago.
The question “why Shakira?” usually comes with a second question: “why not K’naan?’ He’s a critical, if not a commercial success in his own right. Born in Somalia, K’naan is the artist some feel has more claim to the official anthem. He recorded his own song for the World Cup celebrations “Waving Flag.” His song is less popular than the upbeat “Waka Waka”, but it gets its share of play as the official song of the Coca-Cola’s World Cup program.
Many of the complaints against Shakira’s being chosen are valid, but they leave out her superstardom. It’s easy to notice the prominent African artists who got passed over for the job (Hugh Masekela, Meshell Ndegeocello) but it’s just as easy to see why she was chosen. The World Cup is a huge event that needs a huge star to get people excited and Shakira is just that big. She’s sold upwards of fifty million albums worldwide, sells out concerts and won heaps of awards. Add that to the fact that teams from Spanish-speaking countries tend to dominate the World Cup—only Latin American and European teams have ever won—and it’s not hard to see why she was picked. It’s up to us to decide if her contribution to the celebration is about disregard for African input or a tribute to what Africa has to offer to the rest of the world.
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k’naan is extremely popular in Canada As soon as you open the radio you hear his waving flags songs like a 100 times per day lol
I did not know him but my buddy wants us to see him in concert Why not? Lyrics of waving flags are nice and the rhythmn as well
It would have been amazing if the gorgeous Nneka Egbuna would have been able to do it. Sure, Shakira is a world star with celebrity power, but people were going to watch the world cup REGARDLESS, so why not spotlight an African in Africa? Not like people wouldn’t have watched the world cup if she hadn’t performed, it’s just a great part of the entertainment surrounding it not integral. It could have MADE an African’s career whereas it’s just another performance for her. And this is from someone who really likes Shakira, I’m not saying it to say she doesn’t deserve to hit the stage.
I can understand having the headliner be African if it was the African Cup, but for the World Cup I am assuming they want the person with the most cross over appeal. Still as a matter of National or African pride for hosting the event it would of been nice to have an African artist do the honors.
I truly enjoy listening to both songs. Personally, I think these artists represent diversity and culture nicely. After all, it is the WORLD Cup. As stated in the article, it’s how you want to perceive it. Shakira not wearing a dress designed by an African designer seems very insignificant to me compared to how many other benefits Africa will receive and prosper from for hosting the World Cup. I’m more surprised that your article did not mention the selection of R.Kelly and the song Victory. While listening to Victory, I wasn’t concerned if he was wearing clothes by an African designer but that it is a beautifully written song and represents Africa well. Although, I enjoy listening to Victory very much I had to put my personal feelings of R.Kelly aside.
It’s obvious that the main goal for the organizers of the event was to bring awareness, have a meaningful, diverse impact which encourages unity among Africa and the rest of the world. At least to me anyway.
No one was asking for a completely African line up, if the World Cup was hosted in North America or Europe, someone from either of those places would have headlined. And Freshlyground seemed more like part of the back up dancers than anything else.
The World Cup has made me so proud to be African. I mean, many Africans in general are very proud people and we have love for our individual nations but having the World Cup in South Africa made me so proud especially because all of the individual teams were really doing their best out there. I like the “Waka Waka” song, but only the chorus and the part by the lead singer of Freshlyground… The video is a lot like how some African music videos are so, that’s always good. However, Freshlyground seemed kind of peripheral to Shakira in the video. Look at the LP cover. They’re all in the background and they look kind of minor compared to Shakira’s huge head. =/
P.S.
K’naan’s song is amazing. Makes me so proud to hear it and I wave my flag proud.
I like K’naan. After hearing his Waving Flag song, I looked up more songs from him.
I like the music I’ve heard so far. I also like Shakira’s song. Cant get it out my head.
And like some previous posters before me said: This is the ‘world cup’. The whole world is watching this tournament. African music isnt that global, and so are African artists. Yes, it would’ve been nice for some exposure, but Shakira made the song. But come on, at least she had some African singer sing a hook on the song. I dont know who she is, but her squeaky voice stood out. I’m sure she got googled.
Ok let me backtrack. I can only think of Fela Kuti, Yassour N’Dour, Akon (though westernized) and thats all I can think of. But yeah….
And Nneka and Asa and Ayo and TKZ and P Square and Angelique Kidjo etc
This line of thought is so tired, whiney, passé and the very reason a lot of people now roll their eyes, no longer care about people’s ‘racial’ gripes, or have grown hesitant to even try. With over 20,000 temporary and permanent jobs, improvements in infrastructure and the ‘chance’ to boost the country’s economy and generate revenue – one would think most would be happy South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 World Cup, oh but noooo! Some people are never satisfied and will find something to complain about no matter what. Again, the event was the WORLD Cup, not the Africa Cup.
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Article: “Shakira’s fair skin and bottle-blond hair separated her from most of the people on the continent…”
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*rolls eyes*
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Article: “…it would’ve felt like change had truly come if Shakira were African, or at least brown.”
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*rolls eyes* again. Shakira is brown!! Geeez!
The overwhelming majority of Columbians are mestizo/mixed/AmerInd and Shakira is ½ Columbian/½ Arab (Lebanese).
“I’m a fusion between black and white, between pop and rock, between cultures – between my Lebanese father and my mother’s Spanish blood, the Colombian folklore and Arab dance I love…” – Shakira
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Article: “It’s easy to notice the prominent African artists who got passed over for the job (Hugh Masekela, Meshell Ndegeocello).”
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Michelle Lynn Johnson aka Me’Shell NdegéOcello is American, not African, and she was raised in Washington, D.C.
I agree on all points you have raised( I was wondering about Meshell myself) and I have no issue with Shakiras looks, As an African living in the issue remains it would have been nice to showcase an African artiste for once with all the negativity that surrounds Africa it would have been a positive boost. BTW Freshly Ground were added as an afterthought after Africans threatened to boycott the concert citing lack of african representation plus the musical line up for the show was also tweaked last minute to showcase more African artistes after it came to light that there were very few African artistes sharing the stage with world stars like Shakira, Alicia Keys and Black eyed peas. The World cup was in Africa and that means it’s a chance for Africa to sell itself to the world.
Second, Sony who gave the song to Shakira did not bother getting in touch with the original group it was only after the fact came to light did they rush and pay the Zangalewa group some money.
I didn’t know that there was an issue with Shakira singing the official world cup song. Personally I like K’naan’s song better. To Akai*, Shakira is so not Brown. Not all latin americans are mixed and just because someone is hispanic doesn’t mean they’re brown. Shakira is so White.
Yeah, I’m just going to ‘say’ it…more to the point is IMO both this article and naysayers complaining about Shakira come off as straight up bigots. I’m not saying they are, but that is how things are coming off.
Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas also performed in Soweto to kick off the World Cup and neither Keyes nor any member of the Peas are African. They are American yet, for some ‘strange’ reason, they were spared the bricks and criticism leveled at Shakira!? …bigoted…bigoted…bigoted! Maybe my response will be deleted but it’s the honest truth and anybody with integrity knows it!
Also, the article contained the question “Why not K’naan?” In addition to claiming the American Me’Shell NdegéOcello as a “prominent African artist” that got passed over, what was that about? I ask because K’naan was included and he performed on the same daggone stage as Shakira, so I was like…”Whaaat?”
It’s things like this that shows how some people look for/make up things to get upset over or level a charge of ‘racism’ about. This is unfortunate and makes me sad wondering if we’ll ever get to the point of seeing the best before ‘looking for’ the worst, and viewing things objectively sans the need to try to paint others as monsters or having foul motives.
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Elizabeth A wrote: “To Akai*, Shakira is so not Brown.”
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Why? Because you said so? Pshah! People have said as much about me plenty of times and their opinion was worth the same pot of piss.
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Elizabeth A wrote: “Not all latin americans are mixed…”
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Well, who stated otherwise? Wasn’t me as I seem to recall being pretty specific and stating that the overwhelming majority of Columbians were mestizo/mixed/AmerInd and that Shakira is ½ Arab.
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Elizabeth A wrote: “…just because someone is hispanic doesn’t mean they’re brown.”
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People get me with the antic of attempting to ‘school’ those who know themselves and their own better than an outsider, and sometimes know more about the outsider’s history/country than they do.
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Elizabeth A wrote: “Shakira is so White.”
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If you say so! You’re absolutely right. *sarcasm*
You have a point but I’m tired of this. K’naan song is really popular more popular than shakira’s song in some parts of the world. Why can’t we celebrate the fact that Africa got a chance to host one of the worlds greatest sporting events or the fact that Ghana reached the quarter finals? I’m tired of these poor me articles. Let’s celebrate how far Africans have reached instead of complaining about every little obstacle.
At first I thought it was a joke that Shakira was given the official song. But then I thought how much I myself liked Shakira and her hips dont lie moves and catchy songs. There is also room for other artists, and room for them to prove themselves as much as she has. The time she’s spent here she’s shown how humble and smart she actually is. Freshlyground were grateful to be featured, as they are not as well known, and have not been in the game as long as Shakira has. And by the way Zolani does not have squeaky voice – the way Alexandra put this is disrespectful, and just shows how much people around the world look down on Africans and African artists. She is one of the most recognisable and loved voices in South Africa and she and the band she headlines play to sold-out crowds. K’Naan’s song was always my favourite, but I have come to like Shakira’s version of Waka Waka because of how contagious and happy-making it’s been. Walking in the streets to go watch a match and listening to everyone sing this song? Priceless. That is going to be one of my best memories of this time.
Lastly, the author Desiree was worried about the Cavallli outfit. At first I thought it was ‘typical’ and clenched my teeth a bit, but then I also realised that paying homage to what is natural, simple and beautiful about Africa was also a good thing. We wear all kinds of things, and people and performers here are so varied. So really, had a South African worn the same thing, no-one would have said anything negative, unless it did not meet their style expectations. South Africans are extremely style-conscious and are up on the latest everything. They travel the world, and get goods from everywhere, including Cavalli. If you watched the closing ceremony you would have seen Zolani’s outrageous outfit, and Shakira once again in a very South African-inspired outfit. It’s all about getting the most visually arresting look, and she succeeded. She was beautiful, international and a star. (Zolani as well.)
as a South African, living in South Africa – honestly, I hate the song. I also prefer K’Naan’s song “Waving Flag”. I also had a problem with R.Kelly opening the world cup ceremony, yet great South African artists like Thandiswa were given like 2 seconds to sing old songs!!! I know it is a “World Cup”, and the goons at FIFA wanted international appeal, the soccer players that were playing are biggest stars in the world. that’s all the international appeal they needed – people came to watch the World Cup because of soccer!!! soccer is big in the rest of the world – unlike America!!!
It was a great event that we pulled off in South African style – even though FIFA and the British media tried to paint South Africa as badly as they could!!!! This is just the beginning for our people!!!!
correction: meshell ndegeocello is not african. she was born in berlin to black american parents and raised in d.c.
I have some issues with this argument,
Firstly it fails to mention Shakira’s significant relationship with the World Cup and Fifa organization. She has previously provided music for the organization, particularly for the last world cup in 06 with “hips don’t lie”. And while she’s a superstar, yes, it’s important to remember that she is a very INTERNATIONAL super star. She has had massive success throughout Latin America and the caribbean years before she became popular in the United States/North America, as well as in Europe, and those places happen to be the better consumers of all things Soccer (let’s face it, the only time Americans may care about futbol is {barely} the cup). So yeah, this was the world cup but it’s the FIFA world cup, so it makes sense that she was selected.
K’Naan unfortunately doesn’t have that background with the org., or at least enough for him to be the “official” songster.
and just a side note, Shakira has experienced just as much exoticizement and fetishment in the process of crossing over as a Latin American singer to the United States mainstream as anything “african” gets in our media. She is certainly not a member of the neutral majority as this article suggests, despite her appearance.
And lastly, this quote,
“Hollywood makes this mistake all the time; rarely are African actors used in movies about Africa. Once again, Africans are left out of their own representation. ”
As if hollywood is the only platform for African movies? What about the bustling and successful Nigerian movie industry that outbeats Hollywood and I think even Bollywood? This suggests that Africans depend on the Western media to represent them, and totally takes away their autonomy and power, which they have, with or without our media coverage. Assuming that just because we in the West don’t see African lead actors in movies about africa (Although I’d like to give a shout out to Djimon Hounsou in Blood Diamond…) means that they get left out of their representation or what have you is just as belittling as what you’re accusing the FIFA organization of doing. Plus is kinda silly considering Hollywood isn’t necessarily known for its authenticity (Coppola created shock waves and panic when he decided to use actors who were actually Italian or Italian American for the Godfather)
Yes, Africa has and probably will always be exoticized and some of that was prevalent in Cup media. But I’m not quite sure it has anything to do with Shakira, nor do I think that Africa needs American media to represent them for themselves. I was more over the whole “let’s incorporate random african culture in our shit” feel of “waka wakka” but i found it much better than Alicia Keys performing Empire State of mind (who the hell made that choice?) and at least it wasn’t another pity party invitation.
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Like most Europeans, I love football ( that is how we call it). The choice of Shakira was a mistake. I said to myself, ” What is this girl doing in South Africa?” She is not African and does not represent the continent.
The soccer players are big enough stars to attract the world’s attention to them. There was no need for her. I wanted to see an African artist to get world wide recognition on the stage of the biggest event of the world and I was disappointed.
If the World Cup was held in South America, never they would have put an African artist full center, they would have put their own people there. I say the same thing for Europe, North America and Asia.
It was time for Africa and its artists to shine and unfortunately, Africa did shine but I am sure that many South African artists were left in the cold. Not fair to them.
Hollywood is big and does help the career of many so it would be nice to see the studios giving a chance to young African actors too. I hate to hear fake African accents.
Once again, too many underestimate the value and talent of our people.
I don’t really get the point of complaining about what Shakira’s performance (aside from the grass skirts and animal print, that sounds like it could be offensive). The thing is Shakira is an internationally famous star. People all over the world love her. The World Cup is primarily about international unity, and the world coming together to enjoy something, the fact that it took place in S.A. is fantastic and should be celebrated, but it’s secondary. So it makes some sense that Shakira was picked, HOWEVER I do think they should have gone with a South African artist or an African artist. It would have been an excellent opportunity to bring some lesser known talent to light. This is the mistake of the organizers, not Shakira.
On another note: Shakira is a woman of color, and many people consider Colombians and Lebanese people to be brown, so just because she has fair skin doesn’t mean she isn’t brown. In fact, S.A. is so diverse that it’s entirely possible that they could have gotten a S.A. artist who was white to do the song. I wonder what the reaction to that would have been.