Nigerian singer Burna Boy recently shared that British musician Ed Sheeran was instrumental in securing his collaboration with Shakira for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, Dai Dai. In an interview with Capital FM, Burna Boy explained that Sheeran reached out to him directly to initiate the project, a prospect he found immediately appealing due to his interest in working with the Colombian superstar.
Sheeran also took the time to warn Burna Boy about the intensity of performing at the World Cup final. Recognizing that large-scale events can be stressful, Sheeran provided a timely heads-up so the Nigerian artist could mentally prepare. Burna Boy expressed deep admiration for Sheeran, describing him as a highly professional and thoughtful collaborator.
The song, which also lists Alexander Castillo as a writer, faced a brief wait as Shakira noted she held out for 20 days for Burna Boy to complete his verse. Her patience paid off, as she later praised his contribution for elevating the anthem to new heights. The track, titled Dai Dai, serves as the 2026 World Cup anthem and focuses on themes of unity and resilience.