Entertainment
Shakira Explains Why She Chose Burna Boy for 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem
Global music icon Shakira has revealed why Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy was her top choice for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, saying she wanted a powerful masculine voice to complement the song’s Afrobeat-inspired sound.
Speaking during an interview on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, which aired on July 8, the Colombian singer explained that the energy of the World Cup and the musical direction of the track made Burna Boy the perfect collaborator.
SEE ALSO: Burna Boy Breaks Record as Africa’s Top-Grossing Concert Artist
According to Shakira, she knew the song needed a strong male vocal to balance its vibrant sound.
“Once I had the song, I felt that I really needed a male vocal, a male voice in the song. The World Cup carries a big male energy, and I wanted someone who could bring that very masculine voice in this Afrobeat setting,” she said.
She described Dai Dai as a fusion of Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms and elements of R&B, noting that Afrobeats remains the song’s dominant influence.
Shakira also disclosed that she had admired Burna Boy’s artistry for years and had always hoped to collaborate with him.
“I always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him,” she said.
The Grammy-winning singer revealed that although Burna Boy initially delayed sending his verse for nearly 20 days, she remained hopeful that the collaboration would come together.
“It took a while. I was waiting for 20 days for him to send something, and I thought maybe he wasn’t going to do it,” she recalled.
However, she said the wait was worth it after the Nigerian star eventually delivered what she described as the “perfect” contribution.
“But then he sent his magic, and it was absolutely perfect. His voice works so well on this song. I couldn’t imagine anybody else on it.”
Shakira further admitted she was determined to have Burna Boy featured on the track.
“I was so obsessed about having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him,” she added.
Dai Dai served as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was first performed by Shakira and Burna Boy during the tournament’s opening ceremony on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The pair later reunited for the historic first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Uganda’s renowned dance group, Ghetto Kids.
The collaboration marked Shakira’s latest contribution to FIFA World Cup music since the global success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010, while Burna Boy’s appearance further cemented Afrobeats’ growing influence on the international stage.
Entertainment
Davido Set to Headline London’s Crystal Palace Bowl Concert
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to headline the “Davido & Friends” concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The highly anticipated concert is part of the Palace Bowl Presents summer festival series in the United Kingdom.
SEE MORE: Fresh Trouble For Davido As Alleged Daughter Accuses Singer of Threats
Davido had earlier announced the event on his social media platforms, describing it as his first-ever festival performance in the UK and his only outdoor show in London this summer.
The singer will be joined on stage by a lineup of artistes including Omah Lay, Black Sherif, Gabzy, T x C, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Ecool, Morravey and Boi Chase.
According to the official Palace Bowl Presents website, the event is scheduled to begin with doors opening at 3 p.m., while the concert is expected to end at 10:30 p.m.
Ahead of the performance, Davido on Wednesday shared promotional artwork for the concert on his Instagram Story, featuring a “SOLD OUT” banner and expressing his excitement about the upcoming London show.
The sold-out event is expected to attract fans of the Nigerian music star and other Afrobeats performers for an evening of live music at the iconic Crystal Palace venue.
Entertainment
2Baba, Annie Spark Reunion Buzz With Surprise Instagram Move
Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, and his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, have sparked fresh speculation about their relationship after following each other again on Instagram.
The development has caught the attention of fans, coming more than a year after 2Baba publicly announced their separation and revealed that they were filing for divorce.
Checks on Monday showed that the former couple, who had previously unfollowed each other on Instagram, are now following each other again.
SEE ALSO: 2Face Remarries, Holds Traditional Wedding With Natasha Osawaru (Photos)
The move has triggered speculation across social media, with some fans wondering whether the development could signal a possible reconciliation between the two.
Annie has also reportedly reverted to the name Annie Idibia on Instagram after recently changing it to Annie Macaulay, adding further fuel to the growing speculation.
However, neither 2Baba nor Annie has confirmed that they are planning to reconcile or revive their marriage.
The latest development comes after years of public scrutiny surrounding the couple’s relationship.
2Baba announced in January 2025 that he and Annie had been separated for some time and were “currently filing for divorce.”
The announcement generated widespread reactions, particularly given the couple’s long and sometimes turbulent relationship.
The singer initially deleted the post amid claims that his Instagram account had been hacked but later confirmed that he was responsible for the announcement.
2Baba and Annie’s relationship dates back to the early years of the singer’s career. Annie featured in the music video for his hit song African Queen, and the pair eventually got married in 2013.
They held two wedding ceremonies, with their traditional wedding taking place in Akwa Ibom State and their white wedding held in Dubai.
Their marriage subsequently faced several public controversies, including disputes surrounding 2Baba’s relationships with other women and his children from previous relationships.
In 2021, their marital crisis attracted significant public attention after Annie accused 2Baba of travelling to the United States to spend time with Pero Adeniyi, the mother of some of his children.
Despite the challenges, the couple remained together and renewed their vows in 2023 to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.
Their relationship later suffered another major setback, eventually leading to 2Baba’s separation announcement in 2025.
Following the separation, 2Baba went on to marry Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.
While the latest Instagram connection does not confirm a reunion, it has nevertheless reignited discussions about the possibility of 2Baba and Annie making peace.
Entertainment
Tonto Dikeh Unveils New Ministry Amid Renewed Christian Faith
Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has unveiled a new spiritual movement, the New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle (NWPT), marking a new chapter in her increasingly public Christian journey.
Dikeh announced the new movement on Sunday through her Instagram page, describing NWPT as an interdenominational altar and a “global movement of consecrated believers” called to experience the power, purity and presence of God.
SEE ALSO: After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
The movement is anchored on the biblical passage in Mark 2:22, which speaks about new wine being put into new wineskins.
According to the actress, NWPT was established to provide a platform for prayer, revival, spiritual training and transformation.
Its vision is to promote a global awakening of believers committed to their faith, with the aim of transforming nations and advancing the Kingdom of Christ.
The movement also stated that its mission includes building an interdenominational altar of prayer and revival, equipping believers, activating spiritual gifts, encouraging soul winning and promoting spiritual freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.
However, Dikeh stressed that NWPT is different from a conventional church.
“This is not a church; it is an intense gathering of those consecrated and equipped for the purposes of God,” the announcement stated.
The new movement is expected to hold weekly fellowship every Friday at 6pm.
The development comes months after Dikeh became increasingly open about her Christian faith. She began signing some of her social media posts as “Ada El-Roi” and became active in Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD community.
In December 2025, the actress also shared a testimony at Streams of Joy International Church, where she spoke about overcoming struggles including smoking, alcohol addiction, masturbation and prolonged anger.
Dikeh said she started smoking at the age of 13 and credited God with delivering her from the struggles.
The actress, who ventured into politics in 2022 as a governorship running mate in Rivers State, has continued to attract public attention with developments in both her personal and professional life.
Earlier in 2026, she reflected on her turbulent marriage to her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised separation.
The pair later reconciled publicly, bringing an end to their long-running feud.





