The Journey of 'Dai Dai' and Shakira's Legacy in World Cup Music
Shakira's latest single, "Dai Dai," marks the fourth chapter in her illustrious history with World Cup anthems. Over the past two decades, she has become synonymous with the official musical offerings of the tournament, contributing to three consecutive editions. Her journey began with the iconic "Hips Don’t Lie" for the 2006 World Cup, followed by the unprecedented success of "Waka Waka" in 2010, which remains a landmark in both World Cup history and the realm of sports music. Shakira made her return in 2014 with "La La La," and now, she is poised to grace the global stage once again with "Dai Dai" for the much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June.
In an exclusive interview with Billboard Arabia, Benny Adam, the Moroccan artist and producer, shared insights into his collaboration on the song. The journey began unexpectedly through his close friend and renowned producer Alex Castillo, known as "AC," who serves as Shakira's music director. Benny Adam recounted that he had been working on an EP in Morocco, aiming to present Moroccan folk music in a modern context that could resonate globally. He sent some demos to AC for feedback, sensing that the project needed an external perspective to enhance its Moroccan cultural vision.
During his time in the studio with Shakira, AC played some of her songs, which sparked Shakira's considerable admiration for his work. This led her to request the use of two tracks from Benny Adam's EP for her upcoming releases. Moreover, she expressed interest in having him write and produce "Toplines" for the World Cup song, a request that opened the door for this exciting collaboration. After a few days, AC sent Benny Adam two instrumentals, which he recorded from his studio in Marrakech and shared via WhatsApp. To his surprise, he soon forgot about the entire project.
Months later, Benny Adam received a call from AC, informing him that he had been officially selected to participate in the World Cup anthem. The real shock hit when he saw the official announcement and realized that it was all becoming a reality. What fascinated him most about this collaboration was the fact that it all took place remotely, with communication happening solely through WhatsApp, eliminating the need for direct studio sessions with Shakira or her team due to scheduling constraints and artistic commitments. As he concluded the interview, he remarked on the uniqueness of the entire process, where a global project came to fruition without ever meeting face-to-face in a studio setting.
A Historic Collaboration and Its Cultural Significance
Shakira's return to World Cup music with "Dai Dai" not only showcases her enduring legacy but also highlights the significant contribution of Arab and Moroccan artists in the global music landscape. Benny Adam's involvement in writing and producing "Toplines" marks a historic moment as it represents the first Arab participation in official World Cup songs. This collaboration is a testament to the evolving nature of music production in the modern age, where geographical barriers are transcended, allowing diverse voices to come together to create a shared experience in celebration of sport and culture.
As reported by billboardarabia.com.
