Discover how Shakira’s mega-hit song “Waka Waka” could have significantly boosted her impressive $300 million net worth.
Shakira, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripol, has had numerous hit singles that have become classics in their own right. With a music career spanning over three decades, she has solidified herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, blending Latin, pop, and rock sounds with her unique voice and dynamic dancing skills.
Although Shakira faced setbacks with her first two albums, “Magia” and “Peligro,” she persevered and found success with later records like “Pies Descalzos” and “Dónde Están los Ladrones.” While “Waka Waka” brought her immense popularity and recognition, it was not the starting point of her fame.
The question remains, how much financial gain did Shakira truly receive from “Waka Waka”? Despite its success with over 3 billion views on YouTube and 10 million global sales, Shakira’s journey towards stardom began long before the release of this iconic song.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa provided the perfect stage for Shakira’s song “Waka Waka” featuring Freshlyground to gain immense popularity. Shakira’s entry into the English market with her album “Laundry Service” paved the way for her hit singles “Whenever Whenever” and “Underneath Your Clothes” to sell over 20 million copies worldwide.
Despite the massive success of “Waka Waka” with over 3 billion views on YouTube and 10 million copies sold globally, controversy surrounded the song due to its origins. It was revealed that Shakira was not the original creator of the song, but rather it was written and performed by a group called “Golden Sounds,” later renamed to “Zangalewa.” This group, formed by the Presidential Guards of Cameroon, often dressed in military attire and used pillows to enhance certain parts of their bodies during performances.
South Africans, who were the hosts of the World Cup that year, expressed their frustrations by calling into the radio station “Talk Radio 702”. Radio host Jenny Crwys-Williams mentioned how she appreciated South Africans uniting and feeling proud that the World Cup was in Africa. They were questioning why they weren’t utilizing their own talented individuals for the event.
As reported by the New York Times, after claims surfaced about the creation of the song “Waka Waka,” Cameroonians took to social media to share their perspective on the matter. Jean Paul Zé Bella, speaking to Cameroon Tribune in 2010, expressed disappointment over the lack of proper payment for the use of their song by a global icon, despite being pleased with the remix.
Adding to the intrigue, Shakira addressed the issue in a press video, sharing her side of the story. She mentioned that the idea for the song’s first verse and pre-chorus came to her while walking through a farm in Uruguay, but did not elaborate on the inspiration behind the chorus.
Shakira’s successful music career has been financially rewarding, with reports indicating that she earned $12 million in 2012 as a judge on “The Voice.” However, her hit World Cup song “Waka Waka” sold over 20 million copies and achieved chart-topping success worldwide.
The hit song “Waka Waka” by Shakira was a huge success, although specific details about how much money she earned from it are hard to come by. According to Popnable, “Waka Waka” reportedly brought in an impressive sum of around $1.4 million.
Shakira is not only a talented singer but also a highly successful one. With a fortune of $300 million, she is considered one of the wealthiest musicians. Even if she were to stop working, she would still be wealthier than most multi-millionaires, as reported by Marca.
Interestingly, Shakira’s success with “Waka Waka” not only brought her money and fame but also led to a significant change in her personal life. Following her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Antonio de la Rua, whom she dated for 11 years, love found its way back to her.
After appearing in Shakira’s music video for “Waka Waka” in 2010, Spanish football star Gerard Piqué and Shakira got to know each other in the spring and began a relationship in 2011, despite their age difference of ten years. Despite having two sons, the couple unfortunately ended their relationship in June 2022, leaving fans disappointed and curious about their future.
Following the success of “Waka Waka,” Shakira continued to maintain her place in the spotlight by consistently releasing amazing songs and albums. Rather than fading away like some celebrities, Shakira proved her staying power in the music industry.
Recognized for her exceptional talents in songwriting and music, Shakira was honored with the Special International Award at the prestigious 2022 Ivor Novello Awards. Her musical prowess has also earned her numerous accolades, including a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, multiple Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Billboard Latin Awards.
In addition to being named the Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade by Billboard in 2009, Shakira’s global popularity continues to soar, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling musicians worldwide. With over two billion views on her YouTube videos, she ranks among the top three female artists in terms of viewership. Furthermore, Shakira holds the title of the most streamed Latin musician on Spotify.
Shakira’s hit song “Waka Waka,” chosen as the official theme song for the 2010 World Cup in Africa, not only garnered widespread acclaim but also brought her substantial financial success.