Shakira practiced for this Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2010 opening ceremony with her signature hip-shaking moves, but this time it was to the tune of the official World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) at a school in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
After her short performance at the Isu-lihle primary school, Shakira shared some personal stories from childhood and then tried to teach the kids the Waka Waka dance, wrote AP.
The 33 year-old singer recently collaborated with Mango, a Spanish fashion company that helped design t-shirts with African-inspired logos like “This time for Africa,” and “Waka Waka,” were part of the Waka Waka campaign. Proceeds collected from the sales of t-shirts will go towards childhood education initiatives, according to Shakira’s official website.
“The true spirit of this World Cup means making a lasting contribution. We can add to its legacy by using this historic moment as a platform to advocate for quality education for South Africa’s children, and an end to poverty and inequality wherever it exists,” wrote Shakira.
The official FIFA World Cup song was a joint effort between members of a popular South African band called Freshlyground, who have a radio show, and Shakira. The group said on their website, “...we feel that the song [Waka Waka] captures the spirit and energy of the African World Cup. We are certain the song will inspire people around the world to celebrate the gathering of nations at the place where it all started. Here in Africa!”
Freshlyground is said to have a scheduled pre-tournament performance in Soweto Stadium on June 10th, and again on June 11th, just before the kick off. Other artists that will perform at the opening ceremony will be: John Legend, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, K’Naan and plenty others. The whole list of performers can be viewed at FIFA’s official site, www.FIFA.com.
After her short performance at the Isu-lihle primary school, Shakira shared some personal stories from childhood and then tried to teach the kids the Waka Waka dance, wrote AP.
The 33 year-old singer recently collaborated with Mango, a Spanish fashion company that helped design t-shirts with African-inspired logos like “This time for Africa,” and “Waka Waka,” were part of the Waka Waka campaign. Proceeds collected from the sales of t-shirts will go towards childhood education initiatives, according to Shakira’s official website.
“The true spirit of this World Cup means making a lasting contribution. We can add to its legacy by using this historic moment as a platform to advocate for quality education for South Africa’s children, and an end to poverty and inequality wherever it exists,” wrote Shakira.
The official FIFA World Cup song was a joint effort between members of a popular South African band called Freshlyground, who have a radio show, and Shakira. The group said on their website, “...we feel that the song [Waka Waka] captures the spirit and energy of the African World Cup. We are certain the song will inspire people around the world to celebrate the gathering of nations at the place where it all started. Here in Africa!”
Freshlyground is said to have a scheduled pre-tournament performance in Soweto Stadium on June 10th, and again on June 11th, just before the kick off. Other artists that will perform at the opening ceremony will be: John Legend, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, K’Naan and plenty others. The whole list of performers can be viewed at FIFA’s official site, www.FIFA.com.
