 |
| Image: Google |
Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has revealed that British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran played a significant role in helping him secure his collaboration with Colombian music icon Shakira on the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai.
The Afrobeats star made the revelation during a recent interview with Capital FM, where he spoke about his working relationship with Sheeran, describing the British musician as someone he deeply admires both professionally and personally.
According to Burna Boy, Sheeran’s support extended beyond music, as the award-winning singer also prepared him mentally for the pressure of performing at one of the world’s biggest sporting events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Sheeran Gave Early Warning
Reflecting on the experience, Burna Boy explained that Ed Sheeran reached out to him before the World Cup final performance to ensure he understood the magnitude of the event.
The Nigerian singer said Sheeran, who knows him well, felt it was important to prepare him for the demanding schedule and pressure that come with performing on such a global stage.
“He had to give me a heads-up like, ‘Yo, you’re going to have to perform at the finals.’ He knows me… he knows how I get down,” Burna Boy said.
“He knows the stress part is a bit crazy for me and stuff, so he gave me a heads-up. He was like, ‘Yo, it’s going to be real stressful.’”
The singer explained that Sheeran’s advice helped him approach the performance with the right mindset.
Praises Ed Sheeran
Beyond their musical collaborations, Burna Boy spoke warmly about his friendship with the British star, describing him as intelligent, thoughtful and easy to connect with.
According to the African Giant crooner, their relationship has grown naturally over the years, making Sheeran someone he genuinely respects.
“He’s just a very sensible and lovable guy. He is someone I have taken to personally from the beginning.
“Ed is very smart, man. He always knows what he is doing,” Burna Boy added.
The comments further highlight the close relationship the two artistes have built through previous collaborations and shared appearances on international stages.
Behind The Success Of Dai Dai
Sheeran is also credited as one of the songwriters behind Dai Dai, alongside acclaimed producer Alexander Castillo, underscoring his involvement in bringing the global collaboration together.
The song, which features Burna Boy and Shakira, serves as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, celebrating resilience, determination and the unifying spirit of football.
Since its release, Dai Dai has received widespread international acclaim and continues to perform strongly across global music charts.
Shakira Waited For Burna Boy
Earlier, Shakira also shared details about the making of the record, revealing that she waited 20 days for Burna Boy to complete and submit his verse.
Although the process took longer than expected, the Colombian superstar said the wait was worthwhile because Burna Boy’s contribution transformed the song.
She described his vocals as the “cherry on top,” praising the Nigerian singer for bringing a unique energy that elevated the anthem.
According to Shakira, Burna Boy’s distinctive voice added a fresh dimension to the record and helped make it one of the standout songs associated with the tournament.
A Landmark Career Moment
Collaborating on the official FIFA World Cup anthem represents another major achievement in Burna Boy’s already decorated career.
The singer also performed during the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, sharing the stage with global stars including Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, and Shakira herself.
The performance introduced Afrobeats to one of the largest television audiences in history, further cementing Burna Boy’s reputation as one of Africa’s biggest global music exports.
Strengthening Global Influence
Over the years, Burna Boy has consistently expanded his international profile through collaborations with some of the world’s biggest artistes.
Working alongside musicians such as Ed Sheeran and Shakira reflects the increasing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigeria’s growing presence on the international music scene.
As Dai Dai continues to enjoy worldwide success, Burna Boy’s latest revelation provides fans with fresh insight into the collaboration, while highlighting the behind-the-scenes support and friendship that helped bring one of the biggest musical projects of 2026 to life.
#BurnaBoy
#EdSheeran
#DaiDai
No comments:
Post a Comment