Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) - The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song Sheet Music Preview

Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) - The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

By Shakira / By John Hill / By Emile Kojidie / By Dooh Belly Eugene Victor / By Za Bell Jean Paul / By Zolani Mahola / Arranged by Mark Brymer

Item: 35-DS00161052

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 15
SKU: 35-DS00161052

More about this title

About the Composer: Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll emerged from Barranquilla, Colombia to become one of the most successful Latin artists globally. Her distinctive vocal style and cross-cultural songwriting have made her a bridge between mainstream pop and world music traditions, bringing African and Latin influences into conversation with contemporary production.

Beyond her recording career, Shakira's work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador has shaped her artistic choices, particularly her commitment to representing underrepresented voices in popular music. Her collaboration with South African artists on 'Waka Waka' reflects this broader mission to create inclusive musical spaces.

Why we love this

This piece carries genuine cultural authenticity rather than superficial exoticism. Mark Brymer's 3-part mixed arrangement honors the original's blend of English, Spanish, and Zulu without oversimplifying the harmonic or rhythmic vocabulary. Choirs gain legitimate exposure to world music composition while programming a song their students actually want to sing.

What to expect

Celebratory and propulsive, built on infectious rhythms that make sitting still nearly impossible. The piece channels stadium energy into an intimate choral moment without losing its anthemic quality.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking repertoire that connects to students' actual listening lives while building musicianship. This works for secondary and community ensembles comfortable with rhythmic complexity and cultural specificity.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the groove in the rhythm section and percussion. The forward motion comes from locked, confident subdivisions in the lower voices, which supports the soloistic freedom of the top line.
  • Layer the call-and-response sections deliberately. These work best when each part understands its role as either leader or responder, preventing the texture from becoming muddy.
  • Honor the lyrical blend across languages. Rehearse the Zulu and Spanish phrases with native or native-adjacent speakers when possible, and prioritize clarity of pronunciation over vocal blend in these moments.
  • Let the arrangement's contemporary production elements shape your tempo choices. This is not a ballad; energy and forward momentum define the character.

How to use it

Consider this for a spring or early-summer concert that bridges concert music and world music. It pairs well with other contemporary pieces or world music arrangements, and its accessibility makes it ideal for community engagement events or concerts designed to attract younger audiences.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic syncopation and subdivision in contemporary pop styles
  • Reading and performing in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Zulu)
  • Negotiating call-and-response textures in three-part writing
  • Balancing energy and control in rhythmically driven material
  • Understanding how arrangement choices reflect cultural authenticity

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