The one thing I love about music is that everyone has their own story to tell – the musician, the lyrics, the way the fans decipher them and also the way a song can also create a memory or a meaning to someone. That is what this new article is all about. Each fortnight, we will take a look at a different song and I will take you as a trip down memory lane as to what it means to me. Welcome to Music Memories.

Track: Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) 
Artist: Shakira
Original Release Date: 7th May 2010

One summer when I was at University, I worked at an International Summer Camp where students from across the world would come for a week to learn English or improve their English. We would have activities and excursions for the students to enjoy as well when they were not in class learning.

One of the things that we did alot to entertain the students was a disco, these were usually full of fancy dress themes and were a silly and fun experience. These discos were full of pop music and recognisable tracks that everyone could enjoy.

One of the things I remember being really popular at this time was songs from the most recent World Cup. One of the songs that was particularly popular was Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) was a strong favourite amongst the students but the thing I remember the most was my colleagues. They knew the dance routine from the music video off by heart and would take any opportunity to do it and show off.

These discos were also fancy dress so sometimes he did them with the most craziest outfits on including a cardboard box outfit that made him become a robot. The students loved this and it would persuade them to dance and feel less silly doing so.

It was a great time at that camp and that song always takes me right back to that exact memory. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) is a really catchy song, with its fun musical melody, the theme around it and just in general it is a really fun uplifting track.

Facts About Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

• The song samples “Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)” by Golden Sounds and the lyrics encourage one to aim for their goals like a soldier on a battlefield.
• The song, generated controversy after numerous South Africans expressed disappointment in FIFA’s decision to select Shakira to sing the 2010 FIFA World Cup song, arguing that a native artist should have been assigned the role
• It became popular on YouTube, receiving more than 2.8 billion views as of May 2021 and becoming the 29th most-watched video of all time on the site. 
•  The single attained multiplatinum certifications in eleven countries, including diamond certifications in France and Sweden