The Super Eagles may have watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup from afar, but Nigeria never truly left the tournament. While the nation missed the action on the pitch, its greatest cultural export—Afrobeats—commanded the loudest applause on the world’s biggest sporting stage

Headlined by Burna Boy’s top collaborations with Shakira on the official anthem “Dai Dai,” alongside contributions from Davido, Rema, and Ayra Starr, these artistes transformed disappointment into pride.

They delivered Afrobeats rhythms to billions across the world, showcasing Nigeria’s resilience and creativity far beyond football.

Burna Boy emerged as the undisputed star. He performed “Dai Dai” with Shakira at the opening ceremony in Mexico City and again at the historic first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show during the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.

The track, which combines Afrobeats energy with Latin flair, became a global phenomenon: it topped Spotify’s Global Chart for weeks, hitting a record 6.723 million daily streams post-final, debuted at No. 1 on the Global Music Video Chart, peaked at No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, and dominated charts worldwide.

In behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, Burna Boy expressed pride. Backstage at the final, he shared: “I’m backstage at the FIFA World Cup finals. About to do the halftime show. My first ever halftime show.”

Shakira praised the collaboration, noting she “always wanted to work with Burna Boy” because “his voice takes it to another level.”

This wasn’t Burna Boy’s first sporting crossover, however.

He previously headlined the NBA All-Star Game halftime in 2023, proving Afrobeats’ growing synergy with major athletic events. His 2026 World Cup appearances amplified his “African giant” persona, mixing cultural advocacy with high-energy entertainment.

Davido contributed significantly too, performing at FIFA’s Countdown Concert at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles alongside Ava Max, BIA, and Major Lazer. His high-octane set energised fans ahead of the tournament.

Rema and Ayra Starr joined Burna Boy and Davido on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, an 18-track compilation fusing Afrobeats with global sounds, further embedding Nigerian talent in the event’s soundtrack.

Upon the release of their tournament anthem, Rema stated, “Three continents, one track … bringing all our sounds together like this is a big moment for music on the world stage.”

Afrobeats: Nigeria’s Global Superpower

The performances highlight Afrobeats’ meteoric local and global impact. Locally, the genre has become Nigeria’s cultural export engine, boosting youth empowerment, tourism, and national pride amid economic challenges.

Globally, it has shattered barriers: Afrobeats streams have surged on platforms like Spotify, collaborations with Western and Latin stars are routine, and the sound influences fashion, dance, and even sports anthems.

The artistes have turned Lagos into a creative hub rivaling global capitals.

Recent accolades highlight their dominance. Burna Boy’s Grammy win and consistent chart success (including multiple BET Awards) amplified his global status. Davido’s “Timeless” era and tours broke records, while Rema’s “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) became a worldwide smash.

Ayra Starr’s Afrobeats-R&B fusion earned her a BET Award, Vogue (Teen Vogue) features, and massive streaming numbers. Nominations at the Grammys, MTV VMAs, and AFRIMAs, plus wins at the Trace Awards and others in 2025-2026, affirm their elite standing.

Reflecting on their World Cup roles, the artistes emphasised representation. Burna Boy’s presence symbolised Nigeria’s voice persisting despite football setbacks, turning the pitch into a cultural arena.

Davido has spoken in past interviews about using music to unite and uplift, a theme echoed in his pre-tournament performance. The impact extends beyond 2026.

Afrobeats now soundtracks major events, from the NBA to football, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and economic opportunities for Nigerian creatives.

The artistes made sure that Nigeria was strongly heard, and their performances ensured that the green-and-white flag still flew proudly. (Channels TV)

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