'Waka Waka': Where's the millions?
Freshlyground wants to know where the millions in royalties, promised to charity, went…
Remember the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Vuvuzelas blasting, flags waving, and Shakira turning 'Waka Waka' into the soundtrack of our lives.
The song was an instant global smash hit with over 4.3 billion YouTube views and counting, and nearly a billion Spotify streams.
It even broke a Guinness World Record as the most successful World Cup anthem ever - something only South Africa can do.
Sadly, 15 years later, the beat has turned into a bit of a sour note.
READ: Volkswagen stops production of popular car after 24 years
South African band Freshlyground, who collaborated with Shakira on the track, are now raising eyebrows (and questions) about the royalties.
According to a report by City Press, the deal back in 2010 was that money made from the song would go to African charities. Great idea, right?
Except… nobody knows which charities (if any) saw a cent.
Freshlyground's co-founder, Simon Attwell, has been chasing answers for over a decade.
First, he was told that artists could choose the charities, then that only Shakira could, and eventually that the money had been handed to FIFA for their "20 Centres for 2010" initiative.
The problem is that the charity reportedly shut down in 2014. So where’s the money going now?
That’s the multi-million dollar question.
'Waka Waka' is still making money today, and the streams don't lie.
READ: Financial pressure drives South Africans to rely on credit
Whether those funds are still meant for charity or just vanishing into a black hole of football bureaucracy is what Freshlyground would like to know.
Until then, the world will keep singing "This time for Africa!" while quietly wondering if Africa actually ever saw the money.
In case you've forgotten about this hit or you were too young, relive the 2010 hype here:
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media: