I might be late on this, but today I stumbled upon the context of Shakira and Freshlyground’s World Cup Anthem Waka Waka while trying to translate the chorus. The words come from a 1986 makossa hit by Cameroonian group Golden Sounds called “Tsamina” who’s chorus (in the Cameroonian language called Fang) goes like this:

Tsa mina mina eh eh (Come)

Waka waka eh eh (Do it)

Tsa mina mina zangalewa (Where do you come from?)

Ana wam ah ah (??)

Zambo eh eh (Wait)

Zambo eh eh (Wait)

Tsa mina mina zangalewa (Where do you come from?)

Wana wa ah ah (It’s mine)

The original was written and is apparently still used for various sorts of training or rallying, and its lyrics were inspired by the slang of Cameroonian soldiers during WWII. And to connect the dots even more, the song was made popular in Colombia by West African DJs.

Context is an essential element in almost all forms of art, and when understood it usually enhances the experience. I don’t know about you, but from now on, every time I hear this song, it’ll mean that much more.

ORIGINAL: Golden Sounds - “Tsamina” (Zangalewa)

Shakira + Freshlyground - “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)”

Read more and find out about other versions on Wikipedia