Entertainment
Burna Boy, Shakira in warm embrace ahead of World Cup final halftime show(Photo)
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_9302-1000x600.webp&description=Burna Boy, Shakira in warm embrace ahead of World Cup final halftime show(Photo)', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_9302-1000x600.webp&description=Burna Boy, Shakira in warm embrace ahead of World Cup final halftime show(Photo)', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, and Colombian pop icon, Shakira, have shared a warm moment ahead of their performance at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
Burna Boy posted a video on his X handle on Friday showing the pair embracing and exchanging smiles during rehearsals for Sunday’s show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
The singer captioned the clip: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! Dai dai, ikó, dale, allez, let’s go!”
The video, accompanied by photos, showed the two artistes in casual attire sharing laughter and a tight hug outside production trailers at the venue.
FIFA had earlier announced that Burna Boy and Shakira would perform Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the halftime break could be extended beyond the traditional 15 minutes to accommodate the performance, with broadcasters preparing for a break of about 30 minutes.
The break would combine standard 15 minutes of pundit analysis and an 11-minute performance segment, which Burna Boy and Shakira are expected to headline.
According to FIFA, the show will also feature co-headliners BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay, as well as appearances by characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
The halftime show is also expected to support global education initiatives for children.
Sunday’s final will see Spain face Argentina.
Shakira and Burna Boy previously performed Dai Dai at the opening ceremony of the tournament in Mexico City, where the song was officially unveiled as the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem.
See their pictures during rehearsal below:
Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.
In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.
They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.
The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.
The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.
Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.
“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.
The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.
Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.
He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.
Fifteen housemates have been put up for possible eviction in week six of Big Brother Naija Season 11.
The nominees are Chimsom Chuka, Flora, Aikou, Bells, Tram, Gerard, Oyin, Ricky, Barry, Temi Nkem, Araga, Yusuf, Nomy, Bluethopia and Keivo.
The list was confirmed during Monday’s nomination proceedings in the house.
Head of House Abi is immune from eviction this week following her win in the week six HOH challenge.
She also becomes a two-time HOH this season.
Also safe from eviction is Sheba, who emerged as the Most Influential Player for week five.
The title comes with immunity for the following week.
With Aikou and Flora’s gambit status now revoked, both housemates are eligible for nominations and eviction for the first time this season.
The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, under the theme, “Africa to the World”.
The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.
Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season.
Wizkid is in contention in major categories, including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year. His album, Morayo, is also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.
Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. He is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece. Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract significant attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize. The category has traditionally served as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer, Awilo Longomba, set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame Award, while Nigerian entertainment executive, Cecil Hammond, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.
With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now shift to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.
Hallomace Africa unveils nationwide voter education campaign on Legislature
Nigeria Reaffirms ECOWAS Commitment as New Leadership Takes Charge
JUST IN: PDP stalwart Dan Orbih is dead
-
News22 hours agoAPM, ADC Group Demand Release Of FBI Record On Tinubu
-
News11 hours agoEFCC sacks over 40 staff for corruption, prosecutes 5 others
-
News12 hours agoCalls Mount for Forensic Audit of Chinua Achebe Airport Over Alleged Revenue Diversion
-
Metro11 hours agoAir Force Officer Narrates How Gunmen Abducted His Wife, Two Children From Kaduna Home
-
Economy11 hours agoNNPCL Increases Price Of Petrol
-
News5 hours agoJust in: Court fires 2027 APC candidate, orders fresh primaries
-
Entertainment11 hours agoHeadies dismiss claims of sidelining gospel artistes
-
News5 hours ago30 Years after: Former Gang Leader ‘Keffe D’ Davis Found Guilty Of Tupac’s Murder