Shakira's 'Waka Waka' Chosen as Billboard's No. 1 World Cup Song

The English version of Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa/Esto es áfrica)" has been chosen as Billboard's No. 1 World Cup Song, beating songs like Ricky Martin's "The Cup of Life" and Gianna Nannini & Edoardo Bennato's "Un Estate Italiana."

"Once the criticism of Shakira taking the spotlight away from African artists died down, the song became a global hit that transcended the time of the mundial," wrote Billboard, adding that the music video for the song is the sixth most-watched video of all time on YouTube.

"The popularity of the most listened to World Cup song ever hints at the massive power of that songs associated with 2014 Brazil could have," wrote Billboard.

The Colombian singer recently shared the news with her fans through her Twitter account. "Waka Waka has been named @Billboard's Number 1 World Cup Song", wrote Shakira.

The song is a collaboration with South African group Freshlyground and was released May 7, 2010 as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "Waka Waka" was also included on Shakira's seventh studio album, "Sale el Sol."

Its chorus was sampled from Cameroonian group Golden Sound's mid-80s hit "Zangalewa," Time reported.

"Zangalewa," a traditional African soldier's song, was a radio hit in Shakira's hometown, Barranquilla, in the late 80s.

"I am honored that 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' was chosen to be part of the excitement and the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Shakira after the song was chosen as the official anthem for the World Cup.

Back in 2010, critics pointed out a South African artist should perform the official anthem, but Shakira defended her song. "The World Cup is about this melting pot, you know, in which so many cultures come together. So when Sony ... asked me to write a song for the World Cup, I decided to bring a little bit of my culture, too, which is attached to Africa through an umbilical cord."

The singer also explained she was raised listening to music heavily influenced by African music. "I decided to use a little of Colombian and Afro-Caribbean elements, these chants from Cameroon ... and invite a South African artist to also bring their own flavor to this song. And I thought in that way we could create a song that would be more emblematic of what the world cup spirit is, that spirit of tolerance and integration and that melting pot that South Africa is right now."