Following up from an earlier discovery (see video clip below), I've just found out that indeed, the inspiration behind (or original version of, depending which camp you're in) "Waka Waka" – "Zangalewa" – could indeed be "the most influential modern pop song from Africa" (With Comb & Razor quoted). Originally by Cameroonian group, The Golden Sounds, the song was redone by a girl group from the Dominican Republic; by a couple of Dutch-Surinamese bands and; again in Africa, in as recent as 2008, in the hands of Didier Awadi of Senegalese group, Positive Black Soul.
For a full analysis, complete with Youtube clips, check out the post on the With Comb & Razor blog.
OMG so true. Boo Shakira! I am upset because I really like her as an artist. I remember the Zangalewa song from the 80s it would be played all the time on tv at home!
I know, I’ve always appreciated Shakira’s apparent interest in bringing something new to the table. Imagine my disappointment…