MUMBAI: The official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup - 'Waka Waka' (This Time For Africa) - became the latest video on YouTube to cross 1 billion views. Written by Columbian pop songwriter Shakira, the song premièred on 28 April, 2010 and uploaded on YouTube on 4 June, 2010. Shakira's ‘Waka Waka’ took almost six years to achieve the latest remarkable feat.

The anthem became an instant hit with its release and the connection with the most-watched sporting event accelerated its popularity. The song returned to prominence four years later after the 2014 football anthem ‘We Are One’ failed to create a similar impact as Shakira’s song.

‘Waka Waka’ becomes the latest music video to cross 1 billion views; four days after Adele’s ‘Hello’ joined the exclusive club. ‘Waka Waka’ also becomes the 20th most watched video (of all categories) on YouTube.

The 1 billion views club feature Adele’s ‘Hello’, Bieber’s ‘Baby’, PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ among many others.