The song “Zaminamina”, often called so after its first catchy words, originates from an iconic Cameroonian hit of the 1980s. Popularized worldwide by Shakira under the title “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, it is in reality an adaptation of “Zangaléwa” from the group Golden Sounds.
“Zangaléwa” was born in Cameroon in the 1980s, from the repertoire of Cameroonian soldiers potentially dating back to the Second World War. The choir comes from a slang created by Cameroonian snipers to communicate quickly, with terms like “Za engalomwa” in fang (“Who sent you?”) or “Za anga loé wa” in ewondo (“Who called you?”). The group Golden Sounds, formed in 1984 by musicians-gendarmes of the presidential guard (Jean Paul Zé Bella, Victor Dooh Belley, Emile Kojidie and Annie Anzouer who made a futuring with Baladji Kwata), recorded it in 1986 on their eponymous album. The success was such that they renamed the group Zangaléwa; the title became record of the year in Cameroon and best African record in 1993.
The satirical performances showed soldiers in swollen uniforms, mocking collaborators with oppressive white officers.
The lyrics mix fang, ewondo, French, douala and Cameroonian pidgin, with a catchy refrain: “Zamina mina hé hé / Waka waka éé é / Zamina mina zaaangaléwa / Ana wam a a”. They evoke the harsh military life: complaints of the recruits (‘No one forced you to enter the army!’), without a single known author, belonging to the national oral heritage. Always taken back in Africa by soldiers, scouts or sports supporters as a rallying cry.
In 2010, Shakira chose this chorus for the anthem of the World Cup in South Africa, with Freshlyground, becoming a worldwide hit (more than 3 billion views).
Initially without authorization, rumors of plagiarism arose; an amicable agreement was reached with Sony Music, paying royalties to the Cameroonian rights holders without legal proceedings. Jean Paul Zé Bella says he is honored despite everything. Shakira recently (2025) publicly recognized the Cameroonian origin, claiming to have discovered it in a dream before learning about his African heritage.
“Zaminamina” symbolizes the wealth of Cameroonian makossa and the global dissemination of African music through sport. She has inspired many covers (Magic System, Didier Awadi) and remains a proud cultural emblem in Cameroon. Today it is the album “gift” of the group Baladji Kwata which is available for a journey through all the African culture.