7 Secrets To Mastering 'Waka Waka' (This Time For Africa) On Just Dance For A Megastar Score

The infectious energy of Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" has cemented its place as a timeless Just Dance classic, and as of December 15, 2025, it remains one of the most-played and discussed routines in the community. This iconic track, originally the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, transitioned seamlessly into the world of rhythm gaming with its debut in *Just Dance 2018*, offering a high-energy, moderate-effort Trio dance that challenges players to coordinate their moves and capture the spirit of the global anthem.

The dance's enduring popularity is no surprise, mirroring the song's massive global success, which boasts over 4 billion views on YouTube as of August 2024. Whether you are a veteran player aiming for a perfect Megastar score or a newcomer looking for a fun, accessible routine, mastering the nuances of the *Waka Waka* choreography requires understanding its specific versions, hidden Gold Moves, and the subtle shifts in the routine that make it a perennial favorite.

The Essential "Waka Waka" Just Dance Fact File and History

To truly master the routine, you must first understand the context and technical details of its appearance across the Just Dance franchise. This song is more than just a dance; it's a piece of gaming history that has appeared on multiple platforms.

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• Original Artist: Shakira
• Primary Game Appearance: *Just Dance 2018*
• Availability: Available on the base game of *Just Dance 2018* and through subscription services like *Just Dance Now* and *Just Dance Unlimited* (availability on newer services like Just Dance+ may vary based on current catalog updates).
• Difficulty: Easy
• Effort: Moderate
• Dance Mode: Trio (Three Coaches)
• Number of Gold Moves: 3 per Coach (total of 9 unique Gold Moves across the Trio routine)

The routine itself is a vibrant, colorful representation of the song's African-inspired beat, featuring three distinct coaches—two female and one male—each with slightly different movements. The Trio mode is a key feature, encouraging group play and coordination, making it a perfect party track.

The Crucial Differences Between the Multiple Versions

One of the most unique aspects of "Waka Waka" in Just Dance is the sheer number of versions available. Knowing which one you are playing is the first step to maximizing your score. The original *Just Dance 2018* release was packed with alternate choreographies, ensuring the song had massive replay value.

1. The Classic Trio Routine

This is the default and most recognized version. It features the three coaches and is focused on synchronization between the players. The choreography is a mix of simple footwork and expressive arm movements, staying true to the original music video's vibe. Focusing on the main coach's moves is often a good strategy if you are playing solo, as their movements are typically the most heavily weighted for scoring.

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2. The Football Version

Also known as the "Alternate" version, the Football Version is a fan-favorite for its unique theme. This routine often incorporates more aggressive, celebratory movements inspired by football (soccer) culture and goal celebrations. It is a single-coach routine, which simplifies the focus from a Trio to a solo performance. The moves here are often sharper and require more distinct poses, so precision is key to hitting those "Perfects."

3. The Kids Mode

Designed for younger players, the Kids Mode version simplifies the choreography significantly. The moves are slower, more exaggerated, and easier to follow, making it an excellent entry point for new dancers. While it won't challenge a veteran, it's a great way to introduce friends or family to the track without the complexity of the Trio or the intensity of the Football Version.

High-Score Strategies: Unlocking the Waka Waka Gold Moves

To achieve the coveted Megastar ranking (12,000+ points), you must master the Gold Moves, which are the high-scoring moments in any Just Dance routine. In the "Waka Waka" Trio, there are three distinct Gold Moves for each of the three coaches, totaling nine unique high-score opportunities.

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4. Master the "Shakira Hip Shake" Gold Move

The most iconic Gold Move is often a variation of Shakira's signature hip-shaking. This move requires rapid, small, and controlled movements. The key is not to move your entire body wildly, but to isolate the hip movement while keeping your upper body relatively stable. Practice this move separately to ensure your controller (or phone) registers the high-frequency movement accurately.

5. Perfect the Final Pose

Many Just Dance routines end with a crucial Gold Move pose. In "Waka Waka," this is often a powerful, static pose. Unlike the energetic dancing, a static pose requires you to stop moving completely and hold the final position with perfect form. The scoring system rewards a sudden, precise stop, so don't "ease" into the pose—hit it hard and hold it still.

6. The Trio Synchronization Secret

If you are playing the Trio Mode with friends, your final score is heavily influenced by synchronization. While each player has their own score, the game rewards moments where all three players hit a "Perfect" simultaneously, especially during the non-Gold Move sections. Communicate with your partners and try to hit the main beats of the song together. The "Easy" difficulty rating is deceptive; maintaining a synchronized "Perfect" streak across three people is a true challenge.

7. Current Availability and Just Dance+ Status

As of the current date, the availability of "Waka Waka" is primarily tied to *Just Dance 2018* and the subscription service *Just Dance Unlimited* (or its successor, Just Dance+). The song is such a staple that it's frequently requested and generally remains in the subscription catalog, but players should always check the service's current song list. If you are a dedicated fan, owning the physical or digital copy of *Just Dance 2018* is the only way to guarantee permanent access to the classic and Football versions without relying on a subscription update.

In conclusion, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is a celebration of rhythm, coordination, and global unity within the Just Dance universe. By understanding its different versions, focusing on the critical Gold Moves, and harnessing the power of the Trio mode, you can elevate your dance game and keep this iconic anthem alive on your console for years to come.