Global Anthem Battle: Shakira & Burna Boy's 'Dai Dai' Could Shatter UK Chart Records

A historic battle is unfolding on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, as Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s collaborative hit “Rein Me In” vies for a record-breaking 19th week at No. 1. This would make it the longest-running No. 1 single in U.K. chart history, a significant achievement for the soaring track. Having already equalled Frankie Laine’s 18-week reign with 1953’s “I Believe” last week, “Rein Me In” is set against a formidable challenger: Shakira and Burna Boy’s 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.”

According to the midweek chart dated July 26, “Dai Dai” has unexpectedly surged into the lead, positioning the World Cup anthem for its inaugural week at the top spot. The track, which was performed by the duo during the tournament final’s half-time show, now stands just 600 units ahead of “Rein Me In,” setting up a thrilling finish for the chart dated July 31. This intense competition highlights the immediate impact of high-profile performances on chart positions.

“Rein Me In” boasts a remarkable journey to the top. It first appeared in February 2025 as part of Sam Fender’s Mercury Prize-winning album, “People Watching.” Olivia Dean later joined Fender for a remix in June of the same year, which propelled the track on an extraordinary 35-week climb to the summit. This single marks Sam Fender’s first U.K. No. 1 and Olivia Dean’s second, following her earlier hit “Man I Need.” Beyond its chart success, “Rein Me In” was honored with the publicly-voted Song of the Year prize at the 2026 BRIT Awards. It has also cemented its place in history as the longest-running U.K. No. 1 of the 21st century, surpassing Drake’s “Hotline Bling” (15 weeks), and the longest by a British act, surpassing Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Around” (15 weeks).

Elsewhere on the U.K. Singles Chart, other notable tracks are making significant moves. Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” currently sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is poised to achieve a new peak position at No. 3. Anotr and 54 Ultra’s “Talk To You” is holding strong at No. 4, followed closely by HUGEL’s “Movin’ To The Sun” at No. 5. In terms of new entries, K-pop group KATSEYE is aiming for the week’s highest debut with “Gnarly” at No. 13, which would mark their highest-charting single to date. Charli xcx’s “Camera,” a track from her recent project “Music, Fashion, Film,” is eyeing a top 20 debut at No. 18. Furthermore, as Bruno Mars concludes his Wembley Stadium residency for The Romantic Tour on Tuesday, July 28, his 2024 collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile,” has seen a rise to No. 23. His solo hit “I Just Might,” released earlier this year, is also on an upward trajectory, moving up to No. 39.