During a unique and exclusive interview, Shakira opened up about her distinctive artistic approach, delving into her remarkable journey towards becoming one of the prestigious Billboard chart-topping musicians. Revealing insightful details, she explored the path that led to her unprecedented success and shed light on her future endeavors.
The intimate conversation with the renowned Colombian artist took place at the Faena Forum on Wednesday (Oct. 4) as part of the prestigious Billboard Latin Music Week 2023. The engaging discussion was skillfully moderated by Leila Cobo, the chief content officer of Billboard Latin/Español. During the dialogue, the artist shared some noteworthy insights and here are the top 10 quotes: 1. Regarding “El Jefe” with Fuerza Regida: “Working with Keityn and Edgar [Barrera] was an absolute delight. We had an amazing time collaborating together. Not only are they talented musicians, but they are also close friends of mine. Our goal was to create a song that could depict the reality of many individuals. Additionally, I wanted to infuse the song with elements of the regional Mexican genre, but also add a touch of ska. If you listen closely, you’ll notice that the song carries a certain sensitivity that can be reminiscent of Balkan or British music. However, it remains rooted in the framework of regional Mexican music.”
2. When it comes to finding inspiration, I am currently feeling extremely motivated and passionate. There were moments in the past where going to the studio felt like an impossible task, and I had to be physically dragged there. It’s not uncommon for artists to struggle with their work at times. However, right now I am completely enamored with the process of making music and pursuing my career. I am head over heels in love with what I do. 3. Writing music has become a source of catharsis for me. It has always played a therapeutic role in my life. I tend to write the most when I am feeling at my lowest point. When life throws me a curveball, I have learned valuable lessons and managed to become stronger through it all. I never realized just how much inner strength I possessed to overcome certain stages in life. Surprisingly, I have discovered that I am less fragile than I initially thought. Ultimately, my music has become my lifeline and the primary tool that helps me navigate through life.
4. Regarding the unwavering support from his fans, he expressed gratitude for the continuous presence of his audience throughout his music career. He described them as being right by his side, providing comfort, motivation, and inspiration. This bond with his fans has been a source of strength, as he never felt alone on his journey as an artist. 5. When it comes to the process of creating music, he emphasized that there is no set formula. The method of composing varies from time to time. Sometimes, he prefers solitude and writes alone, generating ideas and melodies in different settings such as airplanes or even the shower. On other occasions, he enjoys collaborating with close friends and individuals whom he feels at ease with. Composing music is seen as a deeply personal experience, one that requires intimacy and a connection with the people involved.
6. When it comes to trusting his sons’ artistic instincts, Shakira revealed that her son Milán introduced her to Bizarrap’s music. She mentioned how doing a song with Bizarrap would give her global exposure. Milán had actually reached out to her on social media, but she hadn’t seen the message. It was only when he messaged her on WhatsApp that she became aware of it. She shared an anecdote where she showed Milán the message and he referred to Bizarrap as the “Argentine God.” Shakira emphasized that she values her kids’ opinions and often seeks their feedback before releasing new music. She recalled how her sons had contributed valuable ideas for her song “Te Felicito,” with Sasha suggesting the concept of a robot in the video and Milán proposing the idea of incorporating fire. 7. Shakira explained her decision to move from Barcelona to Miami, highlighting the lack of an active music industry in Barcelona. Living there meant she had to rely on producers who were in Europe and willing to travel to Barcelona for collaboration. This resulted in a slow process and many of her ideas never materialized. She expressed that this lack of execution left her feeling demotivated. However, her move to Miami has brought her closer to numerous colleagues, producers, musicians, and friends, which has injected a great sense of motivation into her career. Being in a city with a thriving music scene has provided her with more opportunities to bring her plans to fruition and work with a wider network of creative individuals.
8. Reflecting on her growing self-assurance, she shares, “In the past, I used to get so worked up over little things like a stray hair or smudged eyeliner. Nowadays, it’s not that I care any less about these things, but I’ve gained a better perspective. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters to me and let go of what doesn’t hold as much importance. I still pay attention to detail, in fact, maybe even more now. Having a dependable team who understands me is crucial. It’s not something you can rely on from the start, but it’s something that is built and developed over time. It becomes your foundation and guides your decision-making process.” 9. Recounting her breakthrough in the American music industry in the late ’90s, she reveals, “When Tommy Mottola gave me the vote of confidence to release music in English with ‘Whenever, Wherever,’ I hardly knew how to speak the language. It was a huge leap for me. I strongly believed that ‘Objection’ should be my debut song in English, but Tommy disagreed and persuaded me to go with ‘Whatever, Whatever’ instead. That’s when I realized the power of his vision and trusted his instincts.”
The power lies with the people, and their preference for Spanish: “In today’s music landscape, it is no longer up to others to dictate which artists the audience connects with or what language they choose to listen to. The power now rests with the people. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what genre you prefer, what condition you’re in, or even what language the music is in. The only thing that truly matters is the ability of an artist to establish a genuine connection with their audience through their music. When I first embarked on my journey with Laundry Service, I faced numerous obstacles and had to navigate through convincing others, which was undoubtedly challenging. However, times have changed. Singing in Spanish has now become the epitome of coolness.”
