A female artist who never stopped moving.
After finishing high school, I left my small hometown and went straight to Miami as an au pair – and I felt like the whole world was open to me. Not only was it my first time living abroad, but I grew up so much through all the exciting experiences and adventures. Every day felt like a little adventure, and I learned so much in such a short time. One thing I’ll always remember: there was so much new music to discover that wasn’t really known in Europe at the time – the current music industry era was still years away.
It was her indescribable power, her signature cool style, that unmistakable voice with so many different nuances, and the most incredible dance moves I had ever seen – all of which completely fascinated me when I first saw Shakira on MTV. I think there’s hardly anyone left in the world who doesn’t know her signature dance style, inspired by her Lebanese roots, full of hip movements and elements of belly dance. The first songs I played over and over were all in Spanish – Estoy Aquí and Si Te Vas, both from her third studio album Pies Descalzos (1995) – and they became my personal anthems during my time in Miami.
Many years and countless global hits later, Shakira remains to me the epitome of female power – still one of my favorite female pop artists, and one of the most successful artists in the world.
Over the years, the Colombian singer-songwriter turned that early fascination into something extraordinary. With more than 95 million records sold worldwide, countless major awards, billions of views and streams, and a presence that has shaped pop culture across generations, Shakira stands as one of the most successful female artists of all time. She built a career on her own terms, crossing languages, cultures, and industries, and redefining what global female success can look like – without ever losing the instinct, individuality, and strength that made her so magnetic from the very beginning.
Shakira recently released the single “Algo Tú” with Beéle.
With Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, her twelfth studio album, Shakira recently released a work that received strong critical response and a Grammy for Best Latin Album. The album reflects resilience and transformation, showing how personal experiences can be translated into music. Within the first 24 hours, it became the most-streamed album of 2024 and was certified 7× Platinum. It also includes one of my personal favorites, Acróstico, where both of her sons sing some lines too. “Women Don’t Cry Anymore” – Shakira processes not only her own pain but also gives listeners a message of strength and empowerment, showing how music can help you move past hardship.
Her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has already become the highest-grossing tour by a Hispanic artist, further reinforcing her position as a global icon and one of the most influential female performers of her generation.
Once you’ve shaken off the sting of a tough breakup and feel like having some fun again, I highly recommend another track of hers: Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53. The song broke records within hours and quickly became one of the most talked-about releases worldwide. Beyond the numbers, it conveys like few others that you can come out of the tunnel stronger and rediscover yourself.
Her previous album El Dorado reached No. 1 in dozens of countries and earned major international awards, becoming one of the most successful Latin pop albums of its time. With billions of streams, it further underlines the consistency and longevity of her career – something only very few female artists have achieved at this level.
Something I’ve always dreamed of can finally become reality – seeing Shakira live. Her concerts were always too far away, so I never managed it… until now. This fall, Shakira transforms Madrid into the ultimate playground. After selling over half a million tickets in hours, she added two extra nights – October 10 and 11 – turning the city into a place entirely shaped by her energy.
And the residency is more than just concerts – it’s a full cultural experience, blending music, art, and community under her “Es Latina” vision, celebrating Latin roots and creating nights you’ll never forget. But before heading to Madrid, she’ll headline the iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio this May, one of the largest live stages in the world. Can I get a little of her energy, please?
It’s amazing what power music has – you forget everything around you, yet you never forget the songs that carried you through truly special times. And especially in moments like these, there’s nothing better than concerts and music that create beautiful memories, celebrate life, and bring people together. See you in Madrid!
Words by Sigrun Guggenberger
Photography by Chris Cornejo
You can get your tickets for the new dates now at www.livenation.es, Ticketmaster, and El Corte Inglés
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