Let’s be honest, folks. In the modern music world, few music artists have been consistent for many years as Shakira in the world. From the catchy’such lovely “Whenever, Wherever ‘to that Super Bowl show which invoked everyone’s parents’ interest in halftime performances, this artiste has grown into an emblem of pop culture. But what exactly helped to bring this belly-dancing, speaking several languages, singer and actress to such popularity? It seems that everything in Shakira-land is as gold as her hair?
The Crossover Queen Who Conquered Multiple Markets
Thanks to the fast growing world of the internet, the music world is apparently filled with artists of the one-hit wonder phenomenon. Then there is Shakira, who not only triumphed in the Latin world but who also conquered Anglo market without abandoning all Latin senses—a trick that has been attempted by many but mastered by few artists.
By the time the English-speaking audiences were struggling to sing along to ‘Waka Waka,’ Shakira had already enjoyed her fair share of success in the Spanish-speaking world. Her album “¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?” that make have been sold millions all over the world, indicating that it was not necessary to sing in English to be international. It was not until 2001 with “Laundry Service” the English crossover but it was not a desperate attempt to first cross over to the English language because by then she had already made herself big and popular in Europe especially Latin America.
The Voice That Launched a Thousand Memes
Alright, let’s discuss that voice that is unique as a combination of the sounds produced by a goat, a wolf, and a man whose first trial at singing was just today. It is unique, people either love it or hate it and it is impossible to forget.
While her vocal style may not be what one would expect from someone formally trained in singing, there is no doubt that when one hears Shakira on the radio, it is easily recognizable music. In an industry where a generation of artists have been improvised by autotune, uniqueness has become her signature. It is like the voiceprint, something for which you can never impersonate and which will be quite recognizable.
The Hip Movement That Launched a Fitness Craze
These hips do not deceive and they have been speaking the truth for quite a long time now. Today this belly dancing beauty has become much like the sexy moves of Shakira as well. It only took Shakira to sing “hips don’t lie” back in ‘04 and ever since then one can rarely see anyone mention or perform such moves to date because they are so unique and have probably cost performers several fractures.
Some of the viewers are unaware the fact that for Shakira, dancing is more than just a flashy performance – it is a necessity. Learning belly dancing as a child, she has influenced her performance and adopted the elements of this type of dance, which is quite extraordinary in the context of a pop diva.
The Businesswoman Behind the Brand
While we will be distracted by these hips, Shakira has been stacking up her empire. From the perfume to Mountain Dew and Reebok deals, commercial success has been added to her fame.
Her business wise is not restricted to mere endorsement. Shakira’s philanthropic work includes being the founder of the Pies Descalzos Foundation aiming at supporting underprivileged children education in Columbia. She also holds the position of a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador that she has held since 2003. Such actions are not only beneficial for her to strengthen a public image, but indicate the real initiatives that have once positively impacted people’s lives.
The Tax Issues That Tarnished the Golden Image
Well, let me get to the part that that I’m sure her PR team would prefer I left out. In the recent past Shakira is facing some controversy in her image such as tax fraud in Spain. The Spanish authorities accused her of tax fraud and claimed that she did not pay 14.5 million euros in taxes in the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, though she lived in Spain most of the time but officially registered as a resident of Bahamas.
This reminds the public that celebrities are people who also have their flaws, misuse their discretion, or have a bad counsel. Whether Shakira was just negligent or an outright tax avoider, only herself can answer that question to the satisfaction of the authorities.
The Personal Life That Became Public Spectacle
If there’s tween one thing that sustains celebrities in the current society that is dominated by social media then it is definitely drama. And for that sort of drama, Shakira’s a previous extremely public romance with a soccer star named Gerard Piqué was more than enough.
They sustained this form of relationship for eleven years and with two children, they where among the best known power couple to involve entertainment and sports. When rumours of Piqué’s cheat broke the news followed by their official split in 2022 this became the newsworthy material for tabloids.
Some may consider this as capitalizing on a personal tragedy but since time in memoriam musicians have been producing songs out of broken heart. Shakira did it and that, of course, with more attitude and definition than what any of the others did.
The Cultural Impact That Can’t Be Denied
Shakira may well be remembered for more than catchy tunes and beauty queen appearance; she is gradually metamorphosing into an ambassador of Latin music across the world. She can be credited for being one of Latin music’s pioneers together with such artists as Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez to name but a few and alongside them provide Latin music genes that ushered in today’s talented musicians like Bad Bunny and Rosalía.
This has been pushed further by her participation with artists from various genres such as R&B singer Beyoncé, Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean, and reggaeton artist Maluma. The world today is full of division, and there is no better feeling than having a singer who unites people of different cultures with tunes and rhythms.
So Why Is Shakira Still Relevant After All These Years?
All in all, the principle reason that Shakira is still loved is the ability to remain true to herself. It is ironic that although she has ventured into English songs, the glamour change, the domestic turmoil as chronicled in the tabloids, she has not changed. She still retains her vocals as we have seen in hot new single; she still dances as we have seen in the music video, and she still sings materials with a little spice of Colombia.
In an industry that tends to program a pigeonhole for artists to fit into, she has avoided this trap at almost all costs. She has shown that it is possible to rise to stardom from a foreign country other than the US or UK, and one does not have to deny his or her origin to sell music in those countries.
Shakira is here to stay, that much should be clear; one cannot love her and one cannot hate her, call her a mere pop sensation and pop icon, a Latin lover and a conquering cultural force, it really doesn’t matter, what matters, is that she belongs in the divine sphere of superstars revered across the world. Well, the statistics and record streaming, album, and concert sales prospects do not lie which is why she has thrived for multiple decades. Well said, shakira shakira! That is the truth!
