Shakira shared insights into her creative process and discussed her incredible achievements as one of the top-charting artists on Billboard. The interview took place at the Faena Forum, where the Colombian superstar spoke openly and honestly with moderator Leila Cobo, who is the chief content officer for Billboard Latin/Español. It was a unique and intimate event that gave fans a chance to hear directly from Shakira about her career and future plans.
Collaborating with Keityn and Edgar Barrera for “El Jefe” by Fuerza Regida was an incredible opportunity. Not only are they gifted musicians, but they’re also wonderful friends, and I loved working with them. Our aim was to produce a track that resonates with the experiences of many individuals. We strived to fuse the regional Mexican style with a touch of ska. This combination is evident in the song, which might bring to mind Balkan or British music, but it’s firmly rooted in the regional Mexican genre.
The artist shared that they are feeling really inspired and passionate about their work. Although there have been times when going to the studio was tough, they are currently enjoying the process of creating music and loving their career. Even though the creative process can be challenging at times, they are content and happy with their work.
When it comes to making music, I view it as a way for me to let go of my emotions. Putting words on paper has always been a way for me to heal from emotional pain. Whenever I’m feeling down, I find myself creating more and more tunes. Thus, as life’s hurdles come my way, I gain strength and wisdom. It’s incredible how much energy I can muster when faced with adversity. I rely on my music as my primary source of comfort and strength.
He spoke about how his fans have been a source of constant comfort and support in his life. Their encouraging words, motivation and inspiration have been like a guiding hand by his side at all times. It’s clear that he has built a deep connection with his audience since he began his journey as a musician at the tender age of 14. As time passed, their bond grew stronger and he became an artist who is cherished and valued by his fans.
When it comes to the creative process, there is no fixed approach that suits everyone. Personally, I tend to work alone and capture any ideas or tunes that pop into my head, even if it’s during unusual situations like on an airplane or in the shower. Nonetheless, I also appreciate working with trusted friends who understand the intimacy of composing. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
Shakira, the renowned artist, shared that it was her son, Milan, who introduced her to the music of Bizarrap, which has a universal appeal. Although Shakira had received a direct message from Bizarrap on social media earlier on, she had missed it. However, Milan messaged her on WhatsApp and pointed out that the message was from the “Argentine God.” Shakira trusts her children’s artistic instincts and frequently listens to them. Before releasing any music, she often seeks their opinions and input on what they envision for her music videos. For instance, Sasha came up with the idea of the robot in the “Te Felicito” video, while Milan suggested including fire in the video.
Moving from Barcelona to Miami was a game-changer for me. In Barcelona, I felt disconnected from the music industry, which made executing my ideas a slow and frustrating process. I had to wait until producers visited Europe and were willing to come to Barcelona to bring my ideas to life. As a result, several plans were left unfinished, and I lost motivation. However, since moving to Miami, I’ve found myself surrounded by supportive colleagues, producers, musicians, and friends who inspire me to pursue my goals. I’m now able to execute my ideas without any obstacles, which has rekindled my passion for my work.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/shakira-2023-premios-juventud-awards-072123-1-4bdda2564c024347900713bc42d7449e.jpg)
She spoke about the growth of her confidence, saying that she used to get agitated over minor flaws such as stray hair or smudged eyeliner. Nowadays, she still values her appearance but with a more mature perspective. She focuses on things that genuinely matter and does not get bogged down by superficial details. Despite this change, she remains precise and attentive to detail, possibly even more so now. However, building a trustworthy team that comprehends her standards is critical. Such a team takes time to form since it relies on predetermined criteria that have been developed over time.
Back in the late 1990s, Shakira faced a challenge with her English when she was trying to make it big in the American music industry. Luckily for her, she had Tommy Mottola’s support and guidance. He helped her release an album in English, featuring the hit song “Whenever, Wherever.” Shakira had initially preferred “Objection” as the lead single, but Mottola convinced her otherwise. Thanks to his vision, Shakira managed to make a successful transition into the English-speaking market.
The public has spoken and it’s evident that Spanish is the popular language of music. Gone are the days where someone else decided what we listen to or enjoy. Age, taste, and circumstances don’t matter as long as the artist can connect with their audience. Starting my career with Laundry Service was tough due to numerous challenges, but the music industry has evolved. Currently, singing in Spanish is the latest trend and highly sought after.