This article possibly contains original research .(March 2023) |
The Colombian singer Shakira throughout her career has been considered a feminist symbol and a representation of (Latin) women globally. [1] Since the beginning of her career, several magazines highlighted her appearance in the audiovisual medium with a "unique" style of a young female artist, [2] [3] differentiating herself from other Latin artists. Currently the lyrics of her songs (especially about heartbreak) are analyzed by experts. [4] [5]
Shakira aroused the total interest of various sectors that debated about her record material with her lyrics and symbolism. [6] In addition, according to Carolina Maldonado she is "inspiration for a whole generation of Latin women" who trust more and more in themselves as artists than to depend on looks. [7] According to Rolling Stone magazine, she has been hailed as a woman who "broke barriers and brought back female Latin pop rock music from the 90s," bringing several women into the genre. [8]
Shakira around her more than 30 years of musical career has achieved various successes for a Latina woman such as: The Latina with the most sales of all time, [9] the most famous Latina in the world [10] and the "most influential Latina artist in the history" [11] [12] [13] of music. Being described by VH1 as the "greatest Latin artist in the history of music" [14]
"I consider myself a feminist, it matters a lot to me that girls enjoy the same opportunities and education as boys, because inequality starts very early, especially in some parts of the world where many girls do not attend school and then it is very difficult for them to overcome those inequalities to take charge of their lives. It is incredible that in 2020 we are still fighting for half of the population to enjoy the same rights. We have to progress much faster."
Shakira, Marie Claire [15]
Shakira expressed in the interviews of her album "Oral Fixation Vol 2" that she did not feel part of the feminist movement, adding that she did not want to wear that poster, according to her words, she feels a lot about her feminine side, but that somehow she has come closer to the side masculine of her life, especially in her relationships. [16]
Years later during the interviews for her album She Wolf (2009) she declared that growing up made her realize as a woman the struggle that she faces every day with the difficulty that women have to satisfy themselves in a world where men are in charge. [17] "We live in a society that represses dreams from the subconscious of women... You know, women have to make enormous efforts in life, much greater than men." Currently, Shakira's feminist position is focused on seeking equality in education and work for women and men, as well as seeking progress in the world with the same rights for both men and women. During an interview, Shakira quoted the ex-secretary of the United States Madeleine Albright saying "There is a place reserved in hell for those women who do not support others" expressing her full support for this phrase. [18]
During the last months, Shakira's work has been the subject of analysis by journalists, critics, experts among others who analyzed some of her songs, managing to relate strongly to Shakira with the ideal of the feminist woman. Some of her songs like "She Wolf" have been analyzed the lyrics and the meaning of these, being in "She Wolf" according to Shock magazine "...it was a quite controversial song in its time" while according to Shakira "this song represents the woman of this time, the man of the present and the gays of now". The song expresses openly the desire that "la loba" has to satisfy her sexual desires" [19] While in the song "Se Quiere, Se Mata" the writer Ita María Díez reviews the lyrics of the song stating that "... it is a song that denounces the risks to which the prohibition of abortion exposes us; the danger of not being able to decide over our own bodies and lives; the double standards of societies that prefer to see us dead rather than free and the shameless way in which the criminalization of abortion only punishes women". [20]
The specialist Mercedes Ortega wrote a book called "Todos me miran. América Latina y el Caribe desde los Estudios de género" which contains a chapter entitled "Shakira as gender technology: representations of feminine identity" where she identifies several images of Shakira, including "the girl with bare feet", the romantic lover, the femme fatale and the sex symbol. She sees to what extent they are built within gender norms and in what way it subverts them." [21] Billboard magazine in 2016 made its top 5 "feminine power anthems" present in her bilingual album "Laundry Service" where they acclaim her "alter ego" presented as an independent woman fitting perfectly with her empowering songs like "Objection ( Tango)", "Te Dejo Madrid", "Ready for the good times", "Poem to a horse" and "Rules" where she presents herself as a woman who is not "tied to toxic relationships" [22]
In the year 2023 after the separation with her ex-partner Gerard Piqué Shakira released her song together with Bizarrap called "Out of your league" which immediately caught the attention of the media, immediately the song had a strong impact on the world generating controversy [23] and reactions divided in the public [24] but enjoying the acclaim of specialized critics, [25] According to the newspaper El Plural expresses that Shakira "raises her voice, refuses the role of statism and submission assigned to women in the macho ideology, and cries out in defense of her self-esteem and her self-esteem" [26] A CNN op-ed by author and communications specialist Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu felt that Shakira's lyrics were welcomely raw about all the things that were hurting her or keeping her up at night, including the cheating in which the new girlfriend was complicit, and her insecurity compared to younger women; Beltran Quan Kiu did note that among the popular responses were social media users "questioning whether Shakira broke an unwritten rule between women by dragging her ex's new flame". [27] The song was also analyzed from a psychological point of view, reviewing the complete lyrics and reaching the conclusion that "She conveys that she is very hurt by the breakup, not only from the point of view of sadness and anger, which are two emotions that she expresses very well, but also tries to show it through her public figure, her songs" [4] El Tiempo reported that, after a week of release, it was part of a study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico as a subject of analysis by gender studies experts. Educators are studying symbolism in its lyrics from the point of view of gender violence. [28]
Shakira's image of an empowered woman was largely debated by feminists who questioned her position regarding the problem that occurred in their relationship, according to some magazines "Rivalry between women and competition for a man's "love" is promoted by the patriarchal culture. Questioning this is one of the tasks, among others, of the women's movement. Before there was talk of sorority, but it turns out that patriarchy is strengthened when women compete among themselves for a man. There is a media operation that is developing this edge of the song, and some sectors of feminism echo it, confusing it with empowerment". [29]
Maghrebi feminist Noor Ammar Lamarty called Shakira's attitude "childish" stating "Shakira objectifies and objectifies herself by denigrating her ex's new partner under the phrase 'change a Rolex for a Casio'. We are human not objects. No There is nothing empowering in using curiosity to be mean and macho with another woman because it takes your place. You have to know how to leave". [30]
University of Cambridge lecturer Dr Maya Feile Tomes wrote a letter published in The Guardian, criticizing how the song espoused a feminist message but was "disappointingly sexist" by the way it demeans and judges the new girlfriend in the lyrics, something Feile Tomes felt was unnecessary. [31]
All of us as Latinas have to recognize she’s the one who represents us as Latinas around the world. When I was on set shooting the video and I was watching her, I was realizing all the amazing and legendary moments in her career, and a lot of things I need to work on to get to that point. But it was such a blessing to have her.
Since Shakira's debut in the music market she was described as a musical phenomenon and a spokesperson for the especially female youth who identified with her, the Latino generation of the nineties "embraced" her presented style of being irreverent against the established norms of what a young woman should be and the way she should look, according to Edgar García in the book "Shakira ¡Que viva Colombia! " Shakira had reached a status of importance among Latina adolescents, [33] her way of dressing was widely imitated by girls and adolescents from various Latin countries, Shakira represented all young women in her way of thinking and speaking in front of the world. [34] Shakira from the beginning was seen as an artist who inspires Latina women to be proud of their roots, she managed to break down several barriers against the Latino community and facilitated the famous "crossover" to the mainstream market. [35] Shakira is coveted to have broken the gender barriers in the Latin music industry which is considered to be "historically male-dominated" and passed their numbers. A fact that helps girls like her to have the same opportunities as her. [36] According to the professor at the National University of La Plata, Patricia Larrús,
“Shakira is the ultimate Woman in Music. Thanks to her, Latin women all over the world have been empowered to write and perform deeply personal music. She created a movement all on her own, and continues to be more relevant than ever today, with grace, a deep tradition of giving back, and enormous talent. She is the definition of a Woman in Music,”
Leila Cobo, 2023' [37]
Shakira continues to break patriarchal stereotypes while being a "mirror issue" for the entire Latino female community, also calling Shakira as an emerging from a whole group of those women who do not achieve so much visibility, but that they add to this current by opting for a freer life, without conditioning and with other objectives, adding that "Shakira's image is contradictory: disruptive and hegemonic. Shakira's productions set trends, open paths, they copy or modify patterns that regulate the conduct of women. [1] A 2021 survey conducted by LATFEM, a Latin American feminist organization concluded that Shakira is the most influential female artist among Latin Americas females, Also, Shakira's 4th studio album, Donde Estan Los Ladrones has come out as the most influential album within the surveyed population. Mexican journalist, Natalia Szendro said, "...many girls were directly influenced by Shakira and I am that generation, in which I felt identified for the first time with someone at that level." The survey also adds, "with age comes the recognition and it becomes very easy to see the legacy and the deep impact that "Shaki" has left." [38] According to the journalist Sebastian Peña with "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" the singer was also credited with opening new doors for women in the industry and showing people that she could become a "superhero" to both men and women despite the fact that the artists always had them in the background, he also added that thanks to this album, Shakira managed to give greater strength and visibility to the international female boom at the end of the first millennium. [39]
During the march on 8 March, 2023, former minister Izkia Siches declared that Shakira had "led the march" while a British journalist commented that there were Shakira masks selling very well, various posters with phrases from Shakira songs such as "She Wolf" and "Out of your league", while the latter was played with several girls singing it throughout the day. [40] However, in Spain, the treasury would have fined all the women who carried posters with Shakira's phrases during the march. [41]
Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes is a Mexican singer, songwriter and television personality. Referred to as "The Golden Girl" and "Queen of Latin Pop", she first achieved recognition as a member of the successful pop group Timbiriche from 1982 through 1991. After leaving Timbiriche, she embarked on a solo career. Rubio has sold over 15 million records, making her one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time.
Dónde Están los Ladrones? is the fourth studio album by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, released on 29 September 1998 by Sony Music Colombia. After attaining success in Latin America with her major-label debut, Pies Descalzos (1995), Shakira met producer Emilio Estefan, who identified her potential to break into the US Latin market and became her manager. As co-producer, Shakira enlisted previous collaborator Luis Fernando Ochoa along with Pablo Flores, Javier Garza, Lester Mendez, and Estefan, who served as executive producers. Dónde Están los Ladrones? incorporates Latin pop styles, with influences of rock en español and Middle Eastern music.
Pies Descalzos is the third studio album by Colombian singer Shakira, released on 6 October 1995, by Sony Music Colombia. Its music incorporates Latin pop styles, additionally experimenting with pop rock elements. Looking to revive her struggling career after the commercial failures of her first two studio efforts Magia and Peligro, she assumed a prominent position in its production. As executive producer, Luis Fernando Ochoa co-wrote and co-produced each of the eleven tracks on the record with Shakira.
Olga Teresa Tañón Ortiz is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter. Over the course of her career, she has earned two Grammy Awards, three Latin Grammy Awards, and 29 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards.
"Ojos Así" is a song by Colombian singer Shakira from her fourth studio album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). Infused with nuances of Arabic pop, the lyrics tell of the singer traveling the world but not having seen eyes like her lover's. It was released as the album's fifth single in October 1999 by Sony Discos. It was written by Shakira, composed and produced by her, Pablo Flores, and Javier Garza. The song was later adapted into English by Gloria Estefan as "Eyes Like Yours" and included on her first English studio album Laundry Service (2001).
Colombian singer and songwriter Shakira has released 11 studio albums, five live albums, two compilation albums, 69 singles and 62 music videos. With 95 million certified records worldwide, she is the highest-selling Colombian artist and the best-selling female Latin artist of all time. She is the only South American artist to peak at number one on the Australian Singles Chart, the UK Singles Chart, and the US Billboard Hot 100. Her singles "Hips Don't Lie" and "Waka Waka ", have achieved sales in excess of ten million units, becoming some of the best-selling singles worldwide.
"Ciega, Sordomuda" is a song by Colombian singer Shakira from her fourth studio album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). A pop rock track, it utilizes mariachi trumpets and lyrically equates total love to a person being blind, deaf, and mute. It was released as the album's lead single on 4 September 1998 by Columbia Records and Sony Discos. The lyrics were written by Shakira. Its music was co-composed by Shakira and Estéfano, while produced by the singer and Lester Méndez.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Barranquilla, she has been referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music" and has been praised for her musical versatility. She made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. Following the commercial failure of her first two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), she rose to prominence in Hispanic countries with her next albums, Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). She entered the English-language market with her fifth album, Laundry Service (2001), which sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Buoyed by the international success of her singles "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes", the album propelled her reputation as a leading crossover artist. Broadcast Music, Inc., described Shakira as a "pioneer" who extended the global reach of Latino singers.
"Tú" (transl. "You") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira from her fourth studio album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). On the ballad, the lyrics detail the singer offering herself and her possessions to her lover. It was released as the album's second single in 1998 by Columbia Records and Sony Discos. Its lyrics were written by Shakira, the music was composed by herself and Dillon O'Brian. Shakira also handled its productions along with Lester Méndez. The track's musical composition was originally intended for an album O'Brian never released.
"Nunca Voy a Olvidarte" is a song written by Roberto Belester and first recorded by Mexican grupero band Bronco for their album Salvaje y Tierno (1991). In the song, the protagonist is leaving and vows to never forget the time he spent with his lover. In 1993, Mexican singer-songwriter Cristian Castro covered the song on his album, Un Segundo en el Tiempo. Castro's version peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States became his first number-one single.
"La Bicicleta" is a song by Colombian singer Carlos Vives and Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira from Vives' fifteenth studio album Vives (2017) and is also included as an album track on Shakira's eleventh studio album El Dorado (2017). The song was written by both singers, and produced by Andrés Castro and it marks Shakira's first collaboration with a fellow Colombian artist. "La Bicicleta" was intended to be representative of both singers' homelands musical styles in Colombia. It is a song with a mixture of various musical genres – vallenato, pop and reggaeton – and it features indigenous Colombian wind instruments and accordions. Lyrically, it is a nostalgic song, describing the duo's excursion on bikes to places of their childhood. Music critics reviewed the song positively, praising it for its catchiness and inclusion of various Colombian music elements. The song won two Latin Grammy Awards at the 17th Latin Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Nicole Denise Cucco, known professionally as Nicki Nicole, is an Argentine rapper and singer. Born and raised in Rosario, Santa Fe, she gained popularity with her singles "Wapo Traketero", "Colocao", "Mamichula", and "Mala Vida".
Gonzalo Julián Conde, known professionally as Bizarrap, is an Argentine DJ and record producer. He specializes in EDM, Latin trap and rap. He is known for his Bzrp Music Sessions, a series of independent tracks which he records with a wide variety of artists. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in 2021.
Natalia Peluso, known professionally as Nathy Peluso, is an Argentine-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer and pedagogue. Born in Argentina and raised in Spain, Peluso became interested in the performing arts at an early age, performing cover songs at musical bars in her teenage years. After graduating King Juan Carlos University, Peluso relocated to Barcelona to pursue a professional career in music, with her first releases Esmeralda (2017) and La Sandunguera (2018) being confected independently. Peluso slowly started to become recognized in Spain. After signing Sony Music, she started working on her breakthrough album Calambre (2020) for which she won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2021.
Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira has had a considerable impact on the musical landscape of Latin America and further afield. Further to this her career has seen longevity and cultural reach that has enabled Shakira to be a socially, culturally, and politically influential figure across the world. This has culminated in her receiving the honorific nickname of the Queen of Latin Music. Is considered the most recognisable face of Latin music around the world. With 95 millions of records sold, she is the best-selling Latin female artist of all time.
The musical works of Colombian singer Shakira have drawn the attention of music critics, and journalists, Shakira's songs from her first two international albums are the most analyzed due to their symbology, lyrics and concept of that time. Several of these analyzes have helped to understand a little more the ideals of the singer, her political and religious position as well as her inspirations for her first videos and songs. Likewise, the analysis of these works are used for works in various universities and colleges.
The following is a list of events and new Spanish and Portuguese-language music that happened or are expected to happen in 2023 in the Latin music industry, namely music released in Ibero-America. Ibero-America encompasses Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the Latino community in Canada and the United States.
"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" is a song by Argentine DJ Bizarrap and Colombian singer Shakira. It was released on 11 January 2023, through Dale Play Records, after a music video released on Bizarrap's YouTube channel – part of his popular Bzrp Music Sessions series – was released on the same day.
Villana Santiago Pacheco, known professionally as Villano Antillano, is a Puerto Rican rapper. She gained recognition in 2022 with the release of "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 51" alongside producer Bizarrap.