In a grand tribute to the incomparable Shakira, Spotify has officially designated a day in her honor — “Shakira Day.” This musical celebration coincides with the 25th anniversary of her beloved album “Dónde Están Los Ladrones” and the incredible achievement of being the most streamed female Latin artist in Spotify’s storied history. Moreover, Shakira has been appointed as the EQUAL Global Ambassador for the entire month of September.
The Birth of Shakira Day
The birth of “Shakira Day” is a testament to the power of fandom and social media. The #ShakiraDeservesADay campaign, launched by her fervent Colombian fanbase, took the internet by storm, eventually catching Spotify’s attention. This momentous occasion serves as a fitting tribute to the indomitable influence of the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer.
In an interview with Spotify’s For the Record, the 46-year-old global sensation expressed her profound appreciation for her fans, stating, “The role that my fans have played in my career is impossible to quantify. They’ve known how to understand me better than anybody, and they’ve carried me to where I am today with their unwavering support.”
Shakira’s Colombian roots have unquestionably served as the deep well of her artistic creativity. She expressed her profound connection to her homeland with fervor, stating, “The influence of Colombia on my journey as an artist is immeasurable. Colombia provides an endless fount of inspiration, from its vibrant colors, rich culture, captivating sounds, captivating stories, folklore, and delightful cuisine. It’s a culture of immense richness, and I feel profoundly fortunate to have grown up in such an environment that has remained a lifelong muse for me.”
A Trailblazer in a Male-Dominated Industry
As one of the most successful women in the music industry, Shakira is a trailblazer. She takes pride in representing women from her country in an industry often dominated by men. However, she also emphasized the importance of seeing more female producers and engineers, calling for increased gender diversity within the music industry.
MTV VMA Video Vanguard Award
The accolades continue to pour in for Shakira. Earlier in the month, she received the prestigious MTV VMA Video Vanguard Award. During the ceremony, her “Hips Don’t Lie” collaborator, Wyclef Jean, lauded her as a “musical genius” while the audience chanted her name in unison.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Shakira expressed her gratitude to MTV for their enduring support throughout her career, starting when she was just 18 years old. She also extended her appreciation to various individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping her visual history, her record label, and her parents.
Shakira’s two sons, Milan (9) and Sasha (7), joined her at the event. She took a moment to thank them for being her constant source of inspiration and support, making her feel like a super mom, while they watched on with pride from the audience.
As Shakira continues to captivate the world with her timeless music and unwavering commitment to equality and diversity, “Shakira Day” and her role as EQUAL Global Ambassador stand as testament to her extraordinary influence in the realm of music and beyond.
