Shakira's Tour Extravaganza Unveiled: Nightly Earnings Reaching a Staggering 6 Million Dollars
Pumpin' Up the (Shakira) Jams: Growing Up and Growing Older with My Idol
From belting out her tunes at karaoke nights, to getting through heartbreaks, and even learning English—Shakira has been the soundtrack of my life. When I finally met her after her concert in Miami, I was starstruck. This woman, who has composed the anthems of an entire generation, was standing right in front of me.
As a fan and a Colombian, I was thrilled to produce a story for the BBC about her latest tour, "Women Don't Cry Anymore." I was there as she performed "The Torture" with Alejandro Sanz during the soundcheck and listened to her interview with our music correspondent, Mark Savage.
Seeing her up close was somehow familiar, yet fresh. Shakira's image, her music, and advertising have ensured we remember her, but it's also a rediscovery, and you can't help but gaze, trying to compare her to your own memories.
My fan self yearned to find wisdom in her gestures and words that allowed her to write verses like "you'll see how life will settle the excess salt in the sea" or "I always knew it's better, when talking about two, to start with oneself."
But my journalist self was immediately amazed by the complexity of the operation behind the artist.
The Artistic Force Behind Shakira
What makes Shakira stand out is not just her talent, but her intelligence. Her music creatively synthesizes a wide range of influences—from rock to belly dancing to African rhythms like "Waka Waka." She masterfully used the exoticizing gaze placed upon her as a Colombian woman to create universally appealing work.
Shakira knows that the right word is key to conveying her message effectively. In one song, she discusses Sartre and Marx; in the next, she talks about trading a Rolex for a Casio; in another, she takes on labor exploitation.
When asked why she's a fan, I usually say that Shakira has been a fundamental piece in building my imagination. I wouldn't be the same person without what I discovered in "Anthology," "Loba," and "Octavo Día."
After the interview, Shakira looked at me and extended her hand to say goodbye. I admitted that I was a big fan. That word seemed to affect her. She decided to replace her handshake with a hug.
Shakira has been open about the tumultuous and media-rich breakup with footballer Gerard Piqué and accusations of tax fraud from Spanish authorities. But despite the challenges, her fans' support has been unwavering, and her performances at the concert were met with thunderous applause.
Shakira's Intricate Machine: The Tour
Viewing Shakira's concert from behind the scenes was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each city requires around 150 people to set up the 250-ton equipment and build the stage, which takes two days. The concert is nothing short of monumental, with Shakira changing her clothes 13 times and each segment accompanied by a unique visual universe and live music.
For everything to go smoothly, perfect coordination is essential. Mistakes can result in delays or cancellations, like what happened in Boston and Washington D.C. (according to Shakira's team).
Despite the complex coordination, it's clear that Shakira is in control. Her team makes it a point to communicate any issues to her promptly. One publicist complained because she wasn't told that someone was ill; her guitarist explained that his role was to support Shakira so she could shine.
Shakira's team also ensures a level of privacy, strict controls on what can be recorded, and polite but firm rejections of difficult questions from journalists.
The Rebellion Remains: A Glance at Shakira's Career Evolution
Shakira's rebellious spirit can be traced back to her early career, where she fused Latin rock with folk and pop influences. Her willingness to cross boundaries and experiment musically has allowed her to maintain her authenticity and creative edge while achieving mainstream success.
Despite her polished public image, much of the fiery, passionate Shakira remains—from her distinctive makeup style to her recent session with Bizarrap.
While Shakira has undoubtedly become a more refined cultural product over the years, her rebel spirit is still palpable, evidenced by her willingness to take calculated risks and address social and political issues through her music.
## Conclusion
Shakira's unique balance of rebellion and polish has defined her career and enabled her to captivate audiences worldwide while continuously evolving as an artist. Whether she's singing to thousands at a concert or composing thought-provoking lyrics, Shakira remains a true icon of our time.
By Santiago Vanegas Maldonado
BBC Mundo Shakira* Inspiring Stories
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- Shakira's team is a fusion of creativity and efficient management, masterfully juggling the exotic allure of her music with a universal appeal, much like her music itself.
- Behind the glitz and glamour of Shakira's celebrity status lies a deep commitment to tackling social and political issues, making her not just an entertainer, but a thought-provoking voice in pop-culture.
