10 Best Shakira interview quotes on music, family and life

Shakira, the renowned Colombian superstar, recently engaged in an exclusive and intimate conversation that delved into her creative process, her historical success in the music industry, and what lies ahead. This captivating dialogue took place at the Faena Forum and offered insights into Shakira’s personal and professional journey. In this article, we will highlight the most compelling quotes from the interview, shedding light on her thoughts on music, family, and life.

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The Power of Collaboration in Music

Shakira’s collaboration with Fuerza Regida in the song “El Jefe” was a noteworthy venture. She shared her enthusiasm for working with Keityn and Edgar Barrera, expressing the joy she derived from their creative synergy. Shakira highlighted their friendship, stating, “I loved working with Keityn and Edgar. I had a great time. They are great friends.” This collaboration aimed to portray the realities faced by many and introduced elements of the regional Mexican genre, infused with a touch of ska. Shakira emphasized the song’s unique blend, stating, “It could be Balkan or British music, but no, it’s all in a regional Mexican framework.”

The Wellspring of Inspiration

Shakira’s passion for music was palpable in her interview as she revealed, “I’m very inspired, I’m in the mood.” Her fervor for music and her career was evident, and she candidly admitted that there were times when she had to be practically carried into the studio. This candid revelation emphasized the ebb and flow of her relationship with her work. Shakira explained, “Sometimes you fight with your work, everyone does. But now I’m in a honeymoon phase with making music and with my career. I’m in love with what I do.”

Music as a Therapeutic Outlet

For Shakira, writing music is more than a creative process; it’s a form of catharsis. She shared, “[Writing music] is a catharsis. In composition, writing has always played a therapeutic role.” Shakira disclosed that she tends to write most when life throws her challenges. It is during these tough moments that she discovers her inner strength, stating, “Life gives me a blow, and from this, I have learned a lot and I feel stronger. I didn’t think I had so much vital energy to overcome certain stages of life. My music has been my main survival tool.”

The Unwavering Support of Fans

Shakira’s connection with her audience is deeply profound, and she described it as an enduring partnership. She expressed, “[The public has been] by my side, holding my hand.” This unwavering support has been the bedrock of her career, with fans embracing, comforting, motivating, and inspiring her throughout her journey. Shakira acknowledged this bond, saying, “I didn’t feel alone because I have an audience that has been with me for as long as I can remember.”

The Evolving Creative Process

Shakira’s creative process is dynamic and ever-evolving. She emphasized that there’s no fixed formula, sharing, “The way of composing changes. It is not a formula.” Her creative process varies, from writing alone to collaborating with friends and trusted individuals. Shakira conveyed the intimate nature of composing, explaining, “There are times when I love to get together with friends, with people I feel comfortable with because it’s a very intimate process, the process of composing.”

Trusting Her Sons’ Artistic Instincts

Shakira’s relationship with her children extends beyond familial bonds; she values their artistic input. Her son, Milán, introduced her to Bizarrap’s music, an experience that broadened her horizons. Shakira revealed, “When you do a song with Bizarrap, you go worldwide.” She trusts her children’s judgment and often seeks their opinions on her work, saying, “Every time I’m going to put something out, I tell them, ‘What do you think of this song?,’ to see what they imagine.” This collaborative approach even led to creative input from her children in the “Te Felicito” music video.

The Move from Barcelona to Miami

Shakira’s relocation from Barcelona to Miami marked a significant shift in her career. She explained that being in Barcelona isolated her from the active music industry. This geographical distance hindered her ability to execute her creative ideas promptly. She reflected on this period, stating, “Every time I had an idea, I had to wait until the producer was in Europe and felt like coming to Barcelona.” This slow-paced environment left many of her plans unfulfilled, contributing to her sense of demotivation. Shakira contrasted this with her current situation in Miami, where she is surrounded by colleagues, producers, musicians, and friends, igniting her motivation once more.

Cultivating Self-Confidence

Over the years, Shakira has evolved not only as an artist but also in terms of her self-confidence. She shared her journey towards self-assuredness, stating, “Before, I suffered if a hair stood up, I suffered if my eyeliner ran down.” However, she has learned to prioritize what truly matters to her. Shakira emphasized her focus on substance, explaining, “Nowadays, it’s not that I care less about things, but I have a better perspective.” She also credited her dependable team for helping her maintain her focus on detail, acknowledging that trust is built over time.

Her American Breakthrough in the Late ’90s

Shakira’s entry into the American music scene in the late ’90s was a pivotal moment in her career. She recalled the challenges of the time when she barely spoke English but had the support of Tommy Mottola, who encouraged her to release music in English. The song “Whenever, Wherever” marked her foray into the English-speaking market, although Shakira initially had different plans. She shared, “I felt that ‘Objection’ was the song I had to come out with because it was the first song I did in English.” However, Tommy Mottola’s vision ultimately prevailed, leading to her iconic breakthrough.

The People’s Choice and the Power of Spanish

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Shakira emphasized the autonomy of the audience. She stated, “Today, no one can tell audiences what artists they relate to or what language they listen to music in.” The people, regardless of age, genre preferences, or language, dictate their choices. Shakira highlighted her experience, mentioning that when she started with “Laundry Service,” there was interference and resistance to her singing in Spanish. However, she noted that times have changed, asserting, “Today, singing in Spanish is the coolest thing.”

As we reflect on these insightful quotes from Shakira’s interview, we gain a deeper understanding of her passion for music, her unwavering connection with her fans, and her evolving creative journey. Shakira’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring artists, showcasing the power of self-belief and the ability to adapt and grow in a dynamic industry.

In closing, it’s worth noting that Shakira’s impact on the music world continues to be celebrated, as evidenced by the upcoming 2023 Latin Music Awards ceremony, which will broadcast live from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. This event will undoubtedly be a testament to Shakira’s enduring influence and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide, transcending language and boundaries. You can catch the ceremony on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and across Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional on Thursday, October 5th.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com