During a unique and exclusive interview, Shakira opened up live for the first time about her artistic journey, being recognized as one of the top artists on the Billboard charts, and her future plans. The close conversation with the Colombian sensation happened at the Faena Forum during Billboard Latin Music Week 2023, led by Leila Cobo, the chief content officer for Billboard Latin/Español.

Here are my top 10 favorite quotes from working on “El Jefe” with Fuerza Regida: “Collaborating with Keityn and Edgar was amazing. We had a blast working together and they are like family to me. Our goal was to create a song that reflects the struggles many people face. I also wanted to blend regional Mexican music with a ska vibe. You can hear that unique mix in the song – it’s like nothing else out there, drawing from different influences like Balkan or British music, but staying true to its regional Mexican roots.”

Regarding his creative process, the artist expressed his current state of inspiration by saying, “I’m feeling really inspired right now, it’s like I’m in a creative groove. There have been times when I’ve had to be practically dragged to the studio, but now I’m in a honeymoon phase with my music and my career. I’m absolutely passionate about what I do.”

When it comes to composing music, he shared, “Writing music is like therapy for me. I find solace in composing, especially when I’m going through tough times. I’ve discovered that I actually have a lot of inner strength that I didn’t know I had. My music has been my lifeline during challenging times.”

Reflecting on the unwavering support of his fans, he acknowledged, “My fans have always been there for me, every step of the way. It’s like they’ve been holding my hand through it all. They’ve comforted me, motivated me, and inspired me. I’ve never felt alone because of my incredible audience who have been by my side since I was just a teenager in the music industry. My bond with my fans has only grown stronger over the years, and I’m truly grateful to be an artist for the people.”

Discussing the creative process, the artist mentions that composing is a fluid and unpredictable journey. Ideas may come at any time, even in unconventional places like airplanes or the shower. While some prefer to work alone, he values collaborating with close friends who understand the intimate nature of the creative process.

Trusting his sons’ artistic instincts, the artist explains how his son introduced him to Bizarrap’s music, leading to a collaboration with global reach. He often seeks his kids’ opinions on his work, giving weight to their creative input. For instance, their ideas shaped the music video for “Te Felicito,” showing the influence of family in his creative decisions.

Reflecting on her move from Barcelona to Miami, the artist highlights the limitations she faced in Barcelona due to a lack of active music industry. The move to Miami has rejuvenated her creativity, offering proximity to a vibrant community of collaborators and sparking new motivation to bring her ideas to life.

In terms of self-confidence, the artist acknowledges a shift in mindset from obsessing over details to prioritizing substance. While she still values attention to detail, she has learned to focus on what truly matters and delegate tasks to a reliable team. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and understanding within a team over time.

Recalling her breakthrough in the late ’90s with English-language songs like “Whenever, Wherever,” the artist admits her initial hesitance due to limited English proficiency. However, mentor Tommy Mottola’s confidence in her abilities and vision convinced her to embrace opportunities in the American market, leading to her successful transition to English-language music.

In this day and age, the audience is the ultimate decider of what they like, especially when it comes to music. Gone are the days when someone could dictate which artists you should listen to or what language you should listen to. People from all ages, backgrounds, and tastes have the power to choose what resonates with them. It’s all about the connection between the artist and their audience through music. Back when I released Laundry Service, I faced a lot of obstacles and had to fight for my music to be heard. But times have changed now. Singing in Spanish is now considered super trendy and cool.