Colombian singer Shakira has shared her admiration for Afrobeats and praised artists like Burna Boy and rising South African star, Tyla. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer revealed her deep appreciation for African music.
Shakira described her music taste as "eclectic, honest, and real." She said, “If I could explain my taste in music in three words, I would say eclectic, honest, and real. I love anything Afrobeats. I like Tyla, I like Burna Boy, anything Afrobeats. But I love Burna so much.”
In 2010, Shakira famously sampled the African song ‘Zangaléwa’ by Cameroonian band Golden Sounds for her official World Cup anthem, ‘Waka, Waka (This Time For Africa),’ further showcasing her connection to African music.
Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, Shakira is celebrated as the "Queen of Latin Music" and is recognized as one of the most influential and beloved artists of all time. She has played a significant role in opening international markets for other Latin artists.
With over 100 million certified records sold worldwide, Shakira is among the best-selling musicians globally. She holds the title of the best-selling female Latin artist of all time in the United States and worldwide, according to Billboard in 2023.
Her illustrious career includes numerous accolades, such as three Grammy Awards, fourteen Latin Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards (including the 2023 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), twenty-one Guinness World Records, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.