INTERVIEW: Shakira on Her Love Life, Music and Upcoming Tour: 'I Am In Love with Feeling Powerful'

MIAMI - Shakira named her 12th album 'Las mujeres ya no lloran' (Women No Longer Cry), but what she really meant to say is that she has healed from her separation from her romantic partner of more than a decade and the father of her children. The phrase is part of her wildly successful "Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 53."

"The complete sentence in the song goes like this: 'Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan (women no longer cry, women now cash in)'. When she recorded it, she was still in mourning, but it served as a manifestation of what lay ahead for her.

As of March 2024, Shakira is thriving, if not in love, then in lust, and she's having fun. How can one tell? By looking into her eyes as her cheeks flush pink. When she mixes cheekiness with demureness and says: "This album is deeply personal. Let's leave it at that." She told The Latin Times that not only the anger-filled heartbreak tracks were part of her story. The semi-explicit, and romantic songs of 'Las mujeres ya no lloran' were autobiographical as well.

From pain to being single and ready to mingle

The album consists of 16 tracks, half of which had already been released. Among the new ones, two poignantly address the anguish of her separation, particularly "Última," which she vowed to be her final song about her ex, Gerard Piqué. It begins with the phrase "Te lo agradezco" (I thank you), a significant departure from when she sharply criticized him in tracks like "Te Felicito," "Monotonía," "Copa Vacía," and even openly disparaged his parents and his girlfriend (with whom he was unfaithful to her) in "Vol 53" and "El Jefe."

Read about Shakira's impromptu concert in Times Square to promote LMYNL

The remaining songs on the album explore themes of lust, the evolution of friendships, flirtation, and even falling in love again, along with a bold exploration of sexuality and sensuality. This represents a stark shift from Shakira's earlier work; her lyrics have historically been relatively mild, despite her music videos often being sexy and sensual. Remember, the first of her twelve albums was released in 1991.

Shakira reflects on her journey with a sense of liberation and empowerment. "I've gone down to hell, I've come up again, I've been in the mud, I've wiped the mud off, I've dusted myself off, and I've moved on. So now it's like you have a certain freedom, right? And a certain power too," she remarked. Acknowledging the freedom that comes with age, she expresses a newfound sense of power at 47. Having lived through many experiences, Shakira revels in her current state, saying, "I am in love with feeling powerful."

She also enjoyed the first stages of going back to dating, as described in her song "Puntería" ft. Cardi B.

Enter Lewis Hamilton?

Shakira's songs "Nassau" and "Cohete," featuring Rauw Alejandro, hint at a budding romance, marking a new chapter in her personal life. Over the past few years, various names have been linked with her, including F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

The choice of Lucien Laviscount for the music video of "Puntería" adds an intriguing layer to the speculation. Further fueling rumors, Hamilton was spotted with a new tattoo that reads "Nassau," leading to the conjecture that he might be the one who has reignited a spark in Shakira's eyes. "I am not going to give you a name," she said, laughing. However, she admitted there is a name to give, which is enough for now.

Dressed in sleek black and looking amazing, Shakira spoke of her latest album as a mirror to her soul. "Every song, every word in this album is mine. It's my voice, my story."

The Tour of a Lifetime

Looking ahead, Shakira is excited about her upcoming tour. "This tour is more than a series of concerts. It's a celebration, a testament to survival and strength," she shares. The planning is still underway, but the anticipation is palpable.

While she was not ready to give details, Shakira confirmed it will start this year and will include the U.S., Latin America and Spain to begin with. More importantly, she described it as "the tour of a lifetime." She can't wait to meet with her fans, those people who sustained her "when I thought I was going to die."

Shakira describes 'Las mujeres ya no lloran' as a conceptual journey, a narrative about healing from heartbreak and finding strength. "I hope this album becomes a part of others' journeys, helping transform pain into power," she says.

As the interview concludes, Shakira reflects on the album's mix of heartbreak and empowerment anthems. "It's a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the beauty of female strength." With a glint in her eye and a sense of anticipation for the future, Shakira stands not just as a global music icon but as a symbol of the power of transformation and the enduring spirit of women worldwide.