Shakira, the Colombian songwriter and pop star, recently faced uncertainty about creating another album. In an interview, she expressed doubts about her ability to produce good music again. However, she ultimately released a new album called “El Dorado,” predominantly sung in Spanish, which is filled with love songs accompanied by tropical rhythms. The album’s title refers to a mythical golden city pursued by Europeans in the Americas. Shakira described the album as a representation of finding inspiration that had always been within her. She discovered her renewed inspiration by focusing on creating one song at a time, which brought her a sense of liberation.

Shakira gained fame across Latin America in the 1990s and achieved even greater global success with her 2001 album “Laundry Service.” The album featured songs in English and sold millions of copies worldwide. She became known for her globally influenced music, captivating smile, and distinctive dance moves in her music videos. Throughout her career, she collaborated with artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Wyclef Jean, and she also served as a coach on “The Voice.” Additionally, she recorded the World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which led to her meeting Gerard Piqué, a Spanish soccer player and the father of her children.

In recent years, Shakira’s focus shifted to raising her two young children. Her previous album, “Shakira,” released in 2014, took two challenging years to make and did not achieve blockbuster sales. Despite this, Shakira’s creative drive remained strong, and she continued to find inspiration in her life. Last year, she reconnected with her Colombian roots through a collaboration with songwriter Carlos Vives. This experience sparked her creativity, and she realized she could create more songs. With the rise of streaming platforms, she embraced the opportunity to release music on a song-by-song basis, establishing a direct connection with her fans.

Shakira’s album “El Dorado” features several successful collaborations, including the hit song “Chantaje” with Colombian singer Maluma. The album showcases a playful and experimental side of Shakira that was absent in her previous work. She reflects on her journey as a mother and artist, recognizing the importance of balancing her personal and professional aspirations. Music has become her escape and hobby, allowing her to express herself away from the responsibilities of motherhood. Shakira finds joy in this newfound perspective on music and embraces the unexpected path her life has taken.