Global music icon Shakira has opened up about her personal life, revealing that she currently has no time or space for romance. The singer, known for hits like 'Hips Don't Lie' and 'Waka Waka', has been single since her long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique ended in 2022. Shakira shares two sons, Milan (13) and Sasha (11), with Pique, and has been navigating life as a single mother while maintaining a thriving career.
In a recent interview, the 49-year-old artist stated plainly, 'No romance for me for now. There’s no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. My kids are my priority.' She further explained that her career has also become a central focus, adding, 'Strangely enough, I’m in love with my career like I’ve never been in my life. I’m enjoying my time alone as well.' These remarks highlight a period of self-reclamation and professional reinvigoration for the Colombian-born singer.
Career Highlights and Recent Achievements
Shakira's career spans over three decades, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. She burst onto the international scene in the late 1990s with albums like 'Pies Descalzos' and 'Dónde Están los Ladrones?', before crossing over into the English-language market with 2001's 'Laundry Service', which featured the global smash 'Whenever, Wherever'. Her distinctive voice, belly dancing performances, and fusion of Latin, rock, and pop have earned her multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards.
In recent years, Shakira has continued to release new music, including collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Alejandro Sanz, and Rauw Alejandro. Her 2023 single 'Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions 53' with Argentine producer Bizarrap became a global phenomenon, breaking records on YouTube and streaming platforms. The song was a pointed response to her breakup with Pique, showcasing her resilience and lyrical wit. She also performed at the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez, a performance that is still celebrated as one of the most iconic in Super Bowl history.
Reflections on Heartbreak and Resilience
In the same interview, Shakira reflected on the emotional turmoil she experienced following her separation from Pique. She described it as 'the darkest moment, when I saw the dissolution of my family. The family that I had dreamt to keep forever.' At that time, her father William was also hospitalized after a severe fall, compounding her grief. Despite these challenges, she emerged with a renewed sense of strength. 'I’ve been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person, or stronger, at least,' she said. 'They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and it is true. It’s amazing to learn that humans have a resilience that we can resort to at any moment in our lives.'
Shakira has long been an advocate for resilience and personal growth. She has spoken publicly about the importance of learning from hardship. 'Sometimes through hardships and through pain is how we discover how strong we can be. Suffering sometimes makes you a better person, makes you value friends and support,' she added. These sentiments echo her philanthropic work through the Barefoot Foundation, which she founded in 1997 to provide education and nutrition to impoverished children in Colombia. Her commitment to social causes has always been a key part of her public persona.
Navigating Single Motherhood and Career
As a mother of two boys, Shakira has made it clear that her children remain her top priority. She has often shared glimpses of family life on social media, from baking cookies to attending their school events. Balancing parenting with a demanding recording and touring schedule is no small feat, but she has described this period as one of newfound freedom. 'I’m enjoying my time alone as well,' she said, indicating a sense of contentment with her current circumstances.
Industry observers note that Shakira's output since the breakup has been prolific and critically acclaimed. In 2024, she released her twelfth studio album, 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' (Women No Longer Cry), a deeply personal collection that explores themes of heartbreak, empowerment, and self-discovery. The album debuted at number one on the Latin chart and received praise for its honest and raw storytelling. The title itself suggests a shift from vulnerability to strength, a narrative she has woven into her live performances as well.
In addition to her music, Shakira continues to serve as a judge or mentor on talent shows and remains a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Her financial success also stems from her own line of fragrances and other business ventures. Yet, she emphasizes that the emotional fulfillment from her art and her family outweighs any material gain.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
Despite the pain of her past, Shakira harbors no ill will toward Gerard Pique. 'Life sometimes can be a bh, but it’s also beautiful and made of light and shadows. So I thank life for every single moment, the bright ones and the dark ones, the people who have made me suffer because they have become my masters who have taught me lessons, very valuable lessons,' she reflected. The singer expressed that she will always be grateful for the impact Pique had on her life, particularly as the father of her sons. This sentiment of gratitude underscores a mature and forward-looking perspective.
Shakira's journey from a young girl in Barranquilla, Colombia, to an international superstar has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. Her ability to channel personal pain into compelling music has endeared her to millions. Currently, she is working on new material and preparing for a world tour, though she has not announced specific dates. Fans eagerly await her next artistic chapter, which promises to be as vibrant and honest as her previous work.
In the meantime, Shakira appears content with her single status, focusing on raising her sons and pouring her energy into her career. Her message is clear: love can take many forms, and for now, it's the love for her children, her art, and herself that matters most. As she continues to inspire audiences globally, her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of priorities.
Source:gulftoday News