Stunning Performance at MTV Unplugged

I know I only briefly mentioned it last week but Shakira was simply wonderful in her performance at the MTV Unplugged taping I attended this month. She did songs from both her current ("Donde Están Los Ladrones?:") and her debut album ("Pies Descalzos") with several surprises including a slow, dark, sexy version of "Estoy Aqui" and an appearance from a live Mariachi band. But the most exciting moment came when Shakira donned a traditional belly dancing belt (with the little bells) and danced an authentic belly dance while singing her middle eastern inspired "Ojos Aquí". The audience went crazy!

She is so beautiful and so tremendously talented and so...YOUNG! It took my breath away to think that she is only 22 and has done this much creatlively in her last two albums. In her press conference that followed the taping Shakira spoke about how hard she is working right now and will continue to work over the next year. Currently she is planning a concert and tour and is also working with the Estefans on her upcoming English album slated to be released next year.

Although her career takes her around the world, she still feels a strong bond with her people and her country. What's happening in Colombia right now is difficult, says Shakira, but she has faith in the great Colombian family and that things will improve. This passion extends for everything in her life, and its no wonder that it spills over in to her music. Much of her lyrics, she says, are personal and autobiographical, but it still remains a mystery sometimes. One never know where or when inspiration will hit, says the singer. "I've even had inspiration while taking a shower!" she laughs.

The inspiration is a gift, and Shakira recognizes it. That's why she feels she has a responsiblity to her people and her public to create the very best work she can. This particular project for MTV was exciting and challenging. She put together a team of people that she felt could make great music and work really well together. Luis Ochoa arranged most of the music with her, and the team of musicians had a great and attitude and "really good vibes."

Shakira says It has been a year of many surprises and much excitement for her with the MTV Unplugged show being one of the highlights. In addition, Shakira was on the cover of Newsweek magazine in their issue on Latino culture in America. She's also been picked to do a huge megabucks advertising campaign for Pepsi and will be featured on
NBC for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Article By Little Judy

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