Shakira Celebrates 30 Years of ‘Pies Descalzos’ with Special Reimagined Concert

LOS ANGELES, CA — Shakira marks a milestone in her career by celebrating the 30th anniversary of her acclaimed album ‘Pies Descalzos.’ Released in October 1995, the album introduced a new era in Latin music, blending pop, rock, and international influences.

This anniversary also coincides with the 20th anniversary of her bilingual project ‘Fijación Oral,’ which showcased her ability to cross language barriers. In an email interview with Variety, Shakira reflected on her journey as an artist and how these albums shaped her career.

‘Pies’ was a before-and-after moment for me. It was all recorded in such a brief time with nothing to lose,’ she said. The album’s success led to her becoming a prominent voice in music, and she broke records with ‘Fijación Oral,’ debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, making her the first female artist to win Album of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards.

To commemorate these anniversaries, Shakira has created an ‘Anniversary Series,’ where she revisits her classic songs with collaborators Ed Sheeran and Colombian artist Beéle. ‘Ed and I have been talking and trading ideas for years. The timing is finally right for us to work together,’ she explained.

Shakira expressed her admiration for Beéle, stating, ‘With this song being the one that put Barranquilla on the map in the U.S., I thought it would be beautiful to incorporate another artist from there.’

She also reflected on the evolution of her artistry, discussing how her past albums captured moments of exploration and breaking barriers. Shakira shared her desire to revisit tracks like ‘Dia Especial,’ in collaboration with the late Gustavo Cerati.

Talking about her connection with fans, she said, ‘Fans intuitively know what’s authentic. They can smell it a mile away. You may as well just be honest, real, and hope it connects.’

As she looks to the future, Shakira feels her current work represents uncharted territory in her artistic journey. She expressed excitement about where her music will lead her next.

Shakira’s reflections highlight her growth, resilience, and the deep connection she maintains with her roots and fans, paving the way for future generations.