Shakira has been honored by Spotify for her role in popularizing Colombian music and culture across the world.
The 46-year-old singer’s achievements, including becoming the most-streamed female Latin artist on the service were celebrated on September 29, which was designated as Shakira Day.
The performer, who recently became emotional during an encounter with a fan in New York City, was previously the subject of the #ShakiraDeservesADay campaign, which was started by listeners in her home country.
Shakira also spoke to Spotify’s For The Record earlier this month to express her gratitude for the efforts of her fans.
‘When I heard about Shakira Day in Colombia, my initial reaction was total excitement! It put a smile on my face, and I know my parents will be proud to see it,’ she said.
Front and center: Shakira has been honored by Spotify for her role in popularizing Colombian music and culture across the world
The Hips Don’t Lie singer went on to speak about the close connection she felt to her loyal fanbase.
‘The role that my fans have played in my career is impossible to quantify. They’ve known how to understand me better than anybody, and they’ve carried me to where I am today with their unwavering support,’ she stated.
Shakira went on to discuss how her home country had influenced her pathway as a singer over the years.
She remarked: ‘The way Colombia has served as inspiration for my career as an artist is immeasurable…It’s such a rich culture, and I’m so grateful to have been raised where I was and have it be my lifelong muse.’
The Grammy Award-winning performer was then asked about her identity as a Colombian artist and how the country’s musical scene had changed over the years.
‘I think back to how male-dominated our music industry was when I started, and I’m proud to represent women who come from my country,’ she stated.
Shakira was also asked about what changes she’d like to see in the future of the music industry.
She then advised fans and other artists ‘to not let anybody define for you what being a woman means. You’re free to express it however you like.’
Special occasion: The the 46-year-old singer’s achievements, including becoming the most-streamed female Latin artist on the service, were celebrated on September 29, which was designated as Shakira Day; she is seen in 2018
Support: The performer, who recently became emotional during an encounter with a fan in New York City, was previously the subject of the #ShakiraDeservesADay campaign, which was started by listeners in her home country; she is seen in 2018
Grateful: Shakira also spoke to Spotify’s For The Record earlier this month to express her gratitude for the efforts of her fans; she is seen in 2018
Friday also marked the 25th anniversary of the release of the singer’s fourth studio album, entitled Donde Estan Los Ladrones?
The performer’s record was met with much critical praise from both fans and reviewers upon its debut.
The album was put up for the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album following its release.
Donde Estan Los Ladrones was also included on the 2020 edition of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
