One factor is to go to a Shakira live performance. One other is to stroll along with her as a part of her “Loba Pack.” It’s an entire different stage.
On Friday (June 6) morning, I obtained a name from Sony Music US Latin’s publicity affiliate director. I normally don’t reply cellphone calls, however I used to be curious as a result of it’s uncommon for him to name me too.
After a fast “good morning, how are you?” he lower to the chase with what actually felt like he was popping the large query: “Jess, if I get you a spot to stroll with Shakira at her live performance tomorrow, would you?”
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I gasped and with out hesitation mentioned “YES!” After we hung up, I smiled, and for some motive—although I’ve had a really fruitful and profitable profession in Latin music—thought “omg, I lastly made it.”
Simply hours earlier than Shakira was set to carry out her second sold-out stadium in Miami on Saturday (June 7), I obtained an electronic mail titled “Camina con la loba” (stroll with the she wolf) with additional directions—arrival time, assembly location, level of contact, and a consent waiver to be filmed.
As soon as on the Exhausting Rock Stadium, I used to be unexpectedly escorted to a VIP suite, the place drinks and bites have been offered. Then, at round 7:50 p.m., they took me backstage to fulfill up with the remainder of the crew that was going to stroll with Shakira. Among the many “loba pack” have been social media influencer Jessica Judith, Miss Universe Nicaragua 2018 Adriana Paniagua, and TV persona Clarissa Molina. Yours really from Billboard, and choose Univision and Telemundo reporters have been additionally within the combine.
Whereas we waited for our massive second to shine, we have been handed raincoats in an aluminum foil materials and futuristic sun shades. It was additionally your typical 100-degree climate in Miami, however each drop of sweat, humidity, and drenched make-up was price it—particularly as a result of the “loba pack” saved singing Shakira songs whereas we waited.
At 9:15 p.m., the Colombian artist confirmed up in a golf cart sporting a glittery jumpsuit. She hopped off, briefly greeted her unit of empowered wolves, and all of us received into place for showtime.
Round 50 folks walked with the artist into the packed stadium. We have been leaping, we have been ecstatic, we have been high-fiving folks within the viewers, we have been capturing the second on our telephones. With all of the perspective and power on this planet, the “loba pack” dropped off Shakira on the stage, the place she formally kicked off with the magnetic, club-ready observe “La Fuerte.”
We continued to benefit from the first tune from the aisles, earlier than strolling to our seats. As soon as at my spot, I used to be in full awe of Shak’s two-hour-long spectacle, the place she sang the hits, the oldies, had shock company Manuel Turizo, Alejandro Sanz, and Bizarrap, however above all, captivated followers along with her hips that don’t lie—actually.
Undeniably, Shakira is Shakira, however now, as a licensed “loba” (and due to this excellent live performance expertise), there’s little doubt in my thoughts why she ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s “Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time” checklist.
The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour will proceed June 11 in Texas and wrap June 30 in California.