Gloria Estefan revealed how she supported Shakira to record her first album in English: “She is so intelligent and so fighter”
In a recent interview for the program Mollusco TVconducted by announcer Jorge Pabón, the renowned Cuban singer and producer Gloria Estefan revealed unpublished details about her role at the beginning of the international career of the Colombian artist Shakira. As he explained, it was key in the singer’s transition to the English -speaking market, a step that marked a before and after in the trajectory of the interpreter of Hips Don’t Lie.
During the conversation, Gloria Estefan recalled how, at the beginning of Shakira’s career, she insisted that the Colombian had the potential to succeed in English. The Cuban reported that when Shakira began working with Emilio Estefan, husband of Gloria and recognized music producer, she proposed to the young artist to record English versions of her songs. “I fought hard for Shakira because when she entered, that I was going to make the Spanish album with Emilio, I said: ‘You can do this in English. Shaki, your sound, total, you can do this, ‘”said Gloria.
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The composer and actress explained that she took two of Shakira’s songs, Inevitable and eyes like thisand created arrangements in English so that the Colombian could practice them. In addition, she worked with her phonetically to manage to record them in the new language. According to Estefan, the Barranquillera proved to be “intelligent, fighter and hardworking,” which facilitated the process. “I sat down with her to phonetically record it. And I say: ‘You see that you can, this can explode,” he recalled.
However, the path to success was not exempt from obstacles. Gloria Estefan said she had to face the musical businessman Tommy Mottola, who at that time was not convinced that Shakira could launch an album completely in English. Gloria explained that Mottola’s initial plan was to include only a couple of songs in English on an album mostly in Spanish. “I said: ‘Tommy, his audience in Spanish wants to hear it in Spanish, and the public in English will not buy an album for two songs. They are very expensive because it was still when they were selling CD,” he said.
The discussion with Mottola was intense, since he considered that the project could fail and responsible for glory for the possible consequences. “That will fail. And if it fails, it will be your fault,” he recalled that the businessman told him. However, Gloria responded with determination: “I say, and if it is a success, it will be mine too.” Finally, time proved him right. The album Laundry Service”, The first completely in English of Shakira, became a resounding success, selling more than 13 million copies worldwide. Gloria stressed that this was the last album that reached those figures before the arrival of streaming.
Despite his contribution to Shakira’s success, Gloria Estefan made it clear that she never sought to obtain economic benefits from her support. When the program driver asked about royalties or percentages, the Cuban replied: “No, I don’t want it. She deserves all that, but I had to fajar for her, because she is a great fighter and I knew.” In addition, he stressed the pride he feels to see other Latin artists succeed, stating that “Every time a Latino triumphs, we all succeed,” a phrase attributed to her husband Emilio Estefan.
The statements of Gloria Estefan generated a wave of reactions in social networks, where Internet users praised their generosity and support towards Shakira. Comments like “She has always said it, that English learned it thanks to Gloria Estefan” and “This happens when they believe in your talent” reflected the public’s recognition towards the role of the Cuban in the success of the Barranquilla. Others highlighted Shakira’s relevance as one of the most influential Latin artists in history, capable of conquering audiences beyond the Hispanic sphere.
