As she wiggles her belly-dancing hips to the sound of her music…you may be reminded of when another Latin artist shimmied his way into the hearts of the English record-buying public. But Ricky Martin is no Shakira. A superstar on the Latin market for years, this 24-year old singer is poised to be THE next big breakthrough artist on the English market…Latin or otherwise. Her just released debut English-language CD, LAUNDRY SERVICE, is expected to shake things up on the Billboard top 100 charts.

Those seeing her video for the song, “Whenever, Wherever”, may be inclined to think that she is just another belly-button bearing, blonde bombshell-in-waiting. But Shakira is a slave for no one. This Grammy-award winning singer is a 12-year veteran of the music industry who released her first record in her native Columbia at the age of 15. While some of those other blonde female singers may be emerging as songwriters, Shakira has been putting pen to paper since the inception of her career.

It is her signature sound that further separates her from the pack. Her music is a hybrid of pop, rock and folk crossed with a Middle-Eastern sound. This multi-dimensional artist co-wrote and co-produced every song on LAUNDRY SERVICE, despite the fact that English is not her first language. Under the guidance of the godmother of Latin cross-over, Gloria Estefan, and ex-Michael Jackson manager Freddy DeMann, Shakira can deliver the goods that will take her sensuality to a credible place.

Major promotion has already set in with appearances on Rosie and Leno already under her belt, and Saturday Night Live and Mad TV soon to follow. Shakira may have to endure a crazy schedule for the next year or so…but just don’t call her another vida loca cross-over.






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