A one-on-one chat with the ultimate Latin music icon.
Jaume De Laiguana captured Shakira in a stunning outfit by Johanna Ortiz, adorned with a ring by Messika by Kate Moss and boots by Giuseppe Zanotti. The global sensation Shakira has captivated audiences worldwide with her Latin pop music infused with the mesmerizing dance moves of her Arabic heritage. Her music has brought happiness to millions and played a significant role in the rise of Latin music in the industry. Shakira reached the peak of her career in 2010 when she wrote and performed the World Cup theme song in South Africa. It was there that she met and fell in love with Spanish football star Gerard Piqué. Their love story led to a family, but recent struggles have clouded their once sunny relationship. Despite gearing up for the release of her first album in five years, Shakira opened up about facing her “darkest hour” in a recent interview with ELLE from her home in Barcelona. Her announcement of separating from Piqué earlier this year, combined with ongoing legal battles over tax evasion allegations, has put a strain on her personal and professional life. As she navigates this challenging period, Shakira remains strong and determined to overcome the obstacles in her path.
Jaume De Laiguana Outfit, Miu Miu. Shoes, Aquazzura. Headpiece, Messika. Rings, Messika by Kate Moss and Bulgari. Shakira’s incredible journey started in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she began performing in small mining towns as a teenager. At just 14 years old, she seized the opportunity to audition for a music executive who was in town, a move that would change her life forever. With dedication and hard work, she learned English and reached international stardom in 2001 with her album Laundry Service. Despite her charitable efforts in building schools and her involvement in political activism, Shakira finds solace and inspiration in her music above all else. In a candid conversation with ELLE, she opens up about her highly anticipated new music, the end of a significant relationship, and her determination to take control of her financial matters.
Jaume De Laiguana is wearing an Etro dress, and accessorizing with a pendant and earrings from Bulgari. Recently, I witnessed him celebrating his father’s birthday by serenading him with a beautiful bolero song. His father has played a significant role in his life, serving as a hero and a source of resilience and wisdom. Despite facing various challenges this year, including a subdural hematoma and multiple facial fractures, his father continues to exude strength and positivity. Jaume has learned the importance of music in bringing joy to his father and other seniors, highlighting the power of music to connect people to life in a noble way. This experience has made him appreciate the ability of his work to touch people’s lives and bring them joy.
Jaume De Laiguana Wearing Dior dress and Bulgari ring, I want to talk about your music. Your highly anticipated album is finally on the way after a long break since 2017. Indeed, I am thrilled about my upcoming album, which features a mix of English and Spanish songs in different genres, including collaborations. The creative process has been so fulfilling and therapeutic for me. Writing music is like therapy, helping me process emotions and heal. It’s like a lifeline during tough times, like driftwood for a drowning man. Each time I enter the studio, I end up with new music, feeling creatively inspired. Writing songs has been my medicine, helping me through challenging moments. Even when I felt broken, music helped me put myself back together. It’s like a shot of vitamins, revitalizing me after each writing session. Cherishing my work now, it allows me to reflect on my purpose and identity, especially in difficult times. In one of the darkest moments of my life, music has been a source of light and dignity for me. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the transformative power of music in my life. Talking about my personal struggles is tough, especially as I navigate a public separation. It’s hard to shield my kids from the media scrutiny and hide our pain. My children have been affected by the situation, encountering unpleasant news online or from peers. Their emotions are a priority for me, and I strive to protect them amidst the chaos. Despite the difficulties, I remind myself of my duty to be a role model for my kids and those who support me. Resilience and nurturing others are inherent qualities in women, helping us navigate through tough times. Despite shattered dreams of a forever family, I draw strength from the love and support of those around me. This support is my driving force during this challenging period in my life.
Jaume De Laiguana Apparel, by Carolina Herrera, accessorized with Kate Moss’s Messika earrings, Bulgari necklace, and Christian Louboutin shoes. Regarding the current situation with the custody battle over the children, it’s been tough seeing the media coverage here in Spain. It’s invasive and unsettling for my kids to be constantly watched and photographed. They deserve a normal life without being in the spotlight all the time. Despite how things ended between Gerard and me, he is still the father of my children. Our priority is to do what’s best for our boys and find a fair solution. I hope we can have the privacy to work this out. As for the end of our relationship, it’s a sensitive topic for me right now. I poured my heart and soul into my family and made sacrifices for the sake of my kids. When Milan started school, I knew I had to settle down in Barcelona to support Gerard and our boys. It was a choice I made out of love, putting my career on hold. Through it all, my kids have had a present and loving mom, and that bond is something precious to me. In the end, decisions were made for the greater good of our family, and that’s all I can say about it for now.
Jaume De Laiguana Outfit, Versace. I wanted to ask you about your song “Te Felicito” (“I Congratulate You”), which was released in April. The lyrics talk about breaking yourself into pieces to make someone whole, and not taking heed of warnings. Now, with you mentioning putting your career on hold, did that experience resonate with the lyrics about sacrificing a part of yourself in a relationship? I always pour my feelings and experiences into my music and videos, whether consciously or subconsciously. It’s like a channel for me to express myself. As for challenges, you’re also dealing with tax fraud accusations from the Spanish government. Why did you choose to fight back instead of settling? I feel compelled to defend myself against these false accusations. I wasn’t in Spain for 183 days a year during that time as claimed. I paid what was owed even before the lawsuit was filed, so I have no outstanding debts. I sought advice from a reputable tax firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to ensure transparency. Despite the lack of evidence, they’re resorting to a smear campaign, a tactic commonly used by the Spanish tax authorities. Nonetheless, I believe justice will prevail in my favor. Everything I feel and go through finds its way into the lyrics I write, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Jaume De Laiguana One-piece outfit by Fernando Claro. Boots designed by Elisabetta Franchi. What kind of tactics do you find questionable? The prosecutors claim they scrutinized your social media activity and credit card transactions to track your whereabouts across the country. During my relationship with Gerard, I was traveling the world on tour. I was out of Spain for over 240 days, so I didn’t meet the residency criteria. The Spanish tax authorities noticed my relationship with a Spanish national and became eager to seize the opportunity. It was evident they were after my money no matter what. Even in the following years, I continued to travel extensively for work, even while pregnant or caring for my son Milan as a newborn. They knew I wasn’t in Spain for the required time nor was it my primary place of work or income, but they still pursued me relentlessly. It appears to be a matter of principle for you to have your day in court. Exactly. That’s precisely it. It’s a matter of principle to me.
Jaume De Laiguana is elegantly dressed in Dior, donning a Bulgari ring and stylish Aquazzura boots. Reflecting on the darkest moment of life, he ponders on moving forward in the coming months. Life’s challenges always seem to bring a helping hand in times of need, a safety net formed by the love and support of family and friends. Colleagues, not just friends, have shown incredible empathy and care during tough times. Celebrities like will.i.am, Chris Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, and Alejandro Sanz have been constant sources of support, offering prayers and reassurance. Feeling alone but not lonely, Jaume realizes the power of self-sufficiency and the importance of close relationships. Embracing solitude for now, he finds solace in the presence of his children, family, and caring friends. This newfound sense of self-reliance brings a sense of contentment, paving the way for healing and future possibilities.
Jaume De Laiguana is a talented artist known for his unique and captivating work in the entertainment industry.
