HIPGNOSIS DON’T LIE: MERCK DANCES OFF
WITH SHAKIRA CATALOG

In yet another asset-acquisition triumph, Merck Mercuriadis’ Hipgnosis has secured the catalog of chart-busting global superstar Shakira.

The “Queen of Latin Music,” whose work has driven 80m+ record sales and earned three Grammys, 12 Latin Grammys, four VMAs, six Guinness World Records and countless hours spent attempting to cop her moves by drunken HITS employees, adds some 145 songs to Merck’s vault. Hipgnosis has acquired 100% of Shakira's rights (publishing and writer’s share).

The Colombia native’s hits include “Estoy Aquí,” “Ciego, Sordomuda,” “Tú,” the top-selling international giant “Hips Don’t Lie” (#1 in 55 countries), “Whenever, Wherever,” “Underneath Your Clothes,” “La Tortura,” “She Wolf” and the chart-topping FIFA anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”

"One step at a time, this incredible woman from Colombia has evolved into one of the most famous and influential people in the world," reads a quote from Merck. "What no one should ever take for granted is that she is one of the most serious and successful songwriters of the last 25 years, having written or co-written virtually every song she's ever recorded. She's a superb creator who's led the charge from what was massive physical-product success to now having even bigger success in streaming. This is the result of her being a force of nature and having written songs the world is incredibly passionate about. It’s wonderful for us to welcome, Shakira, the Queen of Latin Music and much more, to the Hipgnosis family."

Shakira was repped in the deal by manager Jaime Levine and lawyers David Lande and Mitch Tenzer at Ziffren Brittenham Law LLP. After execution documents were signed, everyone did some hip-shaking atop a giant pile of greenbacks.

Photo: Jaume de la Iguana