SPOTIFY DECLARES 9/29 "SHAKIRA DAY"

Spotify has named Sony Latin's Shakira an EQUAL ambassador for September 2023.

As Manuela Echeverry, artist and label partnerships lead for Spotify in the Andean region, pointed out, "This is another recognition of the artist, woman and leader who has provided countless lessons throughout her career and life. For us at Spotify, as avid Shakira fans, it's an honor to celebrate her."

The platform also declared 9/29 "Shakira Day" in honor of the 25th anniversary of her Dónde Están los Ladrones, one of her most-streamed albums.

The Colombian star told Spotify, “When I heard about Shakira Day, my initial reaction was total excitement! The role my fans have played in my career is impossible to quantify. They have understood me better than anyone and have gotten me to where I am today with their unwavering support.”

To date, there are more than 157 million playlists on Spotify that contain songs by Shakira.

Speaking with Spotify's For the Record, Shakira discussed the role of women in the industry, stating, "I'd like to see more female producers and engineers in the music industry" and "Don't let anyone define what it means to be a woman; you are free to express it as you wish."

Having previously co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and performed at three World Cups, Shakira continues to break new ground; she was just feted with the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs, where she performed a career-spanning set that included this year's global Spotify #1s "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" and "TQG."

Shakira just announced a new single, "El Jefe," with música Mexicana breakout Fuerza Regida, arriving Wednesday (9/20). Watch the teaser below.