Kristina Roberts
Shakira’s famous song “Hips Don’t Lie” turned 20 this year, and the Colombian superstar is still amazed by how much people love it. She says the song is so special that she performs it in every single concert she does. Recently, she even surprised fans by bringing back Wyclef Jean, who worked with her on the song, for a special performance.
The song was released in 2006 and became a huge hit worldwide. It was so popular that it reached number one on music charts in the U.S., making it Shakira’s only song to top the Billboard Hot 100. Even today, people can’t stop dancing whenever it plays.
How “Hips Don’t Lie” Almost Didn’t Happen
Shakira shared an interesting story about how the song almost didn’t make it to her album. At first, her album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 was already finished and ready to be sold in stores. But after she recorded “Hips Don’t Lie,” she knew it was going to be a big hit. She called the head of her music label and said, “You have to take the albums back from the stores!” At first, he refused, but Shakira insisted, saying, “You’ve gotta believe me. You’ve gotta trust me.”
Luckily, the label listened to her, and the song was added to the album. It became one of the biggest songs of her career.
The Story Behind the Song
Originally, the song was called “Lips Don’t Lie” and was written by Wyclef Jean and his group, the Fugees. But they never finished it because another member, Lauryn Hill, didn’t like it. Later, Wyclef asked Shakira to help rewrite and produce the song. She added a reggaeton beat and a famous salsa trumpet sound, which made the song even more exciting.
Shakira said, “It changed my story.” The song mixed Latin rhythms, pop, and hip-hop in a way that wasn’t common back then. Because of its unique sound, it became a global sensation.
Why the Song Still Feels Fresh After 20 Years
Even after two decades, “Hips Don’t Lie” still gets people dancing. Shakira says the song is “timeless” and that she loves performing it. She recently sang it with Wyclef Jean on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and fans went wild.
She also revealed that her hips help her decide if a song is good or not. She once told Ellen DeGeneres, “My hips don’t lie. When I have debates with my musicians about how a song should feel, and it’s not working, I say, ‘My hips don’t lie. That’s not working.’ They tell you the truth.”
A Special Reunion on Stage
During her concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shakira brought Wyclef Jean on stage to perform the song with her. She said, “It will be a one-of-a-kind moment to share the stage with him after so many years.” Fans were thrilled to see them together again, just like in the old days.
Why This Song Means So Much to Shakira
For Shakira, “Hips Don’t Lie” is more than just a song—it represents her culture and her love for music. She grew up listening to different styles, and that influenced how she sings and dances. The song’s success proved that mixing different sounds could create something amazing.
Even now, when she hears the song, it brings back great memories. She told USA Today, “I never knew that years later it would have such an impact.”
What’s Next for Shakira?
Shakira is currently on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, and fans can expect more surprises. She loves performing her old hits, but she’s also working on new music. One thing is for sure—wherever she goes, “Hips Don’t Lie” will always be part of the show.
Twenty years later, “Hips Don’t Lie” is still one of the most-loved songs in the world. It made history, broke records, and proved that Shakira’s music is here to stay. Whether you heard it in 2006 or just discovered it today, one thing is certain—this song will make you move!
As Shakira says, her hips don’t lie, and neither do the millions of fans who still dance to this iconic track. Here’s to many more years of this unforgettable hit!
