Shakira's Roots

Shakira presents an alternative narrative of Latinidad, challenging the prevailing discourse by prominently featuring her Lebanese and African roots. One distinctive element is the zaghrouta, a high-pitched sound symbolizing the significant Lebanese community in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia. This chant expresses joy and happiness and is deeply rooted in Arab culture. Additionally, Shakira incorporates specific dances which serves as a representation of her African roots and, more broadly, the African roots integral to Latino heritage. Shakira includes two Colombian dances in her performance, each carrying cultural significance. The champeta originated from the African descendants in the Colombian region of her upbringing, and the mapalé is an Afro-Colombian dance known for its rapid movements to the beat. Through the deliberate showcasing of her roots and cultural identity, Shakira emphasizes the importance of embracing one's heritage and celebrating diversity. Her performance serves as a powerful statement on the global influences shaping her sound and identity. Particularly on a platform as influential as the Super Bowl, Shakira educates audiences about the diasporic roots of Colombians, an often underrepresented Latino group in the United States. In doing so, she contributes to a broader understanding of the diversity that defines Latinidad.