When Shakira first arrived on the scene
in her native Columbia, her first two albums flopped.
This is when she decided to develop her own brand of music,
and her Latin American and Middle Eastern influences, not
to mention her own original twist on belly dancing, finally
established her as a star in Latin America.
By
the time Shakira became an international superstar
and released her first English/Spanish album (Laundry
Service), she was being criticised by her Latin fans
for abandoning her folk and rock roots in favour of
contemporary American pop music.
At the same time, the Western critics were criticising
her, claiming that her English skills were too weak
for her to write in it, with Rolling Stone stating
"she sounds downright silly" and "Shakira's
magic is lost in translation." |
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Freshlyground
probably sees recording and performing the now official
song for the 2010 SWC with Shakira as their big break. |
Personally, I do not think that the song
is in any way reflective of South African music at all,
nor do I see it establishing Freshlyground as international
superstars.
It’s a pity, as this was an opportunity
to really showcase the immense talent of our own artists
to the world, and it would no doubt have opened doors for
South African artists in general.
There are many who, in my opinion, would
have done a better job, but that’s just me, and the
song will probably be a short term hit.
Kader Khan
