Last week, Shakira teamed up with Argentine producer Bizarrap to release a new breakup song titled “BZRP Music Session #53”. In the track, the Colombian singer takes aim at her ex-boyfriend, Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, and his alleged infidelity. The song has quickly gained popularity, amassing over 63 million views on YouTube within just 24 hours of its release. In fact, it has become the most-watched Latin debut song in the platform’s history. “BZRP Music Session #53” has also broken records on Spotify, reaching the top of the Top 50 Global chart and becoming the most-streamed Latin track in a single day in the platform’s history.
The success of Shakira’s new song is due to its empowering message rather than just calling out cheaters. Women today are focusing on healing and moving on from breakups in healthier ways, such as traveling, pursuing their careers, and developing emotional tools. This cultural shift is also recognized by men, as seen in Ian Lara’s HBO special where he jokes about how quickly women move on. Shakira’s lyrics emphasize that women are no longer devastated by breakups, but instead become stronger.
According to Lara, the women’s movement has greatly influenced the way women deal with breakups and dating. This is why she included a joke about it in her show. She believes the popularity of Shakira’s song is due to its message of empowerment for not only women but also anyone who has experienced heartbreak. Lara notes that in the past, a woman who broke up at a certain age would be seen as undesirable, but now, finding a partner is not a problem for any woman who wants one. This change reflects the evolving gender stereotypes in society.
Shakira’s song about moving on from a breakup, which includes lyrics about Piqué trading in a Ferrari for a Twingo and a Rolex for a Casio, has become a viral hit. However, it is the empowering message of the song that is resonating with many listeners. While breakups are difficult, being able to move on in one piece is a powerful experience. A study by Binghamton University found that women recover more fully from breakups than men, possibly due to differences in how emotions are processed and expressed. Shakira’s song represents hope for women, showing that life can get better after heartache. While it doesn’t mean the split doesn’t hurt, being able to recover and move on is an important part of the healing process.
According to Tidal’s Senior Director of Latin Global, Jesús Triviño, the success of Shakira’s song “Don’t Wait Up” is a reflection of our changing culture, particularly in terms of women’s response to heartbreak caused by unfaithful men. Triviño believes that society has been traditionally male-dominated, especially in Latin American cultures, and gender roles have been strictly enforced. However, artists like Paquita la del Barrio and Ivy Queen have paved the way for women to voice their pain and disdain for cheating men. Listeners want to relate to artists, and heartbreak and triumph over it are universal themes. Triviño thinks that this song will have a significant impact on Shakira’s career, solidifying her status as an icon and adding to her history, impact, and power.
There’s a common saying that success is the ultimate form of retaliation.