Shakira In The Middle East

Filed in archive Latin Music on April 1, 2007

Shakira is shaking up the Middle East.

No matter where she goes or what she does, she makes a home run every time. Her concert in Dubai was another big hit.

On March 23rd, 2007 Dubai came to a stand still - literally - as more than 25,000 fans made their way towards Dubai Autodrome for a sold out mega concert!

In a city with more construction cranes than anywhere else in the world, and a road system struggling to cope with everyday traffic, the biggest concert ever certainly challenged the infrastructure.

But the many "Shakira, Shakira" cries were drowned out by a gigantic roar from the capacity crowd when Shakira kicked off her concert with a rendition of a song made famous by Lebanese diva, Fairuz.

Several hits and many belly and hip shakes later, Shakira had achieved what no other western artist has ever done in this region.

"We believe it could be years before another concert will attract so many people again in Dubai," said Thomas Ovesen, General Manager Mirage Promotions, "and we certainly need better road infrastructure, new purpose build venues or a rerouting of commercial and construction related traffic around concert venues in order to cope with such big concert crowds here in Dubai," he continues. (...)

On her way to perform in Mumbai, India, Shakira said, "I was overwhelmed by the amazing response from the audience in Dubai. I was so happy to finally be able to perform for my fans in the Middle East. I can't wait to return."

Both Shakira's latest Spanish album, Fijacion Oral Vol. 1 and her English follow-up, Oral Fixation Vol. 2, produced a string of hits including "La Tortura," "No" and "Hips Don't Lie." The success of all her albums continues to grow in an unprecedented way with various number one accolades on both the U.S. and Latin charts giving a new meaning to a cross over artist.

I believe she deserve her success. Shakira is special in so many ways, how could we not love her? :)