Shakira Martínez: The Flamenco Voice That Conquers the Heart of Spain

 By. Osiris Valdés López

Shakira Martínez, the renowned Spanish singer and songwriter, has carved her path in the world of flamenco and pop flamenco from a young age. Her musical journey began at the age of 7, and by 8, she was already immersed in a theater company. Born into a family with deep musical roots, Shakira is the granddaughter of the legendary Lina Vargas, making music a constant presence in her life from the very beginning.

 Shakira, how have you seen your career evolve from its beginnings until now?

 —My career has been a journey of evolution and growth, shaped by effort and dedication. I started by performing cover songs with my cousin and gaining experience in theaters. Every experience, no matter how small, has been fundamental to my personal and artistic development. I am deeply grateful for every stage I've lived through, as each one has contributed to shaping the artist I am today.

 In the world of music, if you had the opportunity to open a concert for any artist, who would you choose? And with which musician would you love to collaborate, and why?

 —Choosing among so many admired artists is challenging. Without a doubt, opening a concert for Alejandro Sanz, Niña Pastori, who inspires me greatly, Vanesa Martín, India Martínez—with whom I have had the honor of singing, but would love more opportunities—or Pablo Alborán would be a dream come true. Each of them lives music with a passion and authenticity that I deeply admire, and it would be an honor to share the stage with any of them.

 The media and the impact of news are fundamental in an artist's career. How do you feel about the warm reception you've received from both your audience and the press? What message would you like to convey to your followers through this interview?

 —I feel immensely grateful for the warm reception I've received from both my fans and the press. Their love and constant support fill my heart. Through this interview, I want to express to my followers how much I appreciate them, whom I affectionately call my beautiful flowers. Thank you for always being by my side, for supporting my music, and for following my journey on social media.

 Your family plays a crucial role in your life, with unwavering support and a constant presence in your projects. Have you dedicated any songs to your loved ones? Who inspired you to pursue music?

 —My family is a cornerstone in my life, and I dedicate my songs to my parents, siblings, and everyone close to my heart. There are moments in my songs that connect me with them, making me feel their presence in a special way. These moments are truly precious, where the magic of music links me to them.

 What aspect of being a singer do you find most rewarding?

 —The greatest reward of being a singer is the ability to touch people's emotions with my voice. Knowing that I can make a difference, improve something through my music, is an invaluable gift. I firmly believe that music has the power to transform the world, educate, and unite people, and being able to contribute to that through art is a dream come true.

What skills have you developed that you consider crucial for your musical career?

 —I have developed skills crucial to my career, with discipline being essential. I am currently receiving vocal training with a speech therapist to maintain vocal health and prevent tension. I also focus on physical fitness and stage endurance techniques to enhance my performance.

 Who have been your greatest sources of inspiration and role models?

 —My family has been my greatest inspiration and role model. Many of them are artists; my grandmother, a renowned flamenco singer, has explored various musical genres. My cousins are talented musicians, and my great-grandfather was a renowned guitarist. My siblings are also a source of inspiration, having recently started at the conservatory studying violin and percussion. The family of artists continues to grow.

  Do you sing in the shower or other everyday places?

  —Yes, I sing in the shower, in the kitchen, and anywhere I find myself. At home, I am often asked to stop singing because I can't hold back. Even at the conservatory, I am always humming. Sometimes I am reminded that I need to rest my voice, but the excitement is too intense for me.

 How do you prepare before going on stage?

 —I don’t have a specific ritual, but I always make sure to review the lyrics to calm my nerves. I also go over the notes from rehearsals, warm up my voice, and express gratitude for the moment. I am thankful to be doing what I love and grateful to the universe, my followers, and everyone who listens to me.

 Is being a singer your greatest passion in life?

 —Absolutely, being a singer is more than a dream; it is my essence. It is my most authentic form of expression. Besides singing, which is incredibly important to me, I deeply value my family and their unwavering support while I pursue my musical dreams.

 How would you describe your experience with the first instrument you learned to play?

 —I started learning to play the piano at about ten years old and studied for around four years. Although I couldn't continue at the conservatory after moving to Tenerife, the piano remains useful in my daily life, especially when composing melodies.

 Which song do you consider your best and why? Which one would you say is your favorite to perform?

 —Musically, “Pensando en tu sonrisa” would be my best song due to the brilliant work of Johnny Lozada and Paco Ortega on the arrangements. In terms of lyrics, I really like my song “Ahora” for its empowering message for women, and “Reinventándome” because I identify with it as I constantly evolve and reinvent myself. These songs are a constant presence in my life.