Twenty years after its release, Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” remains a fixture at parties and a defining track of the mid-2000s pop landscape. The song, initially almost left off her album, became a global phenomenon, and a testament to the artist’s intuition and a little bit of persistence.
The story of “Hips Don’t Lie” is one of near misses and fortunate interventions. As Shakira recounted in an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the track wasn’t originally slated for inclusion on her 2005 album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 1. She had to actively lobby her record label, Sony Music, to include it on a special edition release, Oral Fixation Vol. 2. Donny Ienner, then chairman of Sony Music, ultimately approved the addition, a decision that would prove pivotal.
The song’s origins trace back to 2004, when Wyclef Jean had a track called “Dance Like This.” Shakira had a dream months before Jean contacted her about a collaboration, foreshadowing the eventual partnership. “Hips Don’t Lie” evolved from Jean’s earlier work, incorporating composing credits from Omar Alfanno, Jerry Duplessis, Luis Días, and LaTavia Parker. Shakira and Jean jointly composed the music, with additional contributions from Shakira’s percussionist, Archie Pena, and lyrics penned by both artists.
But the song’s title and core concept stemmed from a unique creative process within Shakira’s own studio sessions. “The reason why I named that song that is because, when I’m in the studio, I know when a song is ready and it can be taken out of the oven, and it’s exactly when my hips start moving,” Shakira explained to Women’s Health in 2014. “So I used to say to my musicians, ‘my hips don’t lie! Are they moving? They’re not moving! So this is not ready.’” This bodily intuition became the guiding principle for the song’s development.
Released on , “Hips Don’t Lie” quickly ascended the charts. Within four months, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the Hot Latin Songs chart, and the UK Singles Chart. It became the summer’s defining song and the best-selling track of 2006, earning a Grammy nomination and cementing its status as one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The song’s appeal extended beyond its infectious beat and Shakira’s captivating vocals. The lyrics, co-written with Wyclef Jean, celebrate sensuality and freedom. The song also incorporates samples from Jerry Rivera’s “Amores Como el Nuestro” and “Carnaval (Baile En La Calle),” adding layers of Latin musical heritage. The song also makes references to Colombia and the musical past of Wyclef Jean with The Fugees, as well as a nod to Tupac Shakur and the experience of refugees in the United States.
The accompanying music video, directed by Sophie Muller, further amplified the song’s cultural impact. Inspired by the Carnaval de Barranquilla, a major Colombian tradition, the video showcased vibrant costumes, energetic choreography, and a celebration of Latin American culture. It quickly became a viral sensation, reaching over a billion views on YouTube and inspiring countless imitations of Shakira’s signature dance moves.
“Hips Don’t Lie” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural moment. It propelled Shakira to superstardom, solidifying her place alongside pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez. The song’s enduring popularity was further demonstrated by its resurgence in 2020 following Shakira’s Super Bowl performance, with on-demand audio streams increasing by 1.8 million in the days following the event.
The song’s legacy continues to resonate today, a testament to its timeless appeal and Shakira’s ability to connect with audiences through music that is both deeply personal and universally celebratory.
