Shakira and Wyclef Jean Bring ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ Back to Life on ‘Fallon’
Shakira Shakes It Up: Celebrating 20 Years of "Hips Don’t Lie" on The Tonight Show
In a dazzling reunion of rhythmic nostalgia, Shakira graced the stage of The Tonight Show alongside her original collaborator Wyclef Jean to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic hit single “Hips Don’t Lie.” Sporting a striking red ensemble that mirrored the passionate energy of the song, the Colombian superstar proved her infamous hip-wagging skills are as sharp as they ever were.
The performance, enriched by a bevy of colorful dancers and a vibrant live band, showcased a beloved classic that has cemented itself as a staple in both Shakira’s discography and the annals of pop culture. Within a minute, it became clear that time has only sharpened her prowess, captivating the audience with the same infectious energy that made the song a household anthem when it first dropped in 2006.
Originally penned by Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras for the Fugees reunion that never came to fruition, “Hips Don’t Lie” had an interesting backstory before its transformation. As the Fugees disbanded, Epic Records reached out to Shakira for a remix. Instead, Jean and Shakira crafted an entirely new version, incorporating a hard-hitting reggaeton beat and infusing it with jubilant trumpet loops from Jerry Rivera’s salsa classic “Amores Como el Nuestro.” The result was a groundbreaking blend of Latin pop and hip-hop that took the music world by storm.
The song, featured on Shakira’s platinum-certified album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, not only solidified her international stardom but also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
With plans for a string of additional television appearances marking the anniversary, Shakira is set to return to The Tonight Show on May 8 for a sit-down chat with host Jimmy Fallon, where she’ll likely discuss her storied career and future projects. Later in the month, she’ll perform her emotive ballad “Antología,” adding another layer to her celebratory tour.
The “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour,” which kicked off in Brazil earlier this year, is set to hit North America on May 13, starting at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, Shakira is booked for a headline slot at WorldPride DC on May 26, ensuring her message of empowerment continues to resonate across audiences.
With a career spanning over two decades, Shakira remains a force of nature in the music industry. As she shimmies her way into a new era, her celebration of “Hips Don’t Lie” serves not just as a reflection of her past, but as an exhilarating invitation for fans—new and old—to join her on the dance floor once again.
