“We are braver than we think we are,” the Colombian singer and philanthropist said in her speech
The first edition of Billboard’s Women in Latin Music gala celebrated Shakira and female talent over the weekend from the first parades on a carpet dominated by metals, strong colors and the pride of participating in a “historic” event.
The magazine paid tribute to the Colombian as “Woman of the Year” in Miami, at a gala that the Telemundo network broadcast on Sunday night for the United States, as well as Telemundo Internacional for Latin America.
Shakira wore a short black dress and loose hair to the ceremony. The artist was chosen as the first Woman of the Year in Billboard Latin Women in Music and entered the Wasco Center in Miami with her family, where she held the event.
“It is a year in which I have realized that women are much stronger than we think. We are braver than we think we are. I think we are also more independent than we were taught to be. What woman has not gone from seeking the attention, affection or approval of the other and has forgotten herself. It has happened to me,” Shakira said in a plea for female empowerment during her speech upon receiving the award, which was presented by her compatriot Maluma.
In fashion for the carpet there was no defined style or tone, the women and the few men who were present agreed to tell EFE that “it was time” for Latino artists to have a space for sorority.
“In Billboard Latin we have years supporting and opening spaces for female talent. This event is one more important step in this goal”, said Leila Cobo, vice president of Billboard Latin and the architect of the tribute.
More artists at the gala’s
Shakira’s essence permeated the entire carpet, with young artists such as Gale from Puerto Rico and Mariangela from Mexico mentioning her as their “music role model”.
The list of honorees also included Ana Gabriel with the Living Legend award, Emilia as Rising Artist, Evaluna with the Tradition and Future award; Goyo, who received the Agent of Change award, and Thalía, who was honored with the Poderosa Global award.
The latter paraded in a pleated gold suit and a crown of stars, while Goyo was faithful to her fight in favor of the environment, with a suit made from recycled denim pieces.
“These awards are very important because they are simply motivational for us to continue fighting together to help us achieve our dreams, meet our goals,” said the Colombian artist, who walked the parade with her mother and daughter.
For her part, Evaluna wore a long yellow dress with a fuchsia print, while Emilia chose a long, elegant and very black dress. While her makeup featured her classic glitter eyes, but instead of bright, she chose dark grays.
“We are celebrating the path that others have opened for us,” said the Argentine artist. For Emilia, who was accompanied by her mother, “it is a responsibility to go further for those who come after us.”
Evaluna arrived without her husband, Camilo, who is on tour in Mexico, the singer celebrated that the gala brought together “different generations and different genres. The diversity here reaches the girls that can be seen in any of us”.
Other artists present were the Colombians Greeicy and Mike Bahía, the singer-songwriter Keytin, the composers Elena Rose and Nicole Zignago. The women were in black, with styles as varied as their music, while the men were more sober as to not attract attention.
For her part, María Becerra wore a royal blue short dress – “my favorite color”, she said – while the sisters Hanna and Ashley of the Ha-Ash duet wore black ball gowns, with the rocker touch that characterizes them.
The inaugural Latina Women in Music event is an expansion of Billboard’s Women in Music franchise.
Her goal is to “celebrate women who have made a concrete impact on Latin music through their artistic achievements, or through tangible and notable actions that have brought measurable recognition and opportunity to women.”
Forbes Staff / EFE