Shakira is looking back on three decades in music with a renewed sense of purpose, opening up about motherhood, resilience and why she feels like she's only just getting started.

In a new interview with People, the global superstar reflected on the personal challenges that have shaped her life and career, revealing that difficult moments taught her how strong she really is.

"I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be," Shakira said. "Through those challenging moments, I discovered how resilient we all are."

The four-time Grammy winner also spoke about raising her two sons, the lessons she's learned through life's setbacks and why every experience, even painful ones, can lead to growth.

"Behind every experience in life, there's always a lesson," she said. "Even the people that leave you with scars, because they just make us better."

Despite celebrating 30 years in the music industry, Shakira insisted she has no plans to slow down.

"It feels like I'm just starting," she said.

The interview comes as the Colombian singer prepares for a landmark summer. Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19 and recently released "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy, the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Royalties from the track will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which helps provide access to education and football programmes for children around the world.

Fans have also been praising the candid conversation since it was released on YouTube. One viewer described Shakira's outlook as "so philosophical", while another wrote: "I wish I could hear her talk for hours and hours, so comforting, so elegant."

Others highlighted the singer's humour and self-awareness throughout the interview, with one fan commenting: "I love how she throws out all these quotes and then laughs about herself."

As she prepares to return to the World Cup stage and continue her record-breaking Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, Shakira appears to be embracing a new chapter, one defined by gratitude, perspective and the belief that her biggest moments may still be ahead.

Image credit: Ruven Afanador

Watch the interview below:

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.