Singer, songwriter, guitarist, dancer, entertainer -- any of these titles are appropriate for describing the versatile Latin American star Shakira. But it's the combination of all these together that makes her such an explosive performer.
In Japan earlier this week for promotions, the Colombian artist tangoed onto the stage of Tokyo's Akasaka Blitz, later did a belly-dance while singing in Arabic, then suddenly transformed her voice from the trademark falsetto into a thing of immense power. Mid-set, she took a break from her wild dancing and singing, and sat quietly in the middle of the stage to play the acoustic guitar.
Shakira is currently on a round-the-world promotion tour for her latest album "Laundry Service," which has already sold 8 million copies worldwide since its November release. Designed to reach a wider audience, "Laundry Service" was the first album Shakira recorded in English in her 12-year professional career. And although she has already achieved fame throughout Latin America, the international market -- outside of Spanish-speaking countries -- is still new to her. Japan was the first Asian country she ever visited.