Where some saw Shakira‘s most epic show on television, others saw a satanic ritual. Shakira was recognized at the MTV Video Music Awards 2023 with the Vanguard Award, which recognizes the most outstanding careers in the music industry. As part of the tribute, she offered a medley of the best of her music in English and Spanish, and it was memorable.
Well, apparently, it was not only a show and not only caused controversy because of the playback (which all the other singers did and is the rule at the VMAs), but they were also making second readings to the presentation. The projected symbols, the dances, the drums, the daggers… apparently, they are not only props and choreographies but also elements of what they identify as a satanic ritual or at least some witchcraft.
Why Do They Say That Shakira Did Witchcraft on Live TV?
It is difficult to answer this question with accuracy and scientific rigor, but we can try by referring to the original sources. It all started on X, formerly Twitter, where some users who claim to be either pop culture experts or magic enthusiasts claimed that Shakira did magic at the VMAs and not only because of the spectacular show she put on.
“The Dance of the Daggers, homage to the Goddess Neit, which symbolizes the destruction of enemies and the opening of roads.”
“Rods are used to open, knives and daggers to banish. This week something is happening to Piqué“
And so on. But the best of all was @silapreto, who broke down the act and explained in detail every element of the ritual (…and made a lot of fun of it all). We gathered here the explanations of all these users, some serious, others more in jest,
Elements on Shakira’s Performance That Are Thought to Be Part of a Ritual
The Howl at the Beginning
Those in the know say that it was no coincidence that she started with the howl of her song “She-Wolf,” a song that speaks of a process of transformation.
“Shakira, at the beginning of her presentation, shows us the phase of her possession. She needs an exorcism, but no, the power of the wolf -an animal associated with darkness- is unleashed on her,” explains the X user.
Dancing With Women
The first to take the stage were the dancers, all women. And they have highlighted it because Shakira commonly uses mixed groups; in fact, then the men joined in. The thing is that during the choreography Shakira meets with women; they are very close, united, and moved by a superior force that we do not know where it comes from. History has told us how dangerous women can be united, according to old beliefs.
Daggers
The Dance of the Daggers is a tribute to the Goddess Neit, which symbolizes the destruction of enemies and the opening of roads. This dance comes from Egypt, where it was danced in homage to the Goddess Neit, mother of the sun Ra.
The Rain of Sand and the Ascent
Finally, they also highlight the meaning of the sand rain that is associated with overcoming difficulties. The number ends with the Colombian rising from the crowd.
Women Are Always Witches
Why don’t they ever say this about men? Unless they wear black and white makeup or bite bat heads on stage, no one ever believes that men are wizards or have a pact with the devil. Not long ago, the same thing happened with Lana del Rey’s show, who swears she performs rituals at her shows; and also Taylor Swift, who erases the memory of those who attend.
Strong women are scary, it seems.
You can relive this amazing performance here:
This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva
