The Queen of Latin Pop meets Reggaeton
Chantaje is a masterclass in modern Latin Pop and Reggaeton. Released as the lead single from Shakira's 2017 album El Dorado, the song features a pulsating beat and a seductive back-and-forth between Shakira and Colombian singer Maluma. It remains one of the most streamed Latin songs of all time.
To sing this well, you need to master two different energies: Shakira's airy, intricate phrasing and Maluma's low, rhythmic cool. The song relies heavily on the "pocket"—staying perfectly in time with the dembow beat without rushing.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Breathiness
Shakira uses a very breathy tone in the verses ("Cuando estás bien..."). However, be careful not to let the pitch drop flat. Maintain support from your diaphragm even when singing softly to keep the intonation accurate.
Phase 1: Shakira's Verses (Breathy Chest)
The song opens in G# Minor. Shakira stays in a comfortable low-to-mid range here. The key is the texture. You shouldn't sing this with a full, booming chest voice. Instead, aim for a soft, whispered quality.
The Trap: The Spanish diction needs to be sharp. Words like "masoquista" and "chantaje" need clear consonant articulation, even while maintaining the breathy tone. If you slur the words, the rhythm falls apart.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
The chorus ("Puro, puro chantaje") lifts slightly in energy but remains smooth. Shakira flips into a light head voice mix on the higher notes. The jump isn't extreme, but it requires finesse.
- Puro, puro chantaje: Keep the vowels tall and narrow to maintain the pitch.
- Vas libre: This phrase requires a quick melodic run. Practice it slowly to get every note distinct before speeding up to the track's tempo.
Phase 3: Maluma's Part (The Rhythmic Flow)
Maluma enters with a lower, more conversational tone. He sits comfortably in the Baritone range. His section is less about melody and more about rhythm and attitude.
Don't push too hard here. Maluma's style is incredibly relaxed. Imagine you are talking to someone in a quiet room rather than singing to a stadium. The AI Coach will penalize you if you are too loud or punchy on these sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest main melody note is a C#5, usually sung by Shakira in a light mix or head voice. There are ad-libs that may go higher, but the core melody is very accessible.
Yes, but phonetics are key. The Singing Coach AI app displays phonetic lyrics to help you nail the pronunciation of words like "inquieto" and "manipular."
Yes. In the app, you can choose to sing Shakira's part, Maluma's part, or try to tackle both if you have the range and stamina to switch characters quickly.
