Shakira has once again captured the internet’s attention. The Colombian singer took to her official Instagram account to share a photo that sent shockwaves across social media: a recreation of her most beloved meme, where she is famously seen seated in front of a turned-off computer in the newsroom of a Colombian newspaper.
In this updated version, Shakira strikes a pose on a turquoise office chair with wheels, positioned at a retro-style desk. She dons a cream-colored jumpsuit with straps and white sneakers. The nod to the original is spot-on. Adding her signature humor, the caption read: "I have a feeling I've seen this somewhere before."
The post quickly accumulated over 870,000 likes and more than 12,600 comments within hours, with fans worldwide flooding the comment section.
Reactions poured in almost instantly. "The meme has become canon," commented one user. "STOP EVERYTHING, Shakira has revamped the meme," exclaimed another. MTV South’s official account simply declared: "legendary." One comment that seemed to capture the collective sentiment was: "Mom, you've won, I don’t know exactly what, but you've won."
Other fans were equally creative with their responses: "This photo is UNESCO heritage," "Officially another 30 years of relevance," and "The meme has been updated and we love it." But where did this meme that has lived for nearly three decades in the digital collective consciousness originate?
The Origins of Shakira’s Famous Meme
It all began in 1997 when a young Shakira visited the newsroom of El Heraldo in Barranquilla to promote her album Pies Descalzos. Photojournalist Óscar Berrocal captured her sitting at journalist Patricia Escobar's desk in the newspaper’s youth section "Pelaos."
The detail that changed everything: the computer monitor was off.
The photograph remained in the archives for over twenty years until it resurfaced on social media in 2018, turning into a global meme used to humorously depict the art of "pretending to work" in front of a blank screen.
The Meme’s New Chapter in 2026
The 2026 recreation arrives during a peak in Shakira’s career, following her performance at the 2026 World Cup final alongside Madonna and Justin Bieber, and as she gears up for eleven shows in Madrid this September and October to conclude her world tour Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
This new photo updates the meme with a printer ejecting a photo of a golden dog, instead of the turned-off computer from the 90s. Yet, the essence remains unchanged: Shakira, with a contemplative expression, sitting in an office that feels like a blast from the past.
The internet consensus is clear: the original 1997 meme has just received its official version 2.0, and according to fans, it’s "officially set for another 30 years of relevance."
Shakira and the Meme Phenomenon
What is the significance of Shakira’s meme recreation?
Shakira’s recreation of her iconic meme serves as a nostalgic nod to her early career while showcasing her enduring relevance and connection with fans across generations.
How did the original Shakira meme originate?
The original meme originated from a 1997 photo of Shakira sitting at a desk with a turned-off computer, taken during her visit to El Heraldo’s newsroom in Barranquilla to promote her album Pies Descalzos.