Shakira and Maluma release new merengue collaboration “Agua”

Colombian artists Shakira and Maluma have released “Agua,” their first major collaboration in eight years following “Clandestino” in 2018. Moving away from their previous reggaeton and urban pop sounds, the new track explores contemporary merengue rhythms.

The song, which focuses on themes of desire and chemistry, uses water and fire as central metaphors. The release is accompanied by a music video directed by Hannah Lux Davis, featuring Shakira in a custom, handcrafted lace and cutout micro minidress by the Brazilian label The Dona.

For Maluma, the release is part of his “Loco X Volver” project and follows the recent birth of his second child, Orión, with Susana Gómez. For Shakira, the collaboration occurs as she prepares for a twelve-concert residency in Madrid to conclude her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour.