Shakira revives iconic 1997 meme with nostalgic Instagram recreation

Original 1997 newspaper photo later became one of Latin America's most recognisable and enduring internet memes

Shakira has delighted fans by recreating one of her most recognisable internet memes, nearly three decades after the original photograph was taken in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia.

The Colombian superstar shared the updated image on Instagram, pairing it with the caption, "I have a feeling I've seen this before," alongside the hashtag "#letscreatetogether". The post closely mirrors a photograph captured in 1997, when a young Shakira visited the newsroom of Colombian newspaper El Heraldo for an interview. Over the years, that image evolved into a widely shared meme across Latin America and beyond. It was frequently used to joke about office work, outdated technology and early internet culture.

 

 

 

 

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The recreated photograph features Shakira in a nearly identical pose, although the modern version replaces the old desktop computer with contemporary office equipment. Fans immediately recognised the callback, with many praising the singer for embracing a joke that has remained part of internet culture for years. Social media users celebrated both the nostalgic reference and Shakira's willingness to laugh at herself, while many remarked on how closely she resembled her younger self.

The original photograph dates back to 1997, when Shakira had already found success with Pies Descalzos but was still years away from becoming one of the biggest global names in pop music. During her visit to El Heraldo, she posed inside the newsroom, with one image showing her seated at a computer. Years later, internet users noticed that the monitor appeared to be switched off, transforming the picture into a humorous meme that spread widely across social media platforms.

The timing of the recreation also coincides with renewed public interest in MySpace, following the release of a documentary exploring the social media platform's legacy and its planned revival. The nostalgic atmosphere surrounding early internet culture has helped fuel renewed appreciation for classic online moments, including Shakira's famous newsroom photograph.

The singer's post also reflects her ongoing ability to connect with audiences across generations. While many artists become the subject of memes created by fans, Shakira chose to participate directly by recreating the image herself rather than ignoring its popularity. The move generated widespread engagement, with fans sharing side by side comparisons of the 1997 original and the 2026 recreation.

The recreation arrives during another busy period in Shakira's career. She remains active with her LAS MUJERES YA NO LLORAN WORLD TOUR, continuing to perform for audiences around the world while maintaining a strong presence online. By revisiting one of the internet's favourite images of her, Shakira has once again demonstrated an awareness of the digital culture that continues to celebrate both her music and her enduring status as a global pop icon.