Shakira reflects on writing timeless ‘Zootopia 2’ anthem

Zootopia’s beloved pop icon, Gazelle, is making a musical comeback! Shakira, who voiced the character and performed the hit Try Everything in the first film, has returned for the sequel.

For Zootopia 2, directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard collaborated with Shakira on a brand-new anthem, Zoo, a spirited celebration that captures the joy and energy of the vibrant animal city.

Speaking with Variety, the Grammy-winning Latin singer discussed her songwriting process, saying they wanted it to carry a “universal message.”

“These are hectic times, and it’s about stopping and taking a moment to lean on each other and enjoy the moment,” Shakira said.

The song, co-written by Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin, features global sounds and draws clear inspiration from Latin pop.

The lyrics, “Come on, get on up. We’re wild and we can’t be tamed. And we’re turnin’ the floor into a zoo, ooh, ooh”, are designed to be an earworm.

Zootopia 2, now playing in theaters, brings back rookie officers Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman.

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