“Tell the Truth, Still No Severance”: Shakira Brings Her Kids’ Nanny Onstage—Then Calls Out Piqué Mid-Song
Shakira is deep into her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, and her fourth concert in Mexico City had an unexpected but very pointed surprise. As she performed her corrido-ska collab “El Jefe,” the Colombian singer brought out her sons’ nanny, Lili Melgar—turning a viral lyric into a real-life moment of catharsis and solidarity.
Why Shakira’s “El Jefe” Performance Hit Different in Mexico
For fans following the Shakira-Piqué saga, the track “El Jefe” already hit hard when it dropped in September 2023. But during her show on March 25 at Mexico City’s GNP Seguros Stadium, Shakira elevated it even more by inviting Melgar to join her on stage. The nanny, who Shakira references by name in the song’s outro, walked out mid-performance. Dressed in dark jeans, a button-up shirt, and a cowboy hat, she immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy.
“Lili Melgar, para ti esta canción, que no te pagaron la indemnización,” Shakira sang again live. Then, right as the camera zoomed in, she added: “Dile la verdad, aún sin indemnización.” Melgar shrugged, smiled, and danced alongside Shakira as thousands cheered them on.
Shakira Makes a Statement About Labor Rights and Loyalty
According to El País and Infobae, Gerard Piqué’s family let Melgar go allegedly without severance pay after the couple’s breakup. Despite having the choice to stay in Spain or move with Shakira to Miami, Melgar chose to continue supporting the Colombian singer. But when she requested compensation for her years of work in Barcelona, Piqué’s legal team reportedly claimed they didn’t owe her anything.
Some media outlets, including Ara and Diario Las Américas, reported that Melgar may have been the person who warned Shakira about Piqué’s alleged infidelity with Clara Chía. This betrayal and the severance conflict fueled speculation that Shakira aimed “El Jefe” not just at Piqué’s father, but also at Piqué himself.
Shakira’s Nanny Becomes a Symbol—And the Internet Is Living for It
The lyrics of “El Jefe”—which target exploitative bosses and celebrate working-class resilience—took on new weight as Melgar stood tall on stage. Fans online immediately recognized the moment for what it was: Shakira putting respect on the name of a woman who stood by her through heartbreak and transition.
According to Infobae, some fans online joked that Melgar got her severance through music video royalties, merch sales, and now, this viral tour moment. Others praised the singer for highlighting how so many domestic workers—especially immigrant Latinas—are undervalued and underpaid.
Shakira Keeps Her Tour Personal—and Political
This isn’t the first time Shakira has used her tour stops in Mexico to honor her roots and her people. As reported by Billboard, she’s blended fan favorites like “Ciega, Sordomuda” with mariachi arrangements, invited regional artists like Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida on stage, and even expanded her Mexico dates due to overwhelming demand.
Shakira told Billboard that the Mexican audience has lifted her up time and time again, and she’s been intentional about giving back that love. “Every day, I strive to give you something more because the Mexican audience has been so loyal, so loving, and has lifted me up every time I needed it,” she said.
