A few hours before the start of Shakira’s residency in El Salvador, in the vicinity of the stadium the atmosphere acquires a unique energy.While the technical teams adjust every detail and the fans begin to gather, Mikhail López checks his console, looks at the stage and mentally reviews the list of songs with which he will open the first of the five concerts that will mark a before and after in his career.
The Salvadoran DJ will become the only local artist who will be in charge of opening the five dates of Shakira’s residency in Central America, an opportunity that places him at the center of one of the most anticipated musical events of the year.
The concert series, which will have its epicenter in El Salvador, represents an unprecedented event for the region and a commitment by the industry to stages outside the main Latin American circuits.
For DJ Mikhail López, the occasion demands versatility and knowledge of the public. “I will play a little of everything, since it is a concert of three generations, starting from the 90’s. So hits from that time and current hits will play,” explained López in an interview with Infobae.
The musical selection seeks to connect with those who grew up with Shakira’s first hits and also with the youngest attendees, who identify the Colombian artist as a global reference.
López’s history in electronic music began twenty-four years ago, far from the big stages and international visibility.His career was forged in clubs, private parties and events where improvisation and adaptability were essential to survive.
Today, after having shared a poster with figures such as:
The Salvadoran DJ recognizes that each step has been a preparation for challenges like the one he now faces.Opening concerts for an artist of Shakira’s magnitude implies an additional responsibility.
“More than being the face in charge of opening the concert, it is an honor to be able to give people a good time before the main show,” López expressed to Infobae.The public that will attend the residency expects a complete experience and the DJ’s job is to create an atmosphere conducive to the central show, without overshadowing the star of the night.
The stage where López will display his musical proposal is not only a space for personal visibility, but also a symbol for an entire generation of DJs in Central America.“It is a message that goes beyond being able to open a concert of global magnitude, it is a message for the new generations of DJs: that with perseverance, discipline, a lot of humility and, above all, asking God that everything arrives in its time, with all this in practice it can be achieved,” the artist reflected in dialogue with Infobae.
The anticipation for Shakira’s residency has fueled weeks of preparation and rehearsals.For López, the challenge involves not only selecting the right music, but also anticipating the public’s mood and adapting to the dynamics of an international show.
The DJ relies on his accumulated experience and his ability to read the audience.“Being part of something never seen before in El Salvador and I would dare say in Central America is something so great, to be able to say in the future: ‘I was opening Shakira’s residence in El Salvador.’ I think words would not be enough to describe how great it feels,” he said.
Throughout his career, Mikhail López has learned to value the opportunities that arise in complex scenarios.Her journey includes openings for massive concerts and meetings with global artists, but Shakira’s residency offers her an unprecedented platform.“The possibility of participating in these five dates is also a recognition of years of work and an incentive for those starting out in music,” summarized the DJ.
The hours go by, the city of San Salvador prepares to receive thousands of fans and the backstage comes to life with the arrival of technicians, musicians and production staff.López, focused and calm, performs the last sound tests.Each element in her set list responds to an intention: to generate emotion, prepare the atmosphere and leave a mark in the collective memory of those who will attend Shakira’s residence.
