Ñejo Sues Shakira Over ‘Loca’ Lyrics

By Michael Lopez

Who can forget Shakira’s lighthearted “Loca” video, with that beautiful Barcelona scenery, those sexy motorcycle scenes and that fun romp in the fountain? One artist would certainly like to. Reggaeton singer Ñejo claims part of “Loca’s” lyrics and melodies belong to him, and he's taking Shaki to court to prove it.

On her Sale el Sol album, the “Loca” writers are listed as Shakira and Dominican rapper El Cata. Ñejo is claiming that he worked in the studio with both Shaki and El Cata on the track and was promised a credit and a percentage of the profits once it was released.

“Loca” appears on the record twice, in both English and Spanish, and was launched as a major single, so the track has clearly generated plenty of cash. Since its release, “Loca” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Songs, Hot Dance Club Songs and Tropical Airplay charts. It’s also become a huge hit in Belgium, France and Spain.

"It is not fair," Ñejo told EFE. "I need recognition and that they give me my place."

"I am furious, they used my part of the song, my verses, my voice, and the remix I did with Dalmata. Cata stole from me because he stayed quiet so he can take all the money. Even though he [Cata] wrote the original song, he knows that Shakira fell in love with my verses. They put 'Shakira featuring Cata' while only thanking me and Dalmatra in the CD sleeve. It should have said 'Shakira featuring Ñejo' "

Does Ñejo have a case? He can definitely prove he’s worked with El Cata before on several reggaeton singles, and Shakira has reportedly dealt with plagarism issues in the past. At the very least, Ñejo should be able to get his name added to the credits, which is what he told EFE he's truly fighting for.

We agree. If Ñejo really worked on the track, he should be recognized for it. Of course, all of that extra royalty money wouldn’t hurt either.

Do you think Ñejo deserves some “Loca” money? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Ñejo, Chisme, Dalmata, El Cata, Loca, Música, Shakira