Monique Hasbun’s musical influences span a gamut from classic rock to Disney artists to the Latin music that permeated her Phoenix home as a child. Her debut, eponymous EP was released in September 2018, and she’s set to release an as-yet-untitled follow-up EP this summer. “I am very excited about the new music I am working on,” Hasbun says. “I definitely feel like I am revisiting my [Latin and Middle Eastern] roots with my new music.”
Hasbun, 22, has drawn comparisons to Shakira, whom she counts among her current muses. Hasbun’s songs and vocal style are distinct, but she does share some similarities with the Latin music crossover superstar.
Bicultural and Bilingual
Each artist draws inspiration from her Latin and Middle Eastern heritage and sings in English and Spanish. Colombian and Lebanese roots have shaped Shakira’s growth, while Hasbun draws inspiration from her Mexican, Salvadoran and Middle Eastern heritage.
Musical Prodigies
Both artists began making music before they were teenagers. Hasbun took up guitar at age 12. Shakira made her recording debut when she was 13.
Sonic Similarities
Shakira’s and Hasbun’s songs share the elements of acoustic guitar; rhythms influenced by reggaeton, African and South American folk beats; and a pop-culture edge (hip-hop flavors for Shakira, bluesy funk for Hasbun).
Visit moniquehasbun.com to stream songs, watch videos and more.
