In a vibrant fusion of tropical beats and modern pop flair, Kygo and Ava Max have unveiled their latest collaboration, “Whatever”, a reinvention of Shakira‘s iconic hit, “Whenever, Wherever”. Channeling the hip-shaking harmonies of the original, the duo breathes new life into the turn-of-the-century Latin pop gem.

Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever” played a pivotal role in introducing the Colombian sensation to the United States, marking a breakthrough after her success with Spanish-language albums. Now, 23 years later, Kygo and Ava Max pay homage to this classic, infusing it with their distinctive styles and making it the first of Kygo’s many releases slated for 2024.

Kygo, the Norwegian dance music maestro, took to social media to announce the release, promising fans an exciting year ahead. The track itself features Kygo’s signature upbeat chords and lively acoustic plucks, transforming “Whenever, Wherever” into an irresistible anthem set to dominate dance radio waves.

Ava Max’s effervescent vocals bring a fresh perspective to Shakira’s smoldering delivery, turning the narrative on its head. The chorus of “Whatever” cleverly reimagines the original lyrics, with Max singing, “Whatever, whatever / We were never good together / I’ll be here and you stay there / Truth is, I never cared.” It’s a bold departure from Shakira’s longing lyrics, adding a contemporary twist to the timeless melody.

Both Kygo and Ava Max are no strangers to the art of sampling and interpolating songs, and their collaboration on “Whatever” is a testament to their prowess in recreating beloved classics. The duo seamlessly blends Kygo’s tropical house stamp with Max’s dynamic vocal style, creating a track that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

“Whatever” joins the ranks of Kygo’s recent ventures into iconic hits, including his reinterpretations of Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love”, Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff”, and Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s “Say Say Say”. Ava Max, too, has showcased her versatility by reworking everything from turn-of-the-century dance hits to decades-old pop smashes.

As sampling continues to be a celebrated art form in the music industry, Kygo, and Ava Max’s collaboration stands out as a testament to their ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes. “Whatever” is now available, inviting listeners to experience the magic of a classic reborn for the dancefloors of today.