Publicist corrects Shakira report

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Colombian pop star Shakira's publicist says a report that the singer will record a song about Islam and Arabs with Arab-American singer Dania Youssef is untrue.

Al-Arabiya reported that Shakira, who is of Lebanese and Colombian descent, is penning the English lyrics, while Egyptian composer Mohamed Saad is writing the Arabic portion of the song, as well as the music. The report said a U.S. director was expected to film a music video for the song.

Shakira's publicist, Diana Baron, told UPI the report was incorrect.

"This report is a total fabrication in every respect," she said.

Shakira -- who was honored last week with the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the ALMA Awards -- is working on a new record, Baron said.

Shakira has for the past year served as an advocate for early childhood education, working for her Barefoot Foundation, Fundacion Pies Descalzos and Fundacion America Latina en Accion Solidaria -- which promotes prosperity for children in Latin America as well as vaccinations and pre-natal care.