Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, is a globally renowned Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira rose to prominence in the Latin music scene in the 1990s and later achieved international fame with her unique blend of Latin, rock, and pop sounds. She is celebrated for her distinctive voice, energetic performances, and charitable work. Over her career, Shakira has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has received numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards. Known for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” Shakira continues to be a powerful influence in the music industry and beyond.
1. Early Life and Background
Shakira was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to a Lebanese father and a Colombian mother. This diverse heritage has significantly influenced her music, which often features a blend of Latin and Middle Eastern sounds. From a young age, Shakira showed a passion for music, writing her first song at the age of eight and signing her first record deal by the age of 13.
2. Breakthrough Album “Pies Descalzos”
In 1995, Shakira released her breakthrough album, “Pies Descalzos,” which translates to “Bare Feet.” The album was a massive success in Latin America, producing several hit singles like “Estoy Aquí” and “Dónde Estás Corazón?” This success marked the beginning of her rise to international fame.
3. Global Success with “Laundry Service”
Shakira’s fifth studio album, “Laundry Service,” released in 2001, catapulted her to global stardom. The album included hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” showcasing her ability to blend Latin and English lyrics seamlessly. The album sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
4. Shakira’s Unique Voice
Shakira’s voice is often described as distinctive and powerful. Her mezzo-soprano range and vocal flexibility allow her to switch between various musical styles effortlessly. This unique voice has been a key factor in her widespread appeal and success.
5. Belly Dancing Skills
One of Shakira’s trademarks is her exceptional belly dancing skills, which she often incorporates into her performances. She began belly dancing as a child and has perfected this art form, using it to enhance her stage presence and connect with audiences worldwide.
6. Multilingual Talent
Shakira is a polyglot, fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian. Her ability to sing in multiple languages has allowed her to reach a diverse global audience, contributing to her international success.
7. Shakira’s Philanthropy
Shakira is not only known for her music but also for her philanthropic efforts. In 1997, she founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on providing quality education to underprivileged children in Colombia. Her humanitarian work has earned her several awards and recognitions.
8. Coaching on “The Voice”
Shakira served as a coach on the popular American TV show “The Voice” for two seasons. Her participation in the show helped her connect with a broader audience in the United States and showcased her expertise and mentoring abilities.
9. Relationship with Gerard Piqué
Shakira has been in a long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué since 2011. The couple has two sons, Milan and Sasha. Despite their high-profile status, they strive to maintain a relatively private family life.
10. Shakira’s Academic Pursuits
Shakira is known for her intelligence and academic interests. She took a break from her music career to study history at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This pursuit highlights her dedication to lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
11. Iconic Super Bowl Performance
In 2020, Shakira co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Jennifer Lopez. The performance was highly praised and became one of the most-watched Super Bowl halftime shows in history. It showcased her musical versatility and dynamic stage presence.
12. Collaboration with Other Artists
Throughout her career, Shakira has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Carlos Vives. These collaborations have produced several hit songs and have demonstrated her versatility as an artist.
13. Awards and Recognitions
Shakira has received numerous awards for her contributions to music and philanthropy. These include three Grammy Awards, twelve Latin Grammy Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards. Her extensive list of accolades reflects her impact on the music industry.
14. Shakira’s Perfume Line
In addition to her music career, Shakira has launched a successful line of perfumes. Her fragrances, such as “S by Shakira” and “Dance,” have been well-received and contribute to her brand’s global appeal.
15. Shakira’s Acting Career
Shakira has ventured into acting, making appearances in television and film. Notably, she voiced the character Gazelle in the animated film “Zootopia,” showcasing her talent beyond music and dance.
16. Influence on Pop Culture
Shakira’s influence on pop culture is undeniable. Her unique style, music, and dance moves have inspired countless artists and fans worldwide. She continues to be a trendsetter and a role model for aspiring musicians.
17. Political Activism
Shakira is also known for her political activism. She has been involved in various campaigns advocating for children’s rights, education, and social justice. Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond her music career.
18. Iconic Music Videos
Shakira’s music videos are known for their creativity and choreography. Videos like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” have become iconic, garnering billions of views on YouTube.
19. Shakira’s Health and Fitness Regimen
Shakira maintains a rigorous health and fitness regimen to stay in top shape for her performances. Her routine includes dancing, strength training, and a balanced diet, which helps her maintain her energy and stamina.
20. Shakira’s Signature Style
Shakira’s signature style combines bohemian and glamorous elements. Known for her curly hair, bold fashion choices, and distinctive accessories, she has become a fashion icon in her own right.
21. Role in “The Voice Kids”
Shakira has also been a coach on “The Voice Kids,” where she mentored young aspiring singers. Her involvement in the show highlights her dedication to nurturing new talent and sharing her knowledge and experience.
22. Shakira’s Influence in Latin Music
Shakira is one of the most influential Latin artists of all time. Her success has paved the way for other Latin artists to achieve international recognition, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the Latin music community.
23. Shakira’s Net Worth
Shakira’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. Her wealth comes from her successful music career, endorsements, business ventures, and philanthropic activities. She is one of the highest-paid female musicians in the world.
24. Shakira’s Personal Interests
Beyond music, Shakira has a wide range of personal interests, including literature, history, and art. She often draws inspiration from these interests for her music and creative projects.