Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, globally known as Shakira, is a Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, record producer, and actress who became one of the biggest Latin crossover artists in the world. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira began performing at a young age, cultivating a distinct sound that integrates elements from her Lebanese heritage and Latin American roots.
Shakira was born to a Colombian mother of Catalan and Italian descent and a Lebanese-American father, which greatly influenced her music. The blend of Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Western musical styles became a hallmark of her sound. She was introduced to belly dancing by her father at an early age, which later became a defining characteristic of her performances.
From the start, Shakira showed an incredible ability to express herself through her songwriting, with songs in Spanish and later in English. Her bilingual proficiency has allowed her to appeal to a broader audience, bridging cultural gaps through her music.
Shakira’s professional career started in the early 1990s with the release of her first two albums, “Magia” (1991) and “Peligro” (1993), which performed modestly in her native Colombia. Her big breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of her album “Pies Descalzos”, which included hits like “Estoy Aquí” and “Dónde Estás Corazón”. The album established Shakira as a new force in Latin pop and led to her first international tour.
The success of “Pies Descalzos” was followed by “Dónde Están los Ladrones?” in 1998, a critically acclaimed album that solidified her status in the Latin music scene. This album, which included hits like “Ciega, Sordomuda” and “Tú”, demonstrated Shakira’s skill in combining rock, pop, and Latin music, along with her poignant songwriting.
In 2001, Shakira made a significant breakthrough into the English-language market with “Laundry Service”, an album that was both a commercial and critical success. The album featured “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes”, which became global hits and pushed Shakira to the forefront of the international music scene.
Shakira continued her global domination with the release of the two-part album “Fijación Oral, Vol. 1” and “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2” in 2005. “Fijación Oral, Vol. 1”, sung entirely in Spanish, won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album, while “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2” produced the mega-hit “Hips Don’t Lie”, featuring Wyclef Jean, which topped charts in numerous countries.
Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Shakira maintained her commercial appeal with albums like “She Wolf” (2009), “Sale el Sol” (2010), and “El Dorado” (2017), and hits such as “She Wolf”, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, and “Chantaje”. Her performances are noted for their energy, charisma, and her unique fusion of belly dancing with Latin and contemporary dance.
Apart from her musical career, Shakira is well-known for her philanthropic work. She established the Pies Descalzos Foundation in 1997, focused on providing education for children in impoverished areas in Colombia. Her humanitarian efforts have been recognized globally, including being appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003.
In her personal life, Shakira was in a long-term relationship with Spanish football player Gerard Piqué since 2010, separating in 2022. They have two children together. Her relationship and motherhood have influenced her later works, contributing to the thematic richness of her music.
Over the years, Shakira has received numerous awards for her music, including three Grammy Awards, twelve Latin Grammy Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards. Her influence has been felt globally, not only in the realm of music but also in pop culture at large, with her unique sound, iconic dance moves, and powerful performances.