Quick Facts
- Full Name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
- Date of Birth: February 2, 1977
- Place of Birth: Barranquilla, Colombia
- Nationality: Colombian
- Genres: Latin, Pop, Rock, World Music
- Famous Albums: Laundry Service, Oral Fixation, El Dorado, She Wolf
- Awards: 3 Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammy Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards, and more
- Notable Songs: “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” “Waka Waka,” “Underneath Your Clothes”
- Languages Spoken: Spanish, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian
- Net Worth: $300 million (approximate)
- Foundation: Pies Descalzos Foundation
Early Life and Background
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to a Lebanese father and a Colombian mother. Growing up in a culturally diverse household, Shakira developed a love for music from a young age. Shakira’s father, of Lebanese descent, introduced her to Arabic music, which would later play a significant role in shaping her music and dance style. From a young age, Shakira showed a keen interest in the performing arts. She wrote her first song at eight and began performing at local talent shows.
She grew up in Barranquilla, a port city known for its lively culture, surrounded by Colombian music, Latin rhythms, and Caribbean influences. Her love for belly dancing, a gift inherited from her Lebanese heritage, became evident when she was just a child. Shakira’s first experiences with belly dancing began after watching Arabic belly dance performances, and soon, it became a signature aspect of her stage presence.
Shakira’s parents supported her creative pursuits, and her father enrolled her in music lessons. Shakira’s early songwriting was highly personal, with lyrics reflecting her experiences growing up in a middle-class Colombian family. At age 10, she signed her first music contract with Sony Music, beginning her career as a musician.
Career
Shakira’s career is a testament to her evolution as an artist and a global superstar. She began her professional journey at a young age, signing her first music contract when she was just 13 years old. However, her initial albums in the early ’90s, Magia and Peligro, did not achieve much commercial success, which did not deter her from pursuing her passion for music.
Her breakthrough came with the album Pies Descalzos in 1995, which established her as a prominent Latin pop artist in Latin America. The album’s success was driven by songs like “Estoy Aquí,” a huge hit across the continent. Shakira’s blend of Latin rhythms with a touch of rock gave her a unique sound, appealing to a broad audience.
Her international success began in 2001 when she released Laundry Service, her first album in English. The album produced hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” which propelled Shakira into the global spotlight. Her distinctive voice, combined with her unique dance style made her stand out in the crowded music industry.
Shakira continued to build on her success with subsequent albums like Oral Fixation (2005), She Wolf (2009), and Sale El Sol (2010). Each album showed her growth as an artist, experimenting with different genres, including reggae, dancehall, and rock, while staying true to her Latin roots. Songs like “Hips Don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean, became cultural anthems and cemented her place in pop music history.
Shakira’s live performances are known for their high energy and unique blend of music and dance. She often incorporates belly dancing into her routines, which has become an iconic part of her stage persona. Over the years, she has sold millions of albums and toured extensively, performing in sold-out arenas throughout the world.
Her musical achievements are unparalleled. With over 70 million albums sold globally, Shakira continues to maintain her relevance in the music industry, constantly reinventing herself with each new project.
Artistry and Influences
Shakira’s artistry is shaped by influences from her Colombian roots and Lebanese heritage. She is known for her versatility, blending genres such as pop, Latin, rock, and world music. Her voice is characterized by its powerful vibrato and unique tone, which has helped her stand out in the global music scene.
Shakira’s early influences included artists like Gloria Estefan, whom she admired for her ability to bring Latin music to the world stage. She was also inspired by John Lennon for his ability to write powerful songs with personal and political messages. Furthermore, Shakira’s interest in the world of Arabic music was an important influence on her, especially her iconic belly dancing style, which she incorporated into her live performances.
As her career grew, Shakira embraced a more diverse range of influences, incorporating reggae, rock, and dancehall into her albums. Her ability to combine these elements with her Latin background helped her to appeal to a broad range of audiences, both within Latin America and globally.
Dance and Singing
One of Shakira’s defining features is her distinctive dance style, heavily influenced by belly dancing and Middle Eastern rhythms. She is known for her fluid, expressive movements, particularly her hip-shaking dance moves, which became her signature on stage. Shakira learned belly dancing as a child, and over the years, she incorporated it into her performances, creating a fusion of Latin and Arabic dance that captivates audiences worldwide.
Her singing style also sets her apart. With a voice that has power and nuance, Shakira can effortlessly move between different genres, from sultry ballads to upbeat pop anthems. She often writes her songs, creating lyrics that are deeply personal and reflective of her life experiences. Shakira’s ability to blend different vocal styles and her versatility in singing in both Spanish and English has contributed to her lasting success.
Legacy and Impact
Shakira’s impact on the global music scene is profound. She played a pivotal role in the Latin music explosion in the early 2000s, opening doors for Latin artists to cross into mainstream Western markets. Her success was not only a breakthrough for her career but also for Latin music as a whole.
One of Shakira’s most significant contributions is her role in representing Latinx culture globally. Her distinct voice, fusion of musical styles, and incorporation of Latin and Middle Eastern dance moves have made her a symbol of cultural pride. For many, she became an embodiment of Latin empowerment and identity, blending the rich musical traditions of her heritage with the global appeal of pop music.
Her performance at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show, alongside Jennifer Lopez, was a historic moment for Latinx visibility in mainstream entertainment. The performance showcased the beauty of Latin culture, with both artists delivering an energetic, unapologetic celebration of their heritage. It was a defining moment for Latinx representation in the United States, resonating with millions of viewers worldwide.
Achievements
Shakira’s achievements span beyond music. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She has won three Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammy Awards, and numerous other honors from international music organizations. Her hit single “Hips Don’t Lie” became one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century, and her album Laundry Service is one of the most successful crossover albums in history.
Shakira is also one of the most successful Latin artists of all time, with over 70 million albums sold worldwide. She holds the record for the most Latin Grammy Awards won by a female artist. Her success in breaking through the English-speaking market helped pave the way for other Latin artists, including Ricky Martin, Juanes, and Jennifer Lopez.
Shakira’s philanthropy has earned her recognition as well. In 2009, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for her contributions to music and humanitarian work. She has been awarded various honors, including the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award, for her artistic contributions and her role as an advocate for social change.
Her role as a cultural ambassador for Latin America is undeniable, and her career has inspired countless artists across the globe. Shakira’s impact extends far beyond the stage, and her lasting legacy is one that will continue to influence generations to come.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work
Shakira’s philanthropic efforts are as remarkable as her music career. Her commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly those in underprivileged communities, has been one of her primary focuses. In 1997, Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation (Barefoot Foundation), which provides education to children in Colombia who live in poverty. The foundation has built schools in Colombia, providing free education, meals, and healthcare to thousands of children.
In addition to her work with Pies Descalzos, Shakira has been an active advocate for children’s rights globally. She has worked with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on child education and advocating for equal access to education for children worldwide. Her commitment to education stems from her belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving children a better future.
Shakira’s philanthropic endeavors also include her work on behalf of displaced people and refugees. She has used her voice to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and the importance of supporting displaced populations, especially children.
Her dedication to humanitarian causes has earned her recognition from various organizations, including being awarded the Latin Grammy’s Person of the Year honor in 2011 for her artistic and humanitarian contributions.
Ventures
Shakira is a savvy businesswoman with various ventures outside of her music career. In addition to her music sales and tours, she has partnered with numerous brands for endorsement deals, including Pepsi, Reebok, and Oral-B. These deals have helped her expand her influence and increase her brand visibility.
She also ventured into the world of fashion, launching her own clothing line, Shakira by Reebok, and creating her own fragrance line, which became a huge success. These business ventures have contributed significantly to her wealth and further solidified her place as a global icon.
Shakira has also made moves into the sports world. In 2011, she co-founded the sports management company, 360º Sports Group, and became involved in the business side of football, investing in the Spanish football club, FC Barcelona. Through her relationship with footballer Gerard Piqué, Shakira’s influence has grown in the world of sports business, where she has demonstrated a keen eye for investment and business strategy.
Her ventures reflect her ability to navigate diverse industries, from music to fashion and sports, while maintaining a strong presence in each.
Politics and Advocacy
Shakira has been a strong advocate for social justice, particularly in the areas of education and children’s rights. She has spoken at various international forums, including the United Nations, to raise awareness about the importance of education for all children, particularly in developing countries. She has met with world leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, to discuss initiatives for global education reform.
Her advocacy is also closely linked to gender equality. Shakira has used her platform to call for more opportunities for young women and girls, particularly in Latin America. She believes in empowering women through education and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Her political engagement also extends to supporting various initiatives for peace, including efforts to address the displacement of refugees and support for the victims of war. She has actively used her fame to bring attention to important global issues, showing that artists have the power to influence policy and drive positive change.
Tax Controversy
Shakira faced legal challenges related to her tax payments in Spain. Spanish authorities accused her of failing to pay taxes while living in Spain between 2012 and 2014. The case has been a source of controversy, with Shakira denying the accusations. She claims that her official residence during this period was in the Bahamas and that she did not live in Spain for more than six months during the period in question, which would have made her subject to Spanish tax laws.
The legal battle has been ongoing, and Shakira has maintained her innocence. Despite this controversy, her career continues to thrive, and her global brand remains strong. Shakira has not allowed the case to overshadow her public image, and she continues to focus on her music, philanthropy, and business ventures.
Personal Life
Shakira’s personal life has been closely followed by the media, particularly her long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. The couple began dating in 2011 after meeting during the filming of the music video for Shakira’s World Cup song, “Waka Waka.” They have two children together, Milan and Sasha. Their relationship became one of the most high-profile in the celebrity world.
In 2022, Shakira and Piqué announced their separation after 11 years together. Despite their breakup, Shakira has remained focused on her career and children. She has been open about her experiences as a mother and the importance of family in her life. Her children, Milan and Sasha, are a significant part of her personal life, and she often shares moments with them on social media.
Shakira is known for being grounded and humble, despite her massive success. She has frequently spoken about the importance of staying true to herself and remaining connected to her roots.
Estimated Net Worth
Shakira’s estimated net worth is approximately $300 million. Much of her wealth comes from her music sales, concert tours, endorsement deals, and business ventures. Shakira’s album sales and global tours have generated millions of dollars in revenue, while her business ventures in fashion and beauty have also contributed to her wealth.
Her philanthropic efforts have not only earned her recognition but also financial support, allowing her to continue her charitable work through the Pies Descalzos Foundation. Despite the controversies surrounding her taxes, Shakira remains one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.
Official Pages and Website
Beyond music, Shakira has used her platform to make a lasting social impact. Her commitment to education, children’s rights, and women’s empowerment have contributed to her legacy as not only a performer but also a philanthropist and activist.
