Shakira, The Colombian superstar is popularly known for her dynamic dance moves. A super philanthropist holding a 2-decade record with her versatile vocals.
Who is Shakira?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, A singer and songwriter originally from Columbia born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla with a high success rate of hit singles and albums.
Net Worth | $300 Million |
Age | 47 |
Date of Birth | February 2, 1977 |
Gender | Female |
Height | 5’-02” (1.57m) |
Country of Origin | Colombia |
Source of Wealth | Professional Singer |
Early Life
Born into a diverse family of nine on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. Her father, Mr. William Mebarak Chadid, has a Lebanese background, while his wife, Nadia Ripoll Torrado is an Italian and Spanish offspring. Shakira started music at a very early age, her style is a typical mix of sounds and rhythms, this versatility in the family shaped Shakira into the kind of being she is today. She is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese among other languages.
After leaving Barranquilla she stayed in New York City later moving to Colombia where she began writing poetry at the age of four, Shakira loved “Doumbek” a traditional drum used in Arabic music which inspired her style of music.
Shakira started writing and performing songs from a very young age, At 13 years old she landed her first record deal with Sony Music Colombia. She gained recognition through her music style. She discovered the “Pies Descalzos Foundation” in 1997 showing her love for education and being a philanthropist where she promoted education and nutrition for disadvantaged children in Colombia. The foundation established several schools, providing educational support for a lot of children.
Her initial album, “Magia” was released June 24, 1991, and “Peligro” (March 25, 1993) was released by Sony Music Colombia. Moreover, her third album “Pies Descalzos” (October 6, 1995) gained her more popularity as a Latin pop singer with hit songs like “Estoy Aquï” & “Dônde Estás Corazón”.
International Breakthrough
She gained international recognition after the release of “Laundry Service” in 2001, Also featuring two of her hit singles “Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes” which sold over 20 million copies setting her path to stardom and showing her versatility as a singer aiming for global recognition.
- Her success progressed with other albums like “Fijación Oral, Vol 1” June 3, 2005, and “Oral Fixation, Vol 2” released November 28 2005 which includes one of her biggest hits, “Hips don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean. This hit became a cultural sensation, reaching the top charts in different countries and securing Shakira’s spot as an international artist.
She worked with a lot of highly talented musicians like Beyonce, Cher, and Celine Dion. Musicians like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift are influenced by her wonderful talent and skills.
In 2009 she performed in front of former President Barack Obama at the Lincoln Memorial “We Are One”.
Achievement & Awards
Shakira has an outstanding and impressive collection of achievements and awards throughout her career, approving her as one of the most successful Latin pop singers of all time. Her awards go as follows.
Year | Award / Nomination | Category | Project |
2018 | Grammy Award (Win) | Best Latin Pop Album | El Dorado |
2017 | Latin Grammy Award (Win) | Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album | El Dorado |
2011 | Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Honor) | – | – |
2011 | Harvard Foundation’s Artist of the Year (Win) | Philanthropy | – |
2006 | Billboard Music Award (Win) | Top Latin Album | Fijación Oral, Vol 1 |
2006 | MTV Video Music Award (Win) | Best Latin Video | La Tortura |
2006 | MTV Video Music Award (Win) | Best Choreography | Hips don’t Lie |
2006 | Latin Grammy Award (Win) | Record of the Year | La Tortura |
2006 | Latin Grammy Award (Win) | Album of the Year | Fijación Oral, Vol 1 |
2006 | Grammy Award (Win) | Best Latin Rock / Alternative Album | Fijación Oral, Vol 1 |
2005 | MTV Europe Music Award (Win) | Best Female Artist | – |
2002 | Billboard Latin Music Award (Win) | Latin Pop Album of the Year, Female | Laundry Service |
2001 | Grammy Award (Win) | Best Latin Pop Album | Shakira: MTV Unplugged |
Personal Life
Shakira met Gerald Piqué, A Spanish soccer player while filming the music video for “Waka Waka” the official song of the FIFA World Cup, Shakira began a relationship in 2011 with the Barcelona FC player, They shared the same birthday also becoming one of the most popular celebrity couples.
Shakira and Piqué had two children together “Milan” born on January 22 2013 and “Sasha” born on January 29, 2015. They both lived a happy family with high recognition on social media and public appearances.
However, Shakira and Piqué announced their separation in June 2022. This brought a lot of media attention, with reasons behind their separation. Both Shakira and Piqué requested privacy as they went through the challenging process most especially for the sake of their children.
She gained over 70 million followers on her Instagram account sharing videos, photos, and her lifestyle. Shakira’s music reflected her lifestyle & experiences with songs like “Me Enamoré” reflecting her emotions about her love story with Piqué.
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Social Influence and Philanthropy
Shakira’s philanthropic activities go beyond the music industry. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation In 1997, A charitable organization focused on providing education and nutrition to unprivileged children in Colombia. The foundation has since built schools and applied educational programs in many regions, positively transforming thousands of children.
Her loyalty to philanthropy gained her international recognition, including being assigned as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003. Shakira has used her platform to advocate for children’s education and rights across the globe, showing her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
About the Author
Abdulahi Mogaji is a skilled content writer known for crafting engaging, impactful content. With a talent for storytelling and understanding audiences, Abdulahi Mogaji creates blogs, social media posts, and articles that influence, inspire, and affix. If you need content with a personal touch, Abdulahi Mogaji is the writer for you.
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