Shakira Biography: Career, Albums, Awards
In the world of Latin music, one name resonates with undeniable force and charisma: Shakira. Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Barranquilla, Colombia, she has become a global icon, enthralling audiences with her distinctive blend of Latin rhythms, rock, and pop. This book delves into the life and career of Shakira, exploring how a young girl with big dreams transformed into a music legend, known not only for her captivating voice and eclectic music styles but also for her extraordinary dancing abilities, particularly her iconic belly dancing.
Shakira’s journey is one of both immense talent and relentless determination. From her debut album at just 13 years old to her rise to international stardom, her story is a testament to the power of embracing one’s roots while innovatively transcending cultural barriers. Her music, a fusion of various styles and languages, echoes her belief in the universal language of music and dance. Shakira’s influence extends beyond the stage as well; she is a prominent philanthropist and advocate for education, using her fame to promote positive change.
This introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Shakira’s life, her musical journey, her contributions to the world of music, and her enduring impact as the Queen of Latin Music. Through her artistic evolution, philanthropic efforts, and personal milestones, we uncover the layers of this extraordinary artist, who continues to enchant and inspire a global audience.
Shakira: Early Life and Childhood
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known as the “Queen of Latin Music,” lives in Barranquilla, Colombia. Her early life and childhood were marked by a passion for the arts and an innate love for music.
From a tender age, Shakira exhibited her creative spirit. At just four years old, she penned her first poem, showcasing her budding talent for words. Dancing was another avenue through which she expressed herself. She would spontaneously dance to groovy tunes at local restaurants, earning her the affectionate nickname “the belly dancer girl” within her community.
Her captivating performances caught the attention of a local theater producer named Monica Ariza. Impressed by Shakira’s talent, Sony Colombia executive Ciro Vargas was persuaded to hold an audition for the young teenager. As a result, Shakira was signed to record three albums with Sony Colombia.
Her debut album, “Magia,” was released in 1991 when she was just fourteen years old. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, it provided her with essential exposure. However, her breakthrough came with her third album, “Pies Descalzos,” which soared to the top of the charts in eight different countries. This achievement catapulted her into the limelight, and she became an overnight sensation in the Latin music scene.
Shakira’s success in Latin music inspired her to venture into the world of English-language albums. Her first English attempt, “Laundry Service,” achieved multi-platinum status and remains one of the most successful albums of her career. With over 95 million records sold worldwide, she solidified her position as one of the top-selling female Latin artists of all time
Shakira’s journey from a young girl dancing in local venues to an international music icon is a testament to her unwavering dedication and boundless creativity.
Shakira: Full Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Genres | Pop, Latin, Rock, Dance |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Producer, Philanthropist, Actress |
| Years Active | 1990 – present |
| Notable Albums | “Pies Descalzos” (1995), “Dónde Están los Ladrones?” (1998), “Laundry Service” (2001), “Oral Fixation” Volumes 1 & 2 (2005-2006), “El Dorado” (2017) |
| Notable Singles | “Whenever, Wherever”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, “Chantaje”, “La Tortura” |
| Awards | Multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, among others |
| Philanthropic Work | Founder of Pies Descalzos Foundation; promotes education for impoverished children in Colombia |
| Personal Life | Known for her unique blend of Lebanese, Spanish and Italian heritage; proficient in multiple languages including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Arabic |
| Dance Style | Known for belly dancing; combines elements of Latin and Arabic styles |
| Influence | Considered a symbol of Latin culture; has influenced numerous artists and popularized Latin genres globally |
Shakira: Family member
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | William Mebarak Chadid |
| Mother | Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado |
| Half-Brother | Paternal half-brothers: Alberto, Edward, Moisés, and Tonino Mebarak; and three others |
| Husband | Gerard Piqué (2011-2022) |
| Sons | Milan Piqué Mebarak, Sasha Piqué Mebarak |
Shakira: Education & Qualification
| Education/Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Attended Catholic schools in Barranquilla, including La Enseñanza School |
| Further Education | Enrolled in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to study Western Civilization |
| Musical Training | Self-taught in various aspects of music, including singing, writing, and playing instruments like the guitar |
Shakira: Social Media link
| Platform | URL |
|---|---|
| TikTok | TikTok Profile |
| Official Website | Shakira.com |
| YouTube | YouTube Channel |
| Wiki | Shakira |
| Shakira | |
| Shakira |
Shakira: Debut & Awards
| Event | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | 1990 | Recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at age 13 |
| 1995 | Pies Descalzos album gained prominence in Hispanic countries | |
| 1998 | Dónde Están los Ladrones? further solidified her success | |
| 2001 | English-language crossover album Laundry Service sold over 13 million copies worldwide | |
| Awards | 2000 | Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album (MTV Unplugged) |
| Fifteen Latin Grammy Awards (most for a female artist) | ||
| Three Grammy Awards | ||
| Five MTV Video Music Awards, including the 2023 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award | ||
| Seven Billboard Music Awards | ||
| Thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards | ||
| Twenty-one Guinness World Records | ||
| Hollywood Walk of Fame star | ||
| MTV’s Most Influential Women in the History of Music (only Latina on the list) | ||
| Coached on two seasons of The Voice (2013–2014) | ||
| Voice role in the animated film Zootopia (2016) | ||
| Executive producer and judge on Dancing with Myself (2022) |
Shakira: Popular Song
| Song | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Hips Don’t Lie | 2005 | Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 |
| Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) | 2010 | Single (Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song) |
| Whenever, Wherever | 2001 | Laundry Service |
| She Wolf | 2009 | She Wolf |
| Underneath Your Clothes | 2002 | Laundry Service |
| La Tortura | 2005 | Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 |
| Loca (Spanish Version) | 2010 | Sale el Sol |
| Empire | 2014 | Shakira |
| Can’t Remember to Forget You | 2014 | Shakira |
| Chantaje | 2016 | El Dorado |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What brings you the greatest joy? Shakira’s family, particularly her son Milan’s smile
- What is on your feet right now? Nothing. Shakira prefers to be barefoot whenever she can
- What brings you the greatest satisfaction? Writing a new song is a source of immense satisfaction for her
- What makes you laugh? Her son’s laughter and her partner, Gerard Piqué’s humor
- What TV shows can you not miss? Shakira enjoys reruns of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and she’s currently into Suits with her boyfriend
- What makes you mad? The lack of quality education accessible to many children worldwide
- What is your greatest indulgence? Chocolate, always
- What is on your kitchen counter? Lots of fruit and usually some Nutella
- What charities do you support? She believes education, especially early childhood development, is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty
- What is on your nightstand? Her iPad and perhaps a piece of chocolate or two
- What is your beauty secret? Shakira swears by “less is more,” staying hydrated, getting rest, and consuming lots of vitamin C
- Do you have a secret talent? Yes! She’s double-jointed and can put her legs over her head, which tends to surprise people
- What superstitions do you believe in? She avoids putting hats on the bed, considering it bad luck (a Colombian superstition)
- What should everyFalling in love without overthinking it.
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