biography of shakira in english wikipedia

Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira is a hugely popular Colombian pop singer who is known for the hits "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don't Lie."

Who Is Shakira?

Shakira is a hugely successfully Colombian pop singer and dancer and has won multiple Grammy, Latin Grammy and American Music Awards. Known for hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don't Lie," Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, with estimates of more than 70 million albums sold worldwide. Additionally, she has served as a judge on the popular singing-competition show The Voice .

Early Life and Career

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. With a Lebanese father and Colombian mother, Shakira honors both her Latino and Arabic heritage in her music. She wrote her first song at the age of 8 and signed her first record deal at 13.

Breakthrough: 'Pies Descalzos'

After her first two albums flopped, Shakira took the reins of her third album, becoming involved in every aspect of its production. Released in 1996, Pies Descalzos , meaning "bare feet," sold more than 3 million copies. The album featured her trademark sound, a blend of Latin, rock and Arabic musical styles. Her follow-up record, Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (1998), which translates as "Where are the thieves?", reached the top of Billboard's Latin charts. Not long after, Shakira won her first Grammy Award (best Latin pop album) for Shakira: MTV Unplugged (2000).

With the success of her albums, Shakira became a music superstar in the Spanish-language markets, known for her strong vocals and incredible hip-shaking belly dance moves.

International Stardom: 'Laundry Service'

While hugely popular throughout much of the rest of the world, Shakira had not yet achieved a major record on the U.S. pop charts. In an attempt to increase her American fan base, in 1997, at the age of 20, the singer moved with her family to Miami, Florida, and taught herself to write songs in English. There, she enlisted Emilio Estefan, of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine fame, to act as her manager and producer.

In 2001, Shakira released her first English-language album, Laundry Service , which quickly brought her the success in the United States she had been waiting for. The album reached No. 3 on the charts, selling more than 200,000 copies in its first week of release. Laundry Service 's big hits included "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes."

'Oral Fixation'

Shakira returned to the Top 10 of the albums chart twice in 2005. She released the Spanish-language Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 in June of that year, followed by the English-language Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 in November. Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 garnered Shakira her second Grammy, this time for best Latin rock/alternative album, while the English album produced the monster hit "Hips Don't Lie."

Touring extensively, Shakira went on to release two concert albums: 2007's Live and 2008's Oral Fixation Tour . In July 2009, she put out a new single, "She Wolf," from her studio album of the same name. The album hit No. 15 on the Billboard charts in 2009, and went platinum in 2010. Around the same time, her hit "Waka Waka" from 2010's Sale el Sol became the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shortly thereafter, the now-global superstar headed on tour to promote her album. By January 2016, the video for "Waka Waka" had been viewed more than a billion times.

By 2012, Shakira's U.S. album sales had reached nearly 10 million and her worldwide album sales had reached more than 70 million, making her the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, and the second most successful female Latin singer after Gloria Estefan.

'The Voice'

Shakira quickly became popular with TV audiences. Although both she and Usher left The Voice after the season to make room for the return of Aguilera and Green, the season 4 newcomers were back again as coaches for season 6.

More Music: 'Shakira' to 'El Dorado'

In March 2014, Shakira released a self-titled studio album, which included a track with her Voice co-star Shelton. That same year, she took her signature grooves to the global stage again when she closed out the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Latin superstar continued working on her music. In October 2016, she dropped a new single, "Chantaje," from her upcoming album, El Dorado . Upon its May 2017 release, El Dorado revealed a tracklist comprised almost entirely of songs sung in Spanish. True to form, the album went multi-platinum for the Latin singer, who announced plans for a tour in June.

Unfortunately, the tour didn't go as planned. Shortly before her scheduled November 8 performance in Cologne, Germany, Shakira canceled the concert because of strained vocal cords. Although she was hopeful of recovering in time for a November 10 show in Paris, she apologetically canceled that one and subsequent dates as well.

In late December, Shakira announced that she was recovering and making preparations to continue her tour. Following another Grammy win, for Best Latin Pop Album, her El Dorado World Tour resumed in June 2018, though another snafu occurred when fans noticed that a necklace being sold on the performer's website bore a resemblance to a Nazi symbol. The tour promoter accepted responsibility for the design and apologized for the "inadvertent similarity."

Super Bowl Halftime Show With J.Lo

In September 2019, it was announced that Shakira would be joining forces with Jennifer Lopez for the Super Bowl 2020 halftime show in Miami, Florida. "I feel incredibly honored and humbled to be, in a way, next to J.Lo, representing the Latino community that is such an important force in the United States," Shakira said.

Taking the stage first for the performance, Shakira showcased her hip-shaking moves while speeding through a medley of her hits, finding the time to squeeze in a few guitar licks, handle the drums and send social media users into a tizzy with her tongue-wagging ululation.

Personal Life

Outside of her busy career, Shakira created the Pies Descalzos Foundation to help children in her native Colombia receive a quality education. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and was honored by the United Nations' International Labor Organization for her philanthrophic efforts in 2010.

Shakira is in a relationship with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. The couple welcomed their first child together on January 22, 2013. They named their son Milan, which means "dear, loving and gracious" in Slavic; "eager and laborious" in Ancient Roman; and "unification" in Sanskrit, according to a statement on Shakira's website . In August 2014, the couple announced she was pregnant again. Their second son, Sasha, was born on January 29, 2015.

Shakira previously dated Antonio de la Rua, son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rua. In April 2013, de la Rua made headlines when he sued the Latin songstress for $250 million, charging that he had helped create some of his ex's hit songs as well as the "Shakira brand."

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Shakira
• Birth date: February 2, 1977
• Birth City: Barranquilla
• Birth Country: Colombia
• Best Known For: Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira is a hugely popular Colombian pop singer who is known for the hits "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don't Lie."
• Astrological Sign: Aquarius
• Nationalities
• Cultural Associations
• Arabic/Middle Eastern

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

• Sometimes I look at my reflection and I see garbage and I guess I was worried about the size of my breasts for a long time but now I think I have finally reached an age where I have accepted myself for who I am.
• The pop life is boring when you have nothing to say.
• Of course I am trying to make my accent not bother anybody but I am not going to drive myself crazy trying to pretend I am American girl when I am from Colombia.
• I want one day to be able to love with the same intensity parents love their children. Is that possible?
• I admire people who, for the love of art, is able to take their clothes off in front of a camera, but I'm not capable. I'm too cowardly for that.
• The leaders are lacking love, and love is lacking leaders.
• Fame isolates people from reality. That happens to many artists, and I don't want it to happen to me.
• My brain, I believe, is the most beautiful part of my body.
• The worst mistake of a woman is to go in the kitchen, because then she never gets out of there.
• Writing songs has a therapeutic effect, and it either kills off love or wins the heart of the lover.

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• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
• Official Site of Shakira
• AllMusic - Shakira
• Shakira - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Who is Shakira?

Shakira is a Colombian musician who achieved success in both Spanish- and English-speaking markets. By the early 2000s she had become one of the most successful Latin American recording artists in the world. Her full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll.

Who is Shakira married to?

In 2011 Shakira and Gerard Piqué made their relationship public. Piqué is a Spanish professional footballer (soccer player) who plays center-back for FC Barcelona . They have two children: Sasha Piqué Mebarak and Milan Piqué Mebarak. They are not married.

Does Shakira have an illness?

In 2017 Shakira suffered a hemorrhage of her right vocal cord , rendering her unable to sing. Despite being told by doctors that surgery was required, she refused and returned to the stage in 2018.

How did Shakira get her start?

Shakira started belly dancing as a child, and by age 10 she had begun writing songs and taking part in talent competitions. Her first largely successful album was Pies descalzos (1995), and in 2000 she won her first Grammy Award , for best Latin pop album ( MTV Unplugged ).

What awards has Shakira won?

Shakira boasts a large list of awards and nominations. She has received more than 700 nominations and has won more than 300 awards, including three Grammy Awards . In addition, Shakira has performed at many high-profile events, such as the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show along with Jennifer Lopez .

Shakira (born February 2, 1977, Barranquilla , Colombia) is a Colombian singer, songwriter, musician, and dancer who built a successful career in both Spanish - and English -speaking markets to become one of the most popular Latin American recording artists of the early 21st century.

Shakira, the daughter of a Lebanese father and a Colombian mother, started belly dancing at an early age. By age 10 she had begun writing songs and participating in talent competitions. A local theater producer helped her land an audition with a Sony Corp. executive in 1990, and Shakira was subsequently signed to a record deal. Her first two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), were only moderately successful, however. After taking a break from recording to act in the Colombian telenovela El oasis , Shakira resumed her music career in impressive fashion with Pies descalzos (1995). The album produced several hits, including “Estoy aquí,” “Pienso en ti,” and “Un poco de amor.”

For her next English-language album, She Wolf (2009), Shakira adopted an electro-pop sound. The following year she scored another international hit with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” a collaboration with South African band Freshlyground, after the song was chosen as the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup . The track also appears on her breezily eclectic Sale el sol (2010), which earned a Latin Grammy for best female pop vocal album.

In 2013–14 Shakira was a coach on the American televised singing competition The Voice . She returned to recording albums with Shakira (2014), which features duets with Rihanna and country singer Blake Shelton , one of her fellow coaches on The Voice . That same year Shakira performed the closing ceremony for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil . Her next album, El Dorado (2017), won the Grammy Award for best Latin pop album and the Latin Grammy for best contemporary pop vocal album. El Dorado ’s standout track was the single “La bicicleta,” a duet with Carlos Vives that won Latin Grammys for best record of the year and best song of the year. In 2020 Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed in the Super Bowl halftime show. Their sensational performance showcased several Latin American music styles, including salsa , rumba , mambo, and samba . Shakira in particular was commended for bringing the mapalé and champeta , two Afro-Colombian dances that she performed, to a world stage.

Shakira had several hit singles in the next few years, including “Don’t Wait Up” (2021) and “Don’t You Worry” (2022), the latter of which paired her with the Black Eyed Peas . In 2024 she released her first album in seven years, Las mujeres ya no lloran , which features several songs that had proved themselves as hits in 2022 and 2023. These included “Te felicito” with Rauw Alejandro and a searing diss track aimed at her ex-boyfriend Gerard Piqué following their breakup called “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap; the latter song was a global chart-topper and a top 10 hit in the United States.

Shakira lent her voice to the character of the Gazelle in the animated film Zootopia (2016) and appeared as a judge on the reality show Dancing with Myself (2022). She has also devoted considerable time and energy to social causes. In 2003 she became a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, traveling internationally to raise awareness of the struggles of children in less-developed countries. She also created the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on helping children displaced by violence in Colombia .

• Born February 2 , 1977 · Barranquilla, Colombia
• Birth name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
• Height 5′ 2″ (1.57 m)
• Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia to Nidia del Carmen Mebarak (née Ripoll Torrado) & William Alberto Mebarak Chadid. She is of Lebanese, Spanish & Italian descent. Shakira began her musical career at the age of 12 and quickly captured fans around the world. She won the 2001 Best Latin pop Grammy for her MTV Unplugged album. - IMDb Mini Biography By: [email protected]
• Children Milan Piqué Sasha Piqué
• Parents William Mebarak Chadid Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
• Relatives Tonino Mebarak (Sibling) Patricia Mebarak (Sibling) Ana Mebarak (Sibling) Valerie Domínguez (Cousin) Adriana Tarud Durán (Cousin)
• Performs barefoot in most of her concerts
• Belly dancing
• Sexy dance moves
• Frequently wears tight clothes.
• Blonde dyed hair
• Fluent in English and Portuguese, in addition to her native Spanish. She also speaks some Italian and French. Portuguese was the first language she learned after Spanish.
• Her Lebanese grandmother taught her the art of Arabian belly dancing so she can stay true to her Middle Eastern roots.
• Shakira means grateful in Arabic.
• Has perfect pitch: the ability to recognize any note upon hearing it or sing any note without prior to hearing it.
• Is a huge fan of Bollywood movies and music from India. She got in touch with Farah Khan , the most famous choreographer in India, and asked her if she could choreograph a dance for her performance at the 2006 MTV Video Awards. That night, Shakira's performance was the most memorable one as she sang and danced to "Hips Don't Lie" in traditional Indian clothing.
• The worst mistake of a woman is to go to the kitchen, because then she never gets out of there.
• I admire a person who, for the love of art, is able to take off their clothes in front of a camera. But I'm not capable, I'm too cowardly for that.
• It's not easy to work with me, I recognize that. It's not easy if those people aren't perfectionistic as as I am.
• The worst frustration for a singer is choosing a career in making music and then not being able to make music because you're always giving interviews.
• My brain, I believe, is the most beautiful part of my body.

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Some Lesser Known Facts About Shakira

• Shakira can speak several languages. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
• Shakira loves dogs and has three named  Coquito, Chan, and Gordita.
• In 2002, Wherever, Whenever  became the best-selling song. Also, her single  Hips Don’t Lie  is considered to be the best-selling song of this century.
• Shakira has had the honor of singing the  2010 FIFA World Cup  official song  “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.  The music video crossed over a billion views on YouTube and still is one of the most viewed videos.
• She has won two Grammys, 26 Latin-American Grammy Awards, five MTV Music Awards and has had a Golden Globe nomination too.
• Shakira also has Star  on the  Hollywood Walk of Fame. 
• The first person to reach 100 million followers on Facebook was none other than Shakira.
• She was only four when she wrote her first poem.
• She wanted a typewriter for Christmas as she always watched her father writing stories on one. She got one when she was seven and has been writing poetry since then.
• She wrote the song “Dark Glasses” because her father always wore a pair of dark glasses hiding the grieving since her brother died in an accident when he was riding his motorcycle.
• She was inspired to be a performer when her father took her to a restaurant where a dancer was doing Belly-Dance to an Arabic drum beat.
• She was let off the school choir at the age of two because she had too strong of a vibrato. She used to perform Belly-Dance on a new number every Friday in School.
• Shakira shares her birthday with her partner Gerard Pique.
• Shakira was known as the “The Belly Dancing Girl” in her school, where she discovered her passion for performing live.
• Shakira found some recognition in her hometown by the time she was 13 when she used to be often invited to perform at different places. This is when  Monica Ariza noticed her and talked to Sony Executives to crack her a deal.
• Sony Columbia signed her after watching her perform three songs.
• Sony gave her only $100,000 to record her album  Pies Descalzos  because they thought that it would not sell more than 100,000 copies. It sold itself well and sold 5 million copies.
• She is already immortalized by having a five-meter statue built in her home city Columbia’s Caribbean Coast.
• Hips Don’t Lie  was the number one single in 55 countries. It was also the maximum played song on the radio totaling 9637 in a week.
• She was listed by Forbes  the highest-earning female artist of 2008.
• Shakira runs  Pies Descalzos Foundation  for helping poor children all around Columbia. Thanks to her father who used to take her to a park where orphans lived, to make her grateful for her life. Since then, she dreamed to help those kids after getting famous. She was also awarded Humanitarian Award in 2003 for the same cause.
• Her Fiance Antonio De La Rúa was the son of the president of Argentina at the time.
• Her IQ is 140.
• Her grandmother was the one who taught her Belly Dancing.
• She loves Bollywood and its music.
• She has been awarded and honored with a medal International Labor Organization.
• Steven Spielberg wanted to cast Shakira before Catherine Zeta-Jones in the movie  The Mask of Zorro. She turned it down because she wasn’t confident enough with her English.

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