Shakira (born ) is a Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer. Referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music", she has had a significant impact on the musical landscape of Latin America and has been credited with popularizing Hispanophone music globally.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. Throughout her career, she has released numerous hit albums including Pies Descalzos, Dónde Están los Ladrones?, Laundry Service, Oral Fixation, and She Wolf. Her music blends elements of Latin, pop, rock, and Arabic influences.
Shakira has won numerous awards including four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with an estimated 80 million records sold worldwide. Her halftime show performance at Super Bowl LIV in 2020 was one of the most-watched performances in history.
Early life and education
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, a city located on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. She is the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. Her parents are of Lebanese and Catalan descent, though she has distant Italian roots through an ancestor with the surname Pisciotti.
Shakira was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools. She has eight older half-siblings from her father's previous marriage. From a young age, she showed a passion for singing and performing, often entertaining family gatherings with her performances.
At age 14, Shakira signed with Sony Music Colombia after performing three songs for executives. She enrolled at University of the North to study music, though she eventually left to focus on her music career.
Career
Early career (1990–2000)
Shakira's debut album, "Magia", was released in June 1991 under Sony Music Colombia. The album consisted of pop rock ballads and disco uptempo songs, though it was not a commercial success, selling only 1,200 copies in Colombia.
Her second album, "Peligro" (1993), was better received but still not commercially successful. However, her third album, "Pies Descalzos" (1995), became a major breakthrough, reaching number five on the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
Her fourth album, "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" (1998), became an even bigger worldwide hit, selling over 7 million copies. The album featured hit singles like "Ciega, Sordomuda", "Inevitable", and "Ojos Así".
Crossover to English-language market (2001–2005)
In 2001, Shakira made her crossover to the English-language market with the album "Laundry Service". The album's lead single, "Whenever, Wherever", became an international success, reaching number one in most countries and number six on the U.S. Hot 100.
Laundry Service became the best-selling album of 2002, eventually selling more than 15 million copies worldwide. The album established Shakira's musical presence in the mainstream North American market.
Her subsequent albums, including "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2" (2005), continued her success. The album featured the hit single "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean, which reached number one in multiple countries.
Global superstardom (2006–present)
Shakira's performance of "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, became one of the most-watched music videos of all time, with over 3 billion views on YouTube. The song cemented her status as a global icon.
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Shakira continued to release chart-topping music and collaborate with artists like Rihanna, Maluma, and Cardi B. Her halftime show performance at Super Bowl LIV in 2020, alongside Jennifer Lopez, was watched by over 100 million viewers.
In 2023, Shakira achieved massive success with the single "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" with Bizarrap, which broke numerous records and became a cultural phenomenon.
Artistry and musical style
Shakira's music is characterized by its fusion of Latin, pop, rock, and Arabic influences. She is known for her distinctive vocal style, which includes a unique vibrato and ability to switch between singing and rapping.
Her performances are renowned for their energy and choreography, often incorporating belly dancing moves that reflect her Lebanese heritage. She plays multiple instruments including guitar, harmonica, and drums.
Recognition and achievements
Shakira's career has been marked by numerous achievements and records:
- Four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards
- One of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 80 million records sold
- Most-watched halftime show performance in Super Bowl history
- Over 97 million followers on Instagram
- Multiple Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hits
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003
Personal life
Shakira was in a long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué from 2011 to 2022. The couple has two sons: Milan (born 2013) and Sasha (born 2015). Their relationship was highly publicized, and their breakup in 2022 became major international news.
Shakira is known for her philanthropic work, particularly through her Barefoot Foundation, which provides education and nutrition to children in Colombia and other developing countries.
Discography
Studio albums
- Magia (1991)
- Peligro (1993)
- Pies Descalzos (1995)
- Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998)
- Laundry Service (2001)
- Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005)
- Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005)
- She Wolf (2009)
- Sale el Sol (2010)
- Shakira (2014)
- El Dorado (2017)
- Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024)
Photo Gallery — Wikimedia Commons
References
- "Shakira." Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakira
- "Shakira | Songs, Age, Biography." Britannica. britannica.com
- Wikidata entity: Q34389 — Shakira. wikidata.org/wiki/Q34389