Who is Shakira?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who is known to the world. On the 2nd of February 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia, she was born to a Colombian mother and a Lebanese father. She is famous for her exceptional voice, her originality in the blending of Latin, Arabic, rock and pop music and her dancing skills especially her hip-shaking acts. Throughout the years, she has managed to become one of the most successful musical artists with a career of about two decades and still counting.
Early Life & Education
Music is something Shakira has been in love with since she was a child. At family functions, she would perform at the tender age of four to showcase her love for music. At seven years of age, She wrote her first song titled “Tus Gafas Oscuras.” As a young girl, she was awash with Arabic and rock and latin music which would later shape her sound.
In Barranquilla, She went to Colegio La Enseñanza, a private Catholic institution. She was a good student and hated school but loved performance arts. So, she left formal school for musical pursuits. Learning to play the guitars and drums; dancing and successfully applied salsa, belly and flamenco in her performances; Mastering different dance moves, Shakira had them all.
Career Journey
At the age of 13, Shakira’s professional life began with the release of her first album Magia, which came in 1990. But the real success for her came later, with her third album Pies Descalzos (1995). It was a combination of pop with rock that did well across Latin America, hence Shakira’s popularity grew immensely.
The world’s attention shifted to Shakira following Laundry Service (2001) with songs such as “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.” This album helped She transition from Latin pop to global pop. To call her for a star would be an insult. The integration of Latin rock with Arabian elements in music made her different in the pop world.
In the course of her career, She did not cease to please her fans with numerous hit albums including ‘Fijación Oral, Vol. 1’ in 2005, ‘She Wolf’ in 2009 and ‘El Dorado’ in 2017. The song “Hips Don’t Lie”, which was performed with Wyclef Jean, reached the top of the music charts and is one the best-selling singles in the 21st century, further strengthening the singer’s position as a pop icon worldwide.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Shakira’s assets, or her net worth, is believed to be around $350 million. She was able to accumulate such wealth due to the sales of her music, concert tours, sponsorship contracts and other businesses. Apart from her music, she also holds a huge commercial brand Shakira, having partnered with Pepsi, Oral-B and Samsung.
Tours of Shakira, e.g. the El Dorado World Tour, broke records, bringing in tens of millions to the performer. In addition, she has a rich songwriting career and has composed a couple of popular songs for herself adding to her success. Shakira’s well-documented investments include her own fragrance collection and charitable activities, both boosting her earnings.
Body Measurements & Physical Appearances
We should commend Shakira for the noticeable curves that complement her relatively petite frame. At 5’2” (157cm) tall, She has an attractive body with an hourglass shape, which she showcases while dancing on stage. She three size three measurements are routinely reported to be at these dimensions: 34-25-36 inches, which is 86-63-91 cm. Long honey-blonde hair and noticeable curly hair are typical features of Shakira.
But Shakira’s physicality is not only about what she looks like; her performance is equally impressive. She talented dancing stylizations also involves mesmerizing transitioning of her hips in a way that radiates athleticism. She mixes a unique combination of beauty, talent and energy, making her one of the most recognizable performers in the world and a fashion icon.
Legacy and Impact
The contribution She has made to music, culture and charity work cannot be overlooked. She greatly assisted in demolishing the boundaries placed on Latin artists by being one of the first artists to help Latin music go global. She is known for her versatile sound, performing music that ranges from Latin to Arabic, rock, and pop genres. The topics of Shakira’s songs are diverse — from love and empowerment to various social problems which united her with fans belonging to any social or ethnic group.
She is known not only as a singer but also as a person who cares about the welfare of her society. In 1997 she initiated the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos) with a mission to offer the poorest children in Colombia education and nutrition. She has undertaken charity work through active support to many children in need particularly those from her native country Colombia.
Future Plans
As of 2024, Shakira has been making headways in her career as an artist and an entrepreneur. Though she is busy in her music career, launching solo singles and doing collaborations with singers of different styles, she is also busy with her children and charities. She came into spotlight mostly after her foray with Spanish football player Gerard Pique but after their breakup in 2022, she has decided to maintain a low profile. Still, she is very much into music, charity and her kids.
It is likely that Shakira will combine her commitments to the global education and humanitarian causes with new musical work. This will cheer up her fans, who are looking forward to seeing Shakira in new music videos, live shows and different types of business projects.
Trivia
- Shakira can speak multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian.
- She holds the Guinness World Record for most digital single sales by a female Latin artist.
- In 2010, she performed at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, with her hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”
- She is the first South American artist to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hobbies
She likes reading, yoga and taking care of her family, besides music. She is also a strong supporter of children’s education, which is why her charity’s work is a constant part of her life. She is quite active on social media, where she has many followers, and in her free time, she posts pictures from her life and interacts with fans.
Boyfriend and Relationship Status
From 2011 till 2022, Shakira dated the Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, which was a long relationship. The couple has two kids, Milan, and Sasha. Their relationship was in the spotlight, especially the media covered their separation in 2022. Currently She is single, and is taking care of her kiddos and working professionally.
Social Media
She effectively uses social media. She actively engages with millions of her available fans on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Her postings include music and career updates as well as her children, charity, and working life.
Shakira Social Media Platforms
- Instagram: @shakira
- Twitter: @shakira
- Facebook: Shakira
Shakira FAQs
- What is Shakira’s most famous song? Shakira’s most famous song is “Hips Don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean. The song became a global anthem and is one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century.
- How many languages does Shakira speak? Shakira is multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, and some Italian.
- What is Shakira’s net worth? Shakira’s net worth is estimated to be around $350 million.
- Who is Shakira’s ex-boyfriend? Shakira’s ex-boyfriend is Gerard Piqué, a former professional footballer.
Conclusion
She is more than just a musician; she is an important cultural figure. Her works in music, dance, and social work have won her the place that will ever be in history. She is an inspiration to millions with her unique voice, exceptional music, and desire to become a change maker. Going forward, She will not only be leaving a legacy, but she will also transform into a bigger source of inspiration for the world of music and arts.
