Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. She began writing poetry at the age of four and wrote her first song by the age of eight.
Shakira's name means "thankful" in Arabic. Additionally, her Lebanese, Colombian, and Italian ancestry has influenced her diverse musical style.
Shakira released her first album, Magia, at 13. However, she gained widespread recognition in Latin America with her third album, Pies Descalzos, released in 1995.
Shakira crossed into the English-language market with her 2001 album Laundry Service. It included hits like Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes and sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
Shakira is known for her unique voice, blending rock, Latin, and Arabic influences. Additionally, her distinctive belly dancing has become a trademark of her performances.
Shakira's hit single Hips Don't Lie, featuring Wyclef Jean, became a global sensation in 2006. It reached number one in over 50 countries and became one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century.
Shakira has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, twelve Latin Grammy Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards. Moreover, she is one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time.
In 2010, Shakira's song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became the official FIFA World Cup anthem. It was a worldwide hit and one of the best-selling World Cup anthems in history.
Shakira is fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian, and she has recorded songs in several of these languages.
In addition to her music career, Shakira is a philanthropist and founded the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos) in 1997, which provides education and nutrition to children in impoverished areas of Colombia.
Shakira served as a coach on the popular TV show 'The Voice' in both 2013 and 2014, where she mentored aspiring singers and brought her expertise to the competition.
Shakira performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020 alongside Jennifer Lopez. The performance was praised for its celebration of Latin culture and was one of the most-watched halftime shows in history.
She is known for her versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending genres such as pop, rock, reggaeton, and world music in her work, making her music appealing to a broad audience.
Shakira has been involved in various charitable causes and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003, using her platform to advocate for children's rights and education.
Despite her global success, Shakira remains deeply connected to her Colombian roots and often incorporates elements of her cultural heritage into her music and performances, making her a beloved figure in Latin music and beyond.