Shakira, the Colombian sensation, has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of music, dance, and charisma. From her humble beginnings in Barranquilla to her global stardom, Shakira’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
In this blog post, we delve into the life, career, and fascinating facts about this iconic artist.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll displayed her passion for music from an early age. Her Lebanese heritage influenced her distinctive fusion of Latin rhythms and Middle Eastern melodies. Growing up, she wrote poetry and composed songs, showcasing her innate talent.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll |
| Nickname | Shaki |
| Alternative Names(s) | Shakira |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1977 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 47 |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Birthplace | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Hometown | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | a degree in ancient philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania |
| Hobbies and Interests | horse riding, painting, reading |
| Languages Known | first language is Spanish |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Shakira – Britannica |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb Profile |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157.5 cm) |
| Weight | 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 24 inches |
| Hips | 35 inches |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Varies |
| Distinctive Features | a combination of Latin dancing with Middle Eastern belly dancing |
| Tattoos | yes |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Shakira’s family played a crucial role in shaping her artistic journey. Her father, William Mebarak Chadid, encouraged her musical pursuits, while her mother, Nidia Ripoll, instilled a strong work ethic. In 2011, Shakira began dating Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, and the couple now shares two sons, Milan and Sasha.
| Relationship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | Gerard Piqué |
| Father | William Mebarak Chadid |
| Mother | Nidia Ripoll Torrado |
| Children | Milan and Sasha |
| Siblings | Robin, Moises, Tonino, Alberto, Jose, Lucila, Ana, Edward, and an older brother who passed away during her childhood |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Osvaldo Ríos |
| Significant Relationships | Osvaldo Ríos, her ten-year relationship with Antonio de la Rúa, and her 12-year relationship with Piqué |
Rise to Stardom
Shakira’s breakthrough came with her 1995 album “Pies Descalzos,” featuring hits like “Estoy Aquí” and “Dónde Estás Corazón.” Her electrifying dance moves and distinctive voice set her apart. In 2001, “Whenever, Wherever” from the album “Laundry Service” catapulted her to international fame. She continued to release chart-topping albums, including “Oral Fixation” and “She Wolf.”
Shakira – Debut Album – Magia
Shakira – Successful Album / Blockbuster Album – Underneath Your Clothes
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Shakira’s accolades are numerous. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Her FIFA World Cup anthems, such as “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” showcased her global appeal.
Her philanthropic efforts, including founding the Pies Descalzos Foundation, demonstrate her commitment to education and social causes.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, philanthropist |
| Debut Album | Magia (1991) |
| Notable Songs | Whenever, Wherever” – “Underneath Your Clothes” Hips Don’t Lie” – “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” – “La Tortura” |
| Recent Albums | El Dorado” (2017) – “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (2024) |
| Upcoming Albums | Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran |
| Popular Movies | Shakira had a voice role in the animated film Zootopia (2016) |
| Awards and Achievements | Numerous awards and records; credited with opening doors for other Latin artists |
| Endorsements/Collaborations | Rolex, Casio, Ferrari, and Twingo |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Involved in philanthropic efforts through her Barefoot Foundation |
| Professional Associations | Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. .. |
| Training and Education | Pop diva Shakira has graduated with a degree in ancient |
| Production Company | Latin pop |
| Blockbuster Success | Laundry Service” (2001) – “Fijación Oral, Vol. 1” (2005) – “Sale el Sol” (2010) |
| Critical Acclaim Album | El Dorado |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $300 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | about 15 million dollars |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | over $72 million |
| Sponsorship Deals | The companies that Shakira endorses include Activia, Burberry, Crest 3D White and Epson EpiqVision |
| Business Ventures | Some of the things that Shakira likes include Cycling, Dancing, Skating and Surfing. |
| Investments | perfumes, lingerie, toys, real estate and a foundation |
| Real Estate Holdings | owned properties in the US, Uruguay, Spain, Cyprus, and the Bahamas |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Homes |
| Cars Collection | Audi Q7,BMW X6 |
Favorite Things, Likes, and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Antonio Banderas |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Film | The Godfather |
| Favorite Music Bands | U2, The Beatles, Nirvana |
| Favorite Sport | Tennis |
| Favorite Books | Gabriel García Márquez’s works, especially One Hundred Years of Solitude |
| Favorite Colour | Red |
| Favorite Food | Chocolate and seafood |
| Things s/he likes | Dancing, philanthropy, and spending time with family and friends |
| Things s/he dislikes | Injustice, dishonesty, and negativity |
Top 5 Best Songs – Shakira
| Song Name | Year of Release | Album/Movie Name |
|---|---|---|
| Hips Don’t Lie | 2006 | Oral Fixation |
| Whenever, Wherever | 2001 | Laundry Service |
| Underneath Your Clothes | 2001 | Laundry Service |
| Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) | 2010 | FIFA World Cup Anthem |
| She Wolf | 2009 | She Wolf |
Controversies – Shakira
- Lip-Syncing Allegations: During her 2010 FIFA World Cup performance, rumors circulated that Shakira lip-synced. However, she later clarified that technical issues caused the discrepancy.
- Tax Evasion Investigation: In 2018, Spanish authorities investigated Shakira for alleged tax evasion. She maintained her innocence and cooperated with the authorities.
- Plagiarism Claims: Some accused Shakira of plagiarizing melodies in her songs. Legal battles ensued, but she defended her originality.
- Relationship Rumors: Gossip columns often speculated about her relationship with Gerard Piqué. Shakira remained private about her personal life.
- Animal Rights Controversy: Her collaboration with a fur company sparked outrage among animal rights activists. She later distanced herself from the brand.
Interesting Facts – Shakira
- Shakira speaks four languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Arabic.
- She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Her hips’ fluid movements inspired a fitness trend called “Zumba.”
- Shakira’s charity work focuses on education and early childhood development.
- She is an avid reader and loves philosophy.
In summary, Shakira’s journey from a small Colombian town to global superstardom exemplifies resilience, creativity, and passion. Her music transcends borders, making her a true icon in the entertainment world.
