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Shakira,
born in Barranquilla, Colombia, has become one of the most influential global
music icons of the past three decades. In 2026, she was nominated for the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and broke records with her “Las Mujeres Ya No
Lloran” world tour, proving her enduring impact across cultures, genres, and
generations.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in
Barranquilla, a vibrant city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. From a young age,
she showed a deep passion for music, writing her first song at age eight and
signing with Sony Music Colombia at just 14. Her early albums, “Magia” and
“Peligro,” didn’t achieve commercial success, but they laid the foundation
for her unique style—a blend of poetic lyrics, Latin rhythms, and rock
influences.
Her breakthrough came in 1995 with the album “Pies Descalzos,” which
featured hits like “Estoy Aquí” and “Antología.” These songs showcased her
introspective songwriting and powerful voice, earning her recognition
throughout Latin America. With her next album, “Dónde Están los Ladrones?” in
1998, Shakira solidified her status as a Latin pop star. The album included
tracks like “Inevitable” and “Ojos Así,” blending Arabic influences with rock
and pop, reflecting her Lebanese heritage and diverse musical taste.
In 2001, Shakira made a bold move into the English-language market with
“Laundry Service.” The album was a global success, selling over 13 million
copies and featuring hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your
Clothes.” Her ability to write and perform in English while maintaining her
Latin identity was groundbreaking. She became one of the first Latin artists
to achieve mainstream success in the English-speaking world, opening doors
for others to follow.
Throughout the 2000s, Shakira continued to evolve. Her albums “Fijación
Oral, Vol. 1” and “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2” in 2005 included hits like “La
Tortura” and “Don’t Bother.” She experimented with different genres, from
reggaetón to dance-pop, while staying true to her roots. Her 2009 album “She
Wolf” introduced a more electronic sound, with the title track becoming a
global hit.
Shakira’s performances are known for their energy and sensuality, especially
her signature belly dancing. Her ability to combine choreography with live
vocals has made her one of the most captivating performers in the industry.
She’s also a skilled musician, playing guitar and harmonica, and often writes
or co-writes her songs.
In 2010, she released “Sale el Sol,” returning to a more acoustic and Latin
sound. Songs like “Loca” and “Rabiosa” became international hits. She also
recorded “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the FIFA World Cup, which
became one of the most-watched music videos of all time and further cemented
her global appeal.
Shakira’s influence extends beyond music. She founded the Barefoot
Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos), which provides education and nutrition
to children in Colombia. Her philanthropic work has earned her praise from
global leaders and organizations, including UNICEF and the World Economic
Forum.
In 2014, she released her self-titled album “Shakira,” featuring
collaborations with Rihanna (“Can’t Remember to Forget You”) and Blake
Shelton (“Medicine”). She also served as a coach on the American version of
“The Voice,” sharing her experience with aspiring singers.
Her 2017 album “El Dorado” included hits like “Chantaje” and “Me Enamoré,”
and won the Latin Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. The accompanying world
tour was a massive success, drawing millions of fans across continents.
In 2022, Shakira co-created and judged the dance competition series “Dancing
with Myself,” showcasing her commitment to promoting dance and creativity.
She also voiced the character Gazelle in the animated film “Zootopia” and
reprised the role in “Zootopia 2” in 2025.
Her personal life has often been in the spotlight. She was in a long-term
relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa from 2000 to 2010, and
later with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué from 2010 to 2022, with whom she
has two children. Despite public scrutiny, Shakira has maintained a dignified
and private approach to her family life.
In 2024, she released “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” an album that resonated
deeply with fans and critics alike. The title, meaning “Women No Longer Cry,”
reflected themes of empowerment, resilience, and transformation. The album
topped charts and led to a record-breaking world tour in 2025 and 2026.
The “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour became the highest-grossing tour ever
by a Hispanic artist. In Mexico City, she performed for 400,000 fans at the
Zócalo, the largest crowd ever recorded in the city’s main square. Her
13-show run at Estadio GNP Seguros sold over 800,000 tickets, setting new
records.
In 2026, Shakira announced a historic three-night residency in Madrid at
the newly built Shakira Stadium, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group. The
residency, titled “Es Latina,” was more than a concert—it was a cultural
celebration featuring music, art, literature, and gastronomy. It marked her
first performances in Spain in eight years and highlighted her role as a
global ambassador of Latin culture.
That same year, she was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,
becoming the first Colombian artist and potentially the first Latina woman to
receive the honor. Reflecting on the nomination, Shakira said, “I thought
someone was joking with me. I had to double-check, and then I just felt
really grateful.” Her journey from a teenage songwriter in Barranquilla to a
global icon was now being recognized alongside legends like Billy Idol and
Lauryn Hill.
Shakira’s music has always been a reflection of her identity—complex,
passionate, and fearless. Whether singing about love, heartbreak, or social
issues, she brings authenticity and emotion to every performance. Her ability
to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots has made her a role model
for artists around the world.
As of 2026, Shakira remains one of the most streamed artists globally, with
a catalog that spans genres and languages. Her legacy is not just in her
music, but in her impact on culture, philanthropy, and the global perception
of Latin artists. She continues to inspire millions with her voice, her
vision, and her unwavering commitment to her art |
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