Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is well-known worldwide. She grew up in Barranquilla and is known as the “Queen of Latin Music” because of her eclectic musical tastes. When she was 13 years old, she made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia.
Shakira | Early Life, Education, and Family
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on the 2nd of February, 1977, to Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid. Since her father’s first marriage, she has had a large number of half-siblings.
Firstly She had a natural talent for the arts and began writing poetry at the age of four. She also enjoyed dancing. However, she entertained her teachers and classmates by singing and dancing, earning the moniker “the belly dancer girl.”
A “Sony Colombia” executive named Ciro Vargas was asked to organize an audition for the teen by a local theater producer named Monica Ariza.
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Shakira | Career
Early Career
1991 saw the release of “Magia,” her debut album. She had written songs for it ever since she was eight years old. The album’s sales were not good. 1993 saw the publication of “Peligro,” her second album. She took a pause after releasing this album in order to finish high school and attend classes.
Later in 1996, she made a comeback to the music scene with her third album, “Pies Descalzos.” The album produced six successful singles, which also earned positive reviews from reviewers. To promote her album, she undertook the “Tour Pies Descalzos” tour.
Later in 1998, she released her subsequent album, “Donde Estan Los Ladrones?” It offered rock-influenced Latin Pop music in English. The CD ended up being among the best-selling Spanish-language records in the country.
Rise To Stardom
She made her English-language debut with the release of her album “Laundry Service” in 2001. The album’s biggest hit, “Whenever, Anywhere,” topped the “US Billboard Top Hispanic Songs” chart and was characterized by Latin rock and Latin pop styles.
After that, in June 2005, her Spanish CD “Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1” was made available. In November, the English album “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2” was released as a result. Her hallmark song, “Hips Don’t Lie,” from the latter album, peaked at number one on the “U.S. Billboard Hot 100.”
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Later in 2009, she released her album “She Wolf.” The album sounded strikingly different from her earlier works, incorporating elements of dancehall, electropop, and world music. It was valued for being different. She sang “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official song of the 2010 “FIFA World Cup,” with the South African band “Freshlyground.” The song was a huge success. After “Waka Waka” became popular, she released her album “Sale el Sol” in 2010.
On March 25, 2014, Shakira’s tenth studio album was made available. At the 2014 “FIFA World Cup” closing ceremony, she also gave a performance of the song “Dare (La La La)” in the same year. For the 2016 film “Zootopia,” she performed the song “Try Everything.” The El Dorado World Tour, her sixth global tour, began in 2018.
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Moreover, she and Jennifer Lopez gave a performance at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in February 2020. 103 million people watched the halftime show, stating in Billboard. Shakira sold Hipgnosis Songs Fund her 145-song repertoire in January 2021.
Shakira also released the song “Don’t Wait Up” on July 16, 2021. As the first single off her planned twelfth studio album, which would be an electronic-infused record with undertones of urban and rock music, she released the song “Te Felicito” alongside vocalist Rauw Alejandro on April 21.
Eventually, Shakira and Argentine DJ Bizarrap collaborated on the publication of “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” on January 11, 2023.
Shakira | Net Worth
Shakira’s success in a variety of fields, including music, business, real estate, and philanthropy, has led to a net worth of $300 million as of 2023.
Real Estate
Cars:
- Audi A7 Sportback: $84,400
- Mercedes SLK250: $43,950
- Tesla Model S: $95,000
- BMW X6: $86,250
- Audi Q7: $74,000
- Mercedes SL550: $114,700
- Seat Leon: $20,000
- Mercedes S-Class: $125,000
- Jeep Wrangler: $50,000
- Mini Cooper: $40,000
Other property;
Private Island – $16,000,000
House:
- Star Island home – $3, 4 million
- La Colorada farm – $700, 000
- Barcelona home – €589, 973
Shakira | Body Measurements
- Height: 157 cm or 1.57m or 5’ 2” ft
- Weight: 54 kg or 118 lbs.
- Body Measurements: 34-24-37
- Bra Size: 34B
- Waist Size: 24 Inches
- Hip Size: 37 Inches
- Shoe Size: 8 US
- Dress Size: 4 US
- Hair Color: Brown (Dyed blonde)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Body Build: Hourglass
Shakira | Social Media
Instagram: 81.9M Followers
Twitter: 53.7M Followers
Facebook: 121M Followers
TikTok: 34.1M Followers
YouTube: 40.5M Subscribers
Shakira | Controversies
Shakira has dated a number of well-known people, but her romance with attorney Antonio de la Ra was one of the most contentious. He sued the singer in 2012 after they split up, alleging a $250 million partnership interest in her earnings.
La Bicicleta, a song by Shakira and Carlos Vives, a fellow Colombian musician, was published in 2017 and immediately became popular. Later in his 1997 song Yo Te Quiero Tanto, musician Livan Rafael Castellanos claimed that the duo had plagiarized his lyrics and rhythm, and he accused the group of doing the same.
The largest scandal Shakira has ever encountered is related to an alleged tax cheating charge in Spain.
Shakira | Awards
Shakira has received numerous nominations and awards. She has also won more than 300 honors, including three Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for more than 700 awards. Shakira has also performed on other high-profile occasions, including the halftime act of the 2020 Super Bowl with Jennifer Lopez.
Also, two “Grammy Awards” have been given to her: “Best Latin Pop Album” (2001) for “MTV Unplugged” and “Best Latin Pop/Alternative Album” (2006) for “Fijacion Oral Vol. 1.”
Eight “Latin Grammy Awards” have been proudly bestowed upon her, including “Best Pop Vocal Album” in 2010 for “Sale el Sol.”
2007 Most Earthshattering Collaboration Beyoncé Feat. Shakira: Beautiful Liar (2007).
Shakira | Personal Life
Shakira’s humanitarian and advocacy work focuses on early childhood development and universal education, especially the health, nourishment, and stimulation of kids who aren’t yet in school.
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Shakira was also appointed by President Obama to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in October 2011. The commission’s objective is to advise Obama and Secretary Arne Duncan on matters pertaining to Hispanic kids’ educational performance.
Eventually, the Pies Descalzos Foundation was established in Barranquilla, Colombia, in the late ’90s when Shakira, who was just 18 at the time, chose to take on the social responsibility of working with others to advance the health, education, and nutrition of those who were most at risk: children. Shakira has spoken for the necessity of adopting political initiatives that address the rising number of children lacking access to education as one of Unicef’s Goodwill Ambassadors.
Shakira | Relationships
She had been dating attorney Antonio de la Rua for some years before they split up in 2011. She began dating Spanish football player Gerard Pique in 2011. Shakira and Gerard welcomed a son into the world on January 22, 2013. On January 29, 2015, Shakira gave birth to their second son.
Shakira and Piqué were included on Forbes’ list of the “World’s Most Powerful Couples.” After 11 years of marriage, the pair announced their separation in a joint statement in June 2022.
FAQs
How many No. 1 singles does Shakira own?
Shakira, who is the Latin female singer with the most No. 1 songs, currently has a total of 15 hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay list.
Is Shakira a good samaritan?
Shakira, a Colombian singing star, established the Barefoot Foundation (Spanish: Fundación Pies Descalzos) in 1997 with the intention of assisting underprivileged and destitute children.
What makes Shakira significant?
Shakira is typically credited with introducing Latin musicians to pop music. The Colombian musician has been dubbed “The Titan of Latin Pop” by The New York Times for her pioneering and exceptional products in the genre for more than three decades.
Quick Facts
- Real Name/Full Name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
- Nick Name/Celebrated Name: Shakira
- Birth Place: Barranquilla, Columbia
- Date Of Birth/Birthday: 2 February 1977
- Age/How Old: 45 years old
- Height/How Tall: In Centimeters – 157 cm or 5’ 2” Ft
- Weight: 54 kg or 118 lbs.
- Eye Color: Dark brown
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Parents Name: Father – William Mebarak Chadid, Mother – Nidia Ripoll Torrado
- College: University of California
- Religion: Catholic
- Nationality: American
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Gender: Female
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband/Spouse Name: Antonio de la Rua (m. 2000-2010), Gerard Pique (m. 2011-2022)
- Kids/Children Name: Yes (2)
- Profession: Singer
- Net Worth: $300 million
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