Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
Personal Information
Physical Attributes
Family Members
Social Media
Location Information
Additional Information
Biography
Shakira: The Complete Profile
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2, 1977) is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and philanthropist. Known as the "Queen of Latin Music," she is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 95 million records sold worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Shakira was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Nidia Ripoll Torrado (Colombian with Spanish/Catalan ancestry) and William Mebarak Chadid (Lebanese-American). She is the youngest of eight siblings.
Early Talent
Shakira showed extraordinary talent from childhood:
- Wrote first poems at age 4 (which later became songs)
- Learned to dance Arabic belly dancing from her Lebanese father's side
- Wrote first song at age 8 ("Tus gafas oscuras")
- Performed in school shows and local competitions
Personal Information
Full Name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
Born: February 2, 1977
Birthplace: Barranquilla, Colombia
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
Career Highlights
Debut Album: Magia (1991, age 13)
Breakthrough Album: Pies Descalzos (1995)
Grammy Awards: 3 (14 nominations)
Latin Grammy Awards: 13
Languages
Spanish English Portuguese French Italian Catalan Arabic (basic)Career Timeline
Signed with Sony Music Colombia at age 13
Released breakthrough album "Pies Descalzos" which sold 5 million copies
First English-language album "Laundry Service" with global hit "Whenever, Wherever"
Released "Hips Don't Lie" which became the best-selling single of the 21st century at the time
Official FIFA World Cup song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" became global anthem
Super Bowl LIV halftime show performance with Jennifer Lopez
Released first album in 7 years "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran"
Music Career
Albums
Breakthrough album featuring "Estoy Aquí" and "Dónde Estás Corazón"
Critically acclaimed with hits like "Ciega, Sordomuda" and "Ojos Así"
First English album with global hits "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes"
Grammy-winning album featuring "La Tortura" with Alejandro Sanz
Latin Grammy Album of the Year featuring "Chantaje" with Maluma
Musical Style
Shakira's unique style blends:
- Latin pop and rock
- Middle Eastern influences
- Folk and alternative elements
- Dance and electronic beats
Signature Dance Moves
Shakira's dancing is as distinctive as her voice:
- Belly Dancing: Learned from her Lebanese heritage
- Hip Movements: Inspired the song "Hips Don't Lie"
- Headbanging: Signature rock-inspired move
- Quick Footwork: Blends Latin and Arabic styles
Awards and Recognition
Grammy Awards
- Best Latin Pop Album (2001, 2006)
- Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album (2006)
- 14 total nominations
Latin Grammy Awards
- Record of the Year (2006)
- Song of the Year (2006, 2020)
- Album of the Year (2018)
- 13 total wins
Other Honors
- Billboard Latin Music Awards (39 wins)
- Guinness World Records (multiple)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (2011)
- Named Billboard's "Latin Woman of the Year" (2002)
Philanthropy and Activism
Barefoot Foundation
Founded in 1997 (originally Pies Descalzos Foundation) to provide education and nutrition for impoverished children in Colombia. The foundation has:
- Built 7 schools in Colombia
- Supported over 6,000 children annually
- Provided over 1 million meals
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Appointed in 2003, Shakira has:
- Advocated for global education initiatives
- Helped raise millions for children's programs
- Spoken at the UN and World Economic Forum
Personal Life
Relationships
- Dated Antonio de la Rúa (2000-2010), son of former Argentine president
- Partnered with Gerard Piqué (2011-2022), FC Barcelona footballer
- Two sons: Milan (b. 2013) and Sasha (b. 2015)
Residences
Shakira has homes in:
- Miami, USA
- Barcelona, Spain
- Barranquilla, Colombia
- Nassau, Bahamas
Cultural Impact
Global Music Ambassador
Shakira helped bring Latin music to global audiences, paving the way for later artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía.
FIFA World Cup Legacy
Her World Cup songs ("Waka Waka" 2010, "La La La" 2014) became global anthems with billions of views.
Fashion Icon
Known for her belly-baring outfits and hip-hugging pants that showcase her dance moves.
Quotes
"Hips don't lie, and neither do statistics."
"Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife."
"I'm a fusion. That's my persona. I'm a fusion between black and white, between pop and rock, between cultures - between my Lebanese father and my mother's Spanish blood, the Colombian folklore and American music."
Recent Projects
- 2023: Released album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran"
- 2023: Launched world tour
- 2023: Announced partnership with Bizarrap for new music
- 2024: Continuing philanthropic work in Latin America