Biography
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. Known worldwide as the "Queen of Latin Music," she started recording with Sony Music Colombia when she was just 14. Her early albums in Spanish, like Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998), made her a big name in Latin American music and paved the way for her global success.
Shakira's international career took off with Laundry Service in 2001, her first English album. It sold over 13 million copies globally, becoming the best-selling album by a female Latin artist. With hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes," it showed that Latin music could succeed on a world stage, opening opportunities for other Latin artists.
Throughout her career, Shakira has managed to succeed in both Spanish and English markets. Her Spanish albums Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005), Sale el Sol (2010), El Dorado (2017), and Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024) all topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, making her the first woman to have number-one albums in four different decades. Her English albums, such as Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005), She Wolf (2009), and Shakira (2014), also achieved platinum sales worldwide.
Besides her recording achievements, Shakira has shown her versatility as an entertainer. She was a coach on The Voice in 2013 and 2014, sharing her knowledge with aspiring singers. She ventured into film with voice roles in Zootopia (2016) and its sequel Zootopia 2 (2025). Her hit singles like "Hips Don't Lie," "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," and "La Tortura" have become cultural icons, with some featuring in major events. She has won 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards, marking her as one of the most successful Latin artists ever.
Before Fame
Growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira showed musical talent from an early age in a culturally mixed coastal city known for its musical traditions. Her Lebanese and Colombian background influenced her unique music style, blending Middle Eastern elements with Latin rhythms. The early 1990s saw a big growth in Latin music, with more global interest in different musical genres and the growth of Latin music markets.
Shakira's rise began when she was discovered as a teenager and signed with Sony Music Colombia at age 14. Her debut album came out when the Latin music industry started seeing the potential for crossover success, paving the way for her eventual breakthrough internationally with her distinctive voice and multicultural music style.
Key Achievements
- First woman to achieve number-one albums on Billboard Top Latin Albums chart across four different decades
- Laundry Service became the best-selling album by a female Latin artist with over 13 million copies sold worldwide
- Won 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards throughout her career
- Sold over 80 million records worldwide, ranking among the best-selling music artists globally
- Credited with popularizing Latin music globally and opening international markets for other Latin artists
Did You Know?
- 01.She wrote her first song "Tus gafas oscuras" at age 8 and recorded her first album "Magia" at age 13, featuring songs she had written since age 8
- 02.Her song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" served as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and became the best-selling World Cup song of all time
- 03.She speaks six languages fluently: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian, and Arabic
- 04.Her belly dancing skills, which became a signature part of her performances, were taught to her by her Lebanese grandmother
- 05.She founded the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos) in 1997 to provide education and nutrition to impoverished children in Colombia
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Latin Music Awards | 1997 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album | 2000 | — |
| Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album | 2001 | — |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2000 | — |
| Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica | 2002 | — |
| Grammy Award for Best Music Video | — | — |
| Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album | 2006 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year | 2006 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year | 2006 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album | 2006 | — |
| Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year | 2011 | — |
| Free Your Mind | 2009 | — |
| Amadeus Austrian Music Awards | — | — |
| Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres | — | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Record of the Year | 2006 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Record of the Year | 2016 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year | 2016 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album | 2011 | — |
| Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album | 2018 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album | 2017 | — |
| Crystal Award | 2017 | — |
| star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | — | — |
| Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres | 2012 | — |
| Billboard Spirit of Hope Award | 2006 | — |
| Premios Oye! | — | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year | 2023 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Song | 2023 | — |
| Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Fusion/Performance | 2023 | — |
| Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award | — | — |