Born: 1977 (Barranquilla, Colombia)
Biography:
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, she has become one of the most influential figures in the music industry. Often referred to as the Queen of Latin Music, Shakira’s undeniable talent, versatility, and captivating stage presence have made her an iconic figure in the world of music.
From a young age, Shakira showed a passion for music. She made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13, releasing her first album, Magia, in 1991. Despite the commercial failure of her initial albums, Shakira persevered and continued to pursue her musical aspirations. It was with her third album, Pies Descalzos, released in 1995, that Shakira’s career began to soar.
Pies Descalzos propelled Shakira to stardom in Hispanic countries and marked a turning point in her career. The album’s success was followed by another hit album, Dónde Están los Ladrones, released in 1998. With a unique blend of rock, pop, and Latin rhythms, Shakira’s music resonated with audiences, establishing her as one of the leading crossover artists of her generation.
In 2001, Shakira entered the English-language market with her album Laundry Service. This album catapulted her to international fame, selling over 13 million copies worldwide. The infectious singles Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes became global hits, solidifying Shakira’s reputation as a dynamic and versatile artist.
Recognized as a pioneer, Shakira extended the global reach of Latino singers with her unique style and infectious music. Her subsequent albums, including Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005), Sale el Sol (2010), and El Dorado (2017), further cemented her success. These Spanish-language albums topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and were certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Not limiting herself to Spanish-language music, Shakira continued to dominate the English-language music scene as well. Albums like Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005), She Wolf (2009), and Shakira (2014) achieved gold, platinum, or multi-platinum status in various countries worldwide.
Throughout her career, Shakira has produced numerous chart-topping songs. Hits like La Tortura, Hips Don’t Lie, Beautiful Liar, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), Loca, and Chantaje have all reached number one in multiple countries, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
In addition to her immense success in the music industry, Shakira has also made significant contributions to society. Through her philanthropic work with her Barefoot Foundation, she has advocated for early childhood education and provided essential resources to vulnerable children in Colombia and beyond. Her dedication to improving education opportunities for children led to her appointment to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States in 2011.
A true trailblazer, Shakira has received numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards, twelve Latin Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards. She holds twenty-one Guinness World Records and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Shakira’s impact extends beyond her musical achievements. She has been named the Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade by Billboard twice (for the 2000s and 2010s) and is heralded as the best-selling female Latin artist of all time.
In conclusion, Shakira is not only a remarkable talent but also a remarkable human being. Her music has transcended cultural boundaries and opened doors for other Latin artists in the international market. With her philanthropy, she has made a positive impact on the lives of countless children. Shakira’s legacy as a pioneering artist and advocate for change continues to inspire and influence generations.
Awards:
– Three Grammy Awards
– Twelve Latin Grammy Awards
– Four MTV Video Music Awards
– Seven Billboard Music Awards
– Thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards
– Twenty-one Guinness World Records
– Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame