Shakira, Colombian singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, globally recognized simply as Shakira (pronounced shə-KEER-ə in English, and [(t)ʃaˈkiɾa] in Spanish), is an iconic Colombian singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and philanthropist. Born on February 2, 1977, and raised in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, she has earned the esteemed moniker "Queen of Latin Music" due to her profound influence and unparalleled success in the genre. Her artistic identity is defined by remarkable versatility, seamlessly blending various musical styles and demonstrating a unique vocal range and distinctive dance moves that incorporate elements of Middle Eastern, Latin American, and rock influences.

Early Career and Artistic Evolution

Shakira embarked on her musical journey at a remarkably young age, making her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia when she was just 13. While her initial two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), faced commercial challenges and did not achieve widespread success, these formative experiences laid the groundwork for her eventual breakthrough. Her sound and lyrical maturity blossomed, leading to her significant rise to prominence across Hispanic countries with the release of her third studio album, Pies Descalzos (1995). This album, which included hits like "Estoy Aquí" and "Antología," marked a significant turning point, showcasing her unique blend of pop, rock, and Latin American folk influences. Her subsequent album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998), further cemented her status, achieving widespread critical acclaim and commercial success throughout Latin America and Spain, establishing her as a formidable artistic force known for her introspective lyrics and raw musical energy.

Global Crossover and English-Language Dominance

A pivotal moment in Shakira's career was her strategic entry into the English-language market with her fifth studio album, Laundry Service, released in 2001. This album was a monumental success, selling over 13 million copies worldwide and transforming her into a leading global crossover artist. It was propelled by the international number-one singles "Whenever, Wherever" (known as "Suerte" in its Spanish version) and "Underneath Your Clothes," which showcased her ability to craft universally appealing pop anthems while retaining her distinct artistic essence. Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the largest music rights organization in the United States, has notably described Shakira as a pioneer, crediting her with significantly extending the global reach and visibility of Latino singers, thereby paving the way for future artists from the region to achieve mainstream international success.

Sustained Chart-Topping Success

Shakira’s dual-language approach continued to solidify her international appeal and artistic versatility. Her Spanish-language albums have consistently achieved remarkable success, with Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005), Sale el Sol (2010), and El Dorado (2017) all reaching the coveted top spot on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. These albums have not only achieved commercial triumph but have also been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a prestigious certification indicating sales of 10 million units in the United States alone. Simultaneously, her English-language albums, including Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005), She Wolf (2009), and Shakira (2014), have garnered multiple gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications across various countries worldwide, underscoring her consistent global appeal and ability to resonate with diverse audiences.

Her extensive discography boasts numerous singles that have topped charts in multiple countries, further demonstrating her widespread influence and capacity to produce global anthems:

Beyond Music: Television and Philanthropy

In addition to her illustrious music career, Shakira has also made notable appearances on television. From 2013 to 2014, she served as a coach on two seasons of the highly popular American singing competition series, The Voice. This role allowed her to showcase her mentorship skills, engage with emerging talent, and connect with a broader audience, demonstrating another facet of her multi-talented persona beyond performing.

Her commitment to philanthropy is as significant as her musical achievements. Since 1997, Shakira has been the driving force behind the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos), a Colombian charity focused on providing education, nutrition, and psychological support for children in impoverished communities across Colombia. Her dedication to this cause has earned her widespread recognition and impacted countless lives, reflecting her deep commitment to social responsibility.

Legacy and Accolades

Shakira's enduring impact on the music industry is undeniable. With a vast catalog comprising 145 songs, she has achieved sales exceeding 80 million records globally, establishing her as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Forbes reported in 2018 that she holds the distinction of being the female Latin artist with the highest album sales in history. Beyond her own commercial success, she is widely credited with dismantling barriers and opening the international market for numerous Latin artists who have followed in her footsteps, profoundly shaping the global music landscape and increasing the visibility of Latin music worldwide.

Her exceptional career has been recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards and honors, highlighting her diverse contributions to music and culture:

Billboard magazine twice named her the Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade, first for the 2000s and again for the 2010s, underscoring her consistent dominance and influence over two consecutive decades. In recognition of her extensive philanthropic work with the Barefoot Foundation and her monumental contributions to music, she received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award and the Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year award, both in 2011. Her influence extends to civic engagement; also in 2011, she was appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States, highlighting her role in advocating for educational advancements. Furthermore, in 2012, the French government bestowed upon her the esteemed title of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and culture on an international level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shakira

What is Shakira's full name and where was she born?
Shakira's full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. She was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
How many records has Shakira sold worldwide?
Shakira has sold over 80 million records worldwide throughout her career, establishing her as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. As of 2018, Forbes reported her as the highest-selling female Latin artist in history.
What made Shakira a "crossover" artist?
Shakira became a leading crossover artist with her 2001 English-language album, Laundry Service. This album, featuring global hits like "Whenever, Wherever," successfully introduced her music to a massive Anglophone audience while maintaining her unique Latin flair, significantly expanding her global reach and paving the way for other Latin artists.
What is the Barefoot Foundation?
The Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos) is a Colombian charity founded by Shakira in 1997. Its primary mission is to provide education, nutrition, and psychological support for children in vulnerable and impoverished communities across Colombia, reflecting Shakira's deep commitment to social causes.
How many Grammy Awards has Shakira won?
Shakira has won three Grammy Awards from the Recording Academy (American Grammy Awards) and twelve Latin Grammy Awards, making her one of the most awarded artists in both Latin and global music categories.