Shakira Biography, Age, Husband, Family, Career, Controversy, Net Worth

Who is Shakira?

Shakira is a world-renowned Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and philanthropist widely recognized as the Queen of Latin Pop. With a career spanning over three decades, she has become one of the most influential and successful artists in global music history. She is known for her unmatched vocal tone, Arabic-inspired belly dancing, and her ability to blend Latin, rock, pop, and Middle Eastern influences into a unique sound.
Her hit songs “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka,” “Whenever, Wherever,” “La Tortura,” and “Chantaje” have topped charts worldwide and made her a cultural icon. Beyond music, Shakira is admired for her humanitarian work, especially in children’s education through her Barefoot Foundation.

Shakira Early Life

Shakira was born in a culturally rich family in Barranquilla, a vibrant Colombian city known for its music and carnival spirit. Her father, William Mebarak, was born in New York to Lebanese parents, while her mother, Nidia Ripoll, had Spanish and Italian roots. This mix of cultures shaped Shakira’s identity, music, and dance style.

From childhood, Shakira had an unusually sharp sense of rhythm. She began writing poetry by age 4, which later evolved into songwriting. Watching her father write stories inspired her creativity deeply. Her name “Shakira” comes from the Arabic word meaning “grateful” or “woman full of grace.”

At age 5, she started learning Arabic dance. By age 8, she had written her first song, “Tus Gafas Oscuras,” inspired by her father.

One famous story from her childhood shows her raw talent:
When she danced at a school event, her movements were so unique that teachers and students compared her to a “natural performer.”

Despite her strong voice, she was rejected from the school choir because her voice was “too vibrational,” but Shakira took the rejection as motivation to work harder.

Her determination during childhood laid the foundation for her global stardom.

Shakira Education

Shakira studied at a Catholic school in Barranquilla. She was an active student who loved music, dance, and literature more than academic subjects.

After achieving fame, Shakira remained intellectually curious. In 2007, she enrolled at UCLA, hiding her identity under a fake name. She studied courses in History of Western Civilization simply out of passion for learning.

Her educational journey shows her balance between creativity and curiosity.

Shakira Family

Shakira shares a deep emotional bond with her family. Her father, in particular, has had a major influence on her career. She often says her dancing style is a tribute to her Lebanese roots.

Her children, Milan and Sasha, are a central part of her life, and she often talks about balancing motherhood with her global career.

Shakira Career

Early Career (1990–1995)

Shakira’s journey began early. At 13, she was discovered by a local producer and signed a record deal with Sony Music Colombia.
Her first albums, “Magia” (1991) and “Peligro” (1993), didn’t bring commercial success, but they showcased her emerging talent and helped her gain industry attention.

Breakthrough in Latin America (1996–2001)

The turning point came with her 1995 album “Pies Descalzos.”
Hits like Estoy Aquí made her a huge Latin pop star.
Her 1998 album “Dónde Están los Ladrones?”, produced with Emilio Estefan, was a cultural phenomenon and sold over 7 million copies.

This era established her as the leading female Latin artist of her generation.

Entry into Global Music (2001–2005)

Shakira wanted to reach a global audience, so she learned perfect English and wrote “Laundry Service” (2001).
Songs like:

• Whenever, Wherever

• Underneath Your Clothes

• Objection (Tango)

turned her into an international superstar.
The album sold over 13 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the decade.

Global Icon Era (2005–2010)

In 2005, Shakira released two albums simultaneously:

• Fijación Oral Vol. 1 (Spanish)

• Oral Fixation Vol. 2 (English)

The hit “Hips Don’t Lie” became a global anthem and reached No. 1 in over 50 countries.

Waka Waka & Worldwide Fame (2010)

In 2010, Shakira sang the official FIFA World Cup Song:
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”
It became one of the most-watched music videos ever and made her a household name in every country.

Recent Career (2011–Present)

Shakira continued her dominance with hits such as:

• La La La (Brazil 2014)

• Chantaje (with Maluma)

• Me Enamoré

• TQG

In 2020, she performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Jennifer Lopez, one of the biggest performances of her career.

She remains the most-streamed Latina artist in history.

Philanthropy

Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos) at just 18 years old. The foundation builds schools in Colombia and supports thousands of children.

She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on child development and education worldwide.

Shakira Personal Life

Shakira’s personal life has always been discussed in the media, especially her relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. They met in 2010 during the Waka Waka video shoot and were together for nearly 12 years.

They have two sons:

• Milan (2013)

• Sasha (2015)

In 2022, the couple announced their separation.
Shakira later moved to Miami with her children to focus on her career and personal growth.

She loves dancing, reading, learning new languages, traveling, and spending time with family.

Controversy

Shakira has generally maintained a positive public image.
The only major controversy in her career was the tax investigation in Spain.
Authorities claimed unpaid taxes between 2012–2014. In 2023, Shakira accepted a settlement to avoid a long legal battle.

Aside from this, she has no major scandals and is respected globally.

Shakira Social Media

Shakira Net Worth

Shakira Physical Appearance

Interesting Facts Shakira

• Shakira wrote her first song at age 8.

• She speaks 6 languages.

• She has sold over 95 million records globally.

• “Hips Don’t Lie” is one of the best-selling singles in history.

• “Waka Waka” is one of the most-watched videos in the world.

• She holds a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

• She is the most-awarded Latin female artist ever.

• She founded her NGO at age 18.

FAQs

Q1. What is Shakira’s full name?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll.

Q2. How did Shakira become famous?
Her album Pies Descalzos made her a Latin star, and Laundry Service made her a global star.

Q3. What is Shakira’s ethnicity?
Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian.

Q4. Who are Shakira’s children?
Milan and Sasha.

Q5. What was Shakira’s debut English album?
Laundry Service (2001).

Q6. What is Shakira’s biggest hit?
“Hips Don’t Lie.”

Q7. Is Shakira married?
No, she has never married.

Q8. What is Shakira’s net worth?
Approximately $350 million.

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