Shakira

Shakira
6.0
Shakira photo 1 Shakira photo 2 Shakira photo 3 Shakira photo 4
Comments (5)
Name:
Shakira
Real name:
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
Who is:
Birth date:
(48 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Barranquilla, Colombia
Height:
5'1 ft ()
Weight:
101 lb (46 kg)
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:

Photos: Shakira

Shakira photo 1
Shakira photo 2
Shakira photo 3
Shakira photo 4
+30 Photos

Shakira's Biography

Shakira is a legendary Colombian singer and one of the most successful Latin artists on the global pop scene. Shakira's music features a distinctive style – blending pop-rock, Latin, and folk – while her performances are complete spectacles featuring Middle Eastern dances and unforgettable staging.
Shakira
Shakira

Childhood

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (the singer's full name) was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. She's the only child of Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak, though she has eight half-siblings on her father's side. Her father was of Lebanese descent – his ancestors had moved to New York – while her mother had Spanish and Italian roots.
Shakira in childhood
Shakira in childhood
The future superstar grew up surrounded by books, musical rhythms, and precious stones – her father owned a large jewelry store. From an early age, Shakira showed interest in literature and music, influenced by her parents – her father William even wrote books. At just 18 months, she knew the alphabet; by age 3 she could read and write, and by 4 she was ready for school.
Little Shakira was a gifted child
Little Shakira was a gifted child
Later, experts tested Shakira and unanimously declared her a child prodigy. The future singer's mother believed her daughter would become an artist or writer – she was constantly drawing and started writing poetry at age 4. By the age of 8, Shakira had written her first song - "Your Dark Glasses," dedicated to the death of one of her siblings.
Young Shakira
Young Shakira
At school, the energetic and beautiful girl was predicted to have a career as a ballerina or dancer – she loved performing Middle Eastern dances and often took the stage. The rising star then won the contest "Viva los niños!"
1989: Shakira at the contest 'Viva los niños!'
A few years later, journalist Monica Arias introduced Shakira to Sony Music executive Ciro Vargas. Impressed by the young prodigy's singing talent, he signed a contract with her after brief consideration. She began balancing her studies with recording her first album "Magia" (1991).

Interestingly, Shakira initially sang in the school choir but was soon kicked out because a teacher said her voice sounded like a goat's bleat.

Career Start

At just fourteen years old, the charming and talented Colombian shot to fame with her debut album – first in her hometown, then nationwide. In 1993, Shakira represented Colombia at the Chilean music festival and took third place with her own song "Eres" ("You Are").
Shakira released her first album at age 14
Shakira released her first album at age 14
The following year, the young singer released her second album "Peligro" ("Danger"). Commercially, the album flopped, and Shakira was forced to compromise with management during recording, causing the album to lose its edge. Despite the disappointment, after finishing school, she threw herself into creating her third album.
Shakira - Eres - Competencia Internacional - Festival de Viña del Mar 1993
During this time, she moved to the Colombian capital, Bogota, with her mother, where she received an offer to play the lead role in the TV series "El Oasis".
Shakira El Oasis Novela
In 1994, Sony executives were ready to drop the singer, but at that exact moment, she delivered her song "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" ("Where are you, heart?"), which instantly became a hit.
Shakira - ¿Dónde Estás Corazón

The Rise of a Musical Career

In fall 1996, working with a modest budget, Shakira released her third studio album "Pies Descalzos" ("Bare Feet"). This time, she struck gold - massive sales, devoted fans, and her first world tour.
Shakira - Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos
In 1996, Shakira earned "Woman of the Year" and "Person of the Year" honors - becoming the first Colombian to break through internationally, including a warm reception in Japan. She also received awards from the Billboard Music Awards.
In 1996 the singer became the Woman of the Year
In 1996 the singer became the Woman of the Year
Fans were eagerly awaiting her fourth album. Just as the album materials were complete, someone stole a suitcase containing the song lyrics. Nevertheless, the album "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" ("Where are the Thieves?") was soon released. The album went five times platinum, with fans snapping up 300,000 copies on day one. For 11 weeks, it was the best Latin American album in the charts.
Shakira - ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?
In 1999, the singer received her first Grammy nomination for "Best Latin Rock / Alternative Album", and in 2001 she released a concert version of the songs "MTV Unplugged". This album made her popular in the USA, and the success was consolidated by a Grammy award that same year.
Shakira - MTV Unplugged 1999
Ready to go global, Shakira's English-language album "Laundry Service" dominated American charts, with lead single "Whenever, Wherever" launching her to worldwide stardom. The triple-platinum US hit also featured other fan favorites that remain highlights of her catalog. These are "Underneath Your Clothes", "The One", and "Objection (Tango)".
Shakira - Whenever, Wherever
While Shakira showcased her incredible vocal range, critics and Latin American fans weren't thrilled that she'd chosen American pop over authentic folk sounds. Still, commercially speaking, it was clearly a breakthrough. The young star moved in this direction, soon recording several songs for Pepsi commercials.

In 2005, Shakira dropped the Spanish album "Fijación Oral Vol. 1", with singles that primarily dominated radio play across Spanish-speaking countries. That same year, she released the English counterpart "Oral Fixation Vol. 2" featuring the singles "Hips Don't Lie" and "Illegal", which became massive hits. The singer went on a world tour and gave 150 concerts in 37 countries.
Shakira - Hips Don't Lie ft. Wyclef Jean
In 2007, Shakira reached new heights, snagging an MTV VMA award and a Grammy nomination for the duet "Beautiful Liar" with Beyoncé. This marked the beginning of her steady stream of collaborations with other pop stars - she teamed up with Annie Lennox, Stevie Wonder, and Usher.
Shakira and Beyoncé
Shakira and Beyoncé
After a lengthy hiatus, Shakira returned in 2009 with the album "She Wolf", which marked a departure from her previous work - diving deeper into electronic territory. This didn't stop it from becoming a hit, and the title track captured fans worldwide.
Shakira - She Wolf
In 2010, Shakira landed the honor of recording the official World Cup song for the tournament in South Africa. The infectious "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" became the ultimate anthem of summer, positivity, and pure joy.
Shakira recorded the official song for the World Cup
Shakira recorded the official song for the World Cup
Fall 2010 brought Shakira's next album "Sale el sol". The album mixed Spanish and English tracks, with "Loca" emerging as the standout hit. The album was quite successful and received 13 Billboard de la Musica Latina nominations.
Shakira - Loca (Spanish Version) ft. El Cata
In 2012, Shakira stepped in to replace Christina Aguilera as a coach on the hit vocal competition "The Voice". In 2014, she dropped her tenth album, self-titled "Shakira". Her collaboration with Rihanna on "Can't Remember to Forget You" became a major hit.
In 2016, Shakira unveiled the lead single "Me Enamoré" from her upcoming album, followed by the full release of "El Dorado" in 2017. The album was warmly received by listeners and sold well.
Shakira Reveals Inspiration for New Album El Dorado
In 2020, Shakira thrilled fans once again - dropping "Me Gusta" in January, a collaboration with rapper Anuel AA. A few months later, she released the music video. That same year, Shakira headlined the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Shakira – Me Gusta
Shakira continues to turn heads with her ageless look - now in her 40s, she regularly shares stunning beach photos on social media that showcase her incredible physique.
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the National Football League

Shakira's Personal Life

In 1997, news broke about singer Shakira's romance with popular actor Osvaldo Ríos. The couple kept their romance private, but everyone knew about their relationship. However, the romance didn't last long - the couple broke up after 8 months.

In 2000, Shakira began a relationship with the son of Argentine President Fernando de la Rúa, Antonio. A year later, Antonio proposed to the singer. The couple planned to get married, but Shakira denied these rumors.
Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa
Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa
Nevertheless, the relationship lasted quite a long time. Only in January 2011 did Shakira officially announce her breakup with Antonio.
For almost 11 years we passionately loved each other... These were the most beautiful years of our lives... Meanwhile, since August 2010 our romantic relationship was temporarily interrupted by mutual agreement, although we continued to work together, keeping what happened a secret.
Shakira on her breakup with Antonio
Shakira with Gerard Piqué
Shakira with Gerard Piqué
While filming the music video for "Waka Waka", Shakira met Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué. The couple has been together since the fall of 2010, but they only announced their relationship in March 2011, shortly after Shakira's official breakup with Antonio. Soon they moved to Barcelona, and in 2013 their first child, Milan Piqué Mebarak, was born. In January 2015, Shakira's family welcomed another son - Sasha.
Gerard Piqué with his sons
Gerard Piqué with his sons
In June 2022, Spanish media reported on the breakup of Shakira and Gerard. According to rumors, the reason was Gerard's infidelity. The journalist from El Periodico, citing his own sources, reported that Piqué moved out of their shared house to an apartment and lives alone after a scandal that the singer caused after finding him in bed with another woman.

Shakira Now

Alongside her high-profile divorce from Piqué, Shakira faced problems due to tax evasion. The Spanish court ruled that between 2012 and 2014, the singer avoided paying taxes six times. According to the investigation, during this period, Shakira lived in Barcelona for at least 183 days, making her a tax resident. Shakira insisted that she lived in the Bahamas. In November 2023, the court gave her a 3-year suspended sentence and a fine of 7.3 million euros, but she managed to avoid even this punishment – Shakira paid 432,000 euros to settle the case.
Shakira got off with a fine
Shakira got off with a fine
  • Shakira and Piqué is a beautiful couple. And from the singer I would like to listen a new hit :)
    2021-05-15 21:55:53
  • I would like to listen a new hit by Shakira but I guess her finest hour is over.
    2021-04-17 18:50:27
  • There is something in Shakira what attracts me at the first sight, I even can`t say anything about her voice, it`s just obvious.
    2021-04-07 20:41:54
  • Shakira is my youth, parties and energetic dances with Whatever-Whatever. Pity that nowadays she is not making something new.
    2021-01-29 15:24:52
  • Probably there is no man in the world who is not the fan of energetic Colombian Shakira. She is the best!
    2021-01-06 09:44:50
5