About Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2, 1977), known mononymously as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Born and raised in Barranquilla, she began performing in school, demonstrating Latin American, Arabic, and rock and roll influences and belly dancing abilities. Shakira released her first studio albums, *Magia* and *Peligro*, in the early 1990s, failing to garner much attention. However, she rose to prominence in Hispanic America with her next albums, *Pies Descalzos* (1995) and *Dónde Están los Ladrones?* (1998). The latter became a critical success and helped propel her into the mainstream. Shakira entered the English-language market with her fifth album, *Laundry Service* (2001), which sold over 13 million copies. Driven by the international success of the lead single "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes," the album solidified her position as a global superstar. She has since released several successful albums in both Spanish and English, including *Fijación Oral, Vol. 1* (2005), *Oral Fixation, Vol. 2* (2005), *She Wolf* (2009), *Sale el Sol* (2010), *Shakira* (2014), and *El Dorado* (2017). Shakira is known for her versatile musical style, which blends Latin, pop, rock, and world music elements. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, relationships, and cultural identity. She is also renowned for her energetic and visually captivating performances, incorporating belly dancing, Latin rhythms, and high-energy choreography. Throughout her career, Shakira has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, thirteen Latin Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 95 million records sold worldwide. Beyond her musical career, Shakira is actively involved in philanthropy through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, which provides education and nutrition to children in impoverished areas of Colombia and around the world. She has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Shakira's impact on the music industry and her dedication to social causes have made her a cultural icon and a role model for aspiring artists and humanitarians alike. She continues to be a prominent figure in the global music scene, consistently pushing boundaries and inspiring millions with her music and activism. In 2024, she released her highly anticipated album, 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran', further solidifying her status as a musical force. She is currently one of the most influential and successful Latin artists of all time.