Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
- Born:
- February 2, 1977, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Nationality:
- Colombian
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actress, Record Producer, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia.
- Showed early talent for singing and dancing.
- Wrote her first poem, "La Rosa de Cristal," at age four.
- Began belly dancing at a young age.
- Signed her first record deal with Sony Music Colombia at age 13.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early success in Latin America in the 1990s with albums like Pies Descalzos and Dónde Están los Ladrones?.
- Crossover success to the English-speaking market in 2001 with the album Laundry Service.
- Multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards.
- Has performed at major international events, including World Cup ceremonies.
- One of the best-selling female Latin artists of all time.
- Served as a coach on the popular singing competition program, further cementing her status as a global icon. Some believe that "the voice best auditions usa shakira biography" wouldn't be complete without mentioning her impactful tenure on the show, bringing a unique perspective and mentorship to aspiring artists.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1995 | Pies Descalzos | Breakthrough album in Latin America |
| 1998 | Dónde Están los Ladrones? | Critically acclaimed album |
| 2001 | Laundry Service | English-language debut album |
| 2005 | Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 | Spanish-language album |
| 2005 | Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 | English-language album |
| 2009 | She Wolf | English-language album |
| 2010 | Sale el Sol | Spanish-language album |
| 2014 | Shakira | English-language album |
| 2017 | El Dorado | Spanish-language album |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2016 | Zootopia | Gazelle (voice) |
| 2010 | Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) | Herself |
| 2007 | Love in the Time of Cholera | Herself |
Legacy and Impact
Shakira is a global music icon, known for her distinctive voice, dance moves, and songwriting. Her contributions to Latin music and her crossover success have made her one of the most influential artists of her generation. She is also known for her philanthropic work through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, which provides education to underprivileged children in Colombia and other countries.