Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, better known as Shakira, was born on February 2nd, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. She began her music career at the age of 13 and released her first album in 1991. Shakira’s breakthrough album, Laundry Service, was released in 2001 and became a worldwide hit, featuring the hit single “Whenever, Wherever.” Shakira is known for her unique blend of Colombian, Arabic, and rock music and has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards. In addition to music, Shakira is also a philanthropist and has worked to improve education and health care in Latin America. She is an advocate for early childhood education and founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation to help impoverished children in her hometown. Shakira has two children with her longtime partner, soccer player Gerard Pique.
