Shakira is an international superstar and one of the few Colombians to make it big in the music industry. Born as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 2, 1977, she has become a world-renowned singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Her upbringing in Barranquilla heavily influenced her sexy image and hypnotic dance music, introducing her to Arabic music and exotic dancing in local restaurants. She was discovered by local theater producer Monica Ariza at the age of 14, which led to the release of her first album Magia in 1991.
Shakira quickly became a Latin superstar with her 1995 album Pies Descalsoz, and her first English-language album Laundry Service in 2001 made her a global star. Her 2006 single “Hips Don’t Lie” was one of the biggest dance hits of the decade and earned her the title of fourth highest-earning female in the music industry. She won Best Female Pop Vocal Album at the Latin Grammy Awards for her album Sale el Sol and became a judge on The Voice alongside Usher, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine.
In 2021, Shakira returned to the charts with the release of the single “Don’t Wait Up”, which was the first release since her self-titled album in 2014. Her 11th album, El Dorado, was issued in 2017 and included the hits “Chantaje” and “Me Enamoré”, further cementing her status as one of the world’s top artists. With her compelling stage presence, undeniable talent, and passion for music, Shakira is an unstoppable force with no plans of slowing down.
