Her name and music resonate even in the world's most remote corners. Her tour, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," has made her millions of people's favorite singer, attracting thousands of fans to her sold-out stadium shows. She often mingles with celebrities and famous colleagues who have watched her shine for decades. The story of this Colombian artist did not unfold overnight; it is a well-carved journey marked by impactful lyrics, culturally rich rhythms, and an iconic hip movement. With 12 studio albums to her name, she has earned more than 400 awards, including 15 Latin Grammys and 3 Grammy Awards.
© Lester CohenWith her success, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll elevates the name of her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia. Born on February 2, 1977, Shakira is the youngest of nine siblings and the only daughter of William Mebarak and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll. She began her career at a very young age, interested in playing the guitar and showing a talent for singing that stood out among the voices of the era, thanks to her contralto. Her parents supported her dream of singing and saw something special in her. In 1991, at 14 years old, she signed her first contract with a major label, Sony Music Colombia, with which she released her first album, "Magia," featuring songs she had written since she was eight years old.
Her first work did not achieve the desired success, and she placed those hopes on "Peligro," her second album released in 1993, which also didn't turn out in the way she imagined. She got the moment she'd been seeking in 1995, with "Pies Descalzos," capturing the attention of Latin America and becoming the voice of her generation. Her look, abundant black hair, and rock style became a trend, and her music and videos topped international Latin charts. This success multiplied in 1998 with the release of "¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?" Additionally, the series "El Oasis," which she starred in in 1994, became a fan favorite among those wanting to know more about her.
"I started dancing Arabic style when I was five. I discovered singing around nine."
© GettyHer success was accompanied by loves that inspired her to write some of her best songs, including her 1997 relationship with actor Osvaldo Ríos, to whom she reportedly dedicated the song "Tú." A big dreamer, Shakira did not settle for having conquered the Latin audience. By 2000, while in a relationship with Antonio de la Rúa, she was ready to release an English and Spanish album while showcasing an unmistakable blonde look.
"Laundry Service" came to light in 2001 with instant hits that made her one of the most recognizable Latinas in the world. The following year, she embarked on her first international tour, "El Tour de la Mangosta," where she began performing songs like "Whenever, Wherever," "Underneath Your Clothes," and "Objection (Tango)."
With her albums and songs, Shakira has not only been able to express herself while making her fans and listeners dance at parties, clubs, and radio stations, but she has also made statements that define her career. In 2009, after releasing "Fijación Oral Vol. 1" and "Vol. 2," her sixth studio album "She Wolf / Loba" gave her the fierce nickname by which she is known—as a strong, determined, and sexy woman.
© GettyImagesThis image followed her through subsequent albums "Sale el Sol" (2010), "Shakira" (2014), "El Dorado" (2017), and, of course, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" (2024). Popularity charts recognized her as "the queen of Latin pop" and "the most influential Latin artist of all time," a success that led her to perform the official song of the 2010 World Cup with "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" and to headline the closing ceremony of the 2014 Brazil edition.
Her voice returned to another major sports event at "Super Bowl LIV," when she headlined the halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez. In addition to JLo, Shakira has collaborated with various artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Karol G, Carlos Vives, Prince Royce, Ozuna, Rauw Alejandro, and Manuel Turizo.
Alongside her musical success, Shakira treasures her most precious role: being a mom. With her then-partner Gerard Piqué, she welcomed Milan, her first son, on January 22, 2013. She welcomed her second son, Sasha, on January 29, 2015. She's also the founder of the Pies Descalzos Foundation, a non-profit devoted to providing education and care to Colombian children in need.
She has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF, among other honors, such as her 2012 nomination for the Prince of Asturias Award for her humanitarian work.
© Getty Images for MTV"We have been taught to hide our feelings. It is important to acknowledge vulnerability. We all go through disappointment, but we must keep celebrating life."
As an artist, she has not escaped controversy in her personal life—the most notable being her separation from Piqué due to the ex-footballer's infidelity. Shakira gave a great lesson to women by refusing to appear vulnerable in a world that was talking about her.
Instead, she expressed and confronted the situation through the songs on her album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," which also indirectly addresses the legal issues she faced with the Spanish tax authorities over her residence in Madrid. But none of that stopped her. Every obstacle motivates her to keep moving forward, a drive that inspires her fans, who admire her determination and have honored her legacy with a large statue on the Gran Malecón in Barranquilla, Colombia. This year, she launched her beauty brand, Isima, which is a haircare product line designed to treat curly hair. She's also ready to return to one of her most emblematic performances: Gazelle in "Zootopia 2," with her performing "Zoo," a new original song and follow-up to her hit "Try Everything."
