Who is singer, songwriter, and dancer Shakira?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known professionally as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, and philanthropist. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, she became internationally known for blending Latin pop and rock with elements of Arabic music, dance, and other global styles. Her career includes major Spanish- and English-language hits, multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, and high-profile performances including the Super Bowl halftime show.
Background/biography
Shakira was raised in Barranquilla by her Colombian mother, Nidia Ripoll, and her Lebanese-born father, William Mebarak Chadid. Her paternal heritage has been an important influence on her artistic identity, particularly her interest in Middle Eastern music and dance.
She began writing poetry as a child and later turned her writing into songs. Shakira started performing and pursuing recording opportunities in Colombia while still young, releasing her first albums in the early 1990s. Her early releases attracted limited commercial attention, but she gained wider recognition after developing a more personal songwriting approach and a rock-influenced Latin pop sound.
Music career
- Pies Descalzos (1995), the album that established her as a major Latin American pop artist.
- Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998), featuring songs including “Ciega, Sordomuda” and “Ojos Así.”
- Laundry Service (2001), her first major English-language crossover album, featuring “Whenever, Wherever.”
- “Hips Don’t Lie” featuring Wyclef Jean (2006), one of her best-known international singles.
- “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (2010), released as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- “La La La (Brazil 2014)” (2014), associated with the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- “Chantaje” featuring Maluma (2016), a major Spanish-language streaming hit.
- “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap (2023), a widely discussed global hit.
After becoming a leading artist in Spanish-language pop, Shakira expanded her audience with English-language releases while continuing to record in Spanish. Her work is known for distinctive vocals, autobiographical songwriting, and performance styles that incorporate belly dance and other dance traditions.
She has also served as a coach on the U.S. television competition series The Voice and has collaborated with artists across Latin pop, hip-hop, rock, reggaeton, and dance music. In 2020, she co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Jennifer Lopez.
A global artist with Colombian and Lebanese influences
Shakira’s public image has long been closely associated with her Barranquilla roots and her Lebanese heritage. Songs such as “Ojos Así” prominently draw on Middle Eastern musical influences, while her videos and stage performances have helped introduce elements of belly dance to mainstream pop audiences worldwide.
Beyond entertainment, she founded the Barefoot Foundation, known in Spanish as Fundación Pies Descalzos, which supports educational initiatives for children in Colombia. She has also worked with international organizations on campaigns focused on education and early childhood development.
Net worth
Public estimates of Shakira’s net worth vary widely and should be treated as unofficial. Media and celebrity-finance publications have commonly estimated it at around $300 million, with reported income sources including music sales and streaming, touring, songwriting and publishing royalties, television work, endorsements, and business activities.
Fun facts about Shakira
- Her first name, Shakira, is commonly associated with an Arabic word meaning “grateful.”
- She has recorded music in both Spanish and English and has also performed songs incorporating other languages.
- She was the official performer of FIFA World Cup songs for both the 2010 and 2014 tournaments.
- Her 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became one of the best-known football-related pop songs internationally.
- She founded Fundación Pies Descalzos to support education for children in Colombia.
- In 2020, she performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez.
