Shakira Colombian singer and songwriter Biography, height, weight, Age , boyfriend, wife, children and family and many more
Shakira: The Iconic Colombian Singer, Songwriter, and Global Superstar
Introduction
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, widely known as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist whose impact on the global music industry is unmatched. Known as the “Queen of Latin Music,” Shakira’s unique blend of Latin, pop, and rock music has captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning decades, Shakira is a cultural ambassador for Colombia and a humanitarian advocate for education.
Early Life and Family Background
Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is the only child of William Mebarak Chadid, a Lebanese-Colombian writer, and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, who has Spanish and Italian ancestry. Shakira grew up in a multicultural household, which heavily influenced her music style.
She began writing poetry and songs at an early age, demonstrating a natural talent for storytelling and rhythm. Her name, Shakira, means “grateful” in Arabic, reflecting her rich heritage.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 117 pounds (53 kg)
- Hair Color: Naturally dark brown but often dyed blonde
- Eye Color: Brown
- Distinctive Features: Curly hair, captivating smile, and dynamic dance moves
Personal Life
Relationships
Shakira was in a long-term relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa from 2000 to 2010.
In 2011, she began dating Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, whom she met during the filming of her music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” The couple shares two sons:
- Milan Piqué Mebarak (born in 2013)
- Sasha Piqué Mebarak (born in 2015)
Shakira and Piqué ended their relationship in 2022. Despite their separation, Shakira remains focused on her children and her career.
Professional Life
Rise to Fame
Shakira released her first album, Magia, at the age of 13, followed by Peligro. However, her breakthrough came with her third album, Pies Descalzos (1995), featuring hits like “Estoy Aquí.”
Her album Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998) solidified her as a Latin music star, with tracks like “Ciega, Sordomuda” and “Ojos Así.”
International Success
Shakira achieved global stardom with her English debut album, Laundry Service (2001), which included hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.” She continued to dominate the charts with albums like:
- Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005)
- Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005)
- She Wolf (2009)
Her song “Hips Don’t Lie” became a worldwide sensation, showcasing her unique fusion of belly dancing and Latin rhythms.
Notable Achievements
- Performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”
- Released the critically acclaimed El Dorado (2017), which included hits like “Chantaje” featuring Maluma.
- Headlined the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show in 2020 alongside Jennifer Lopez, earning widespread praise.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation to provide education and nutrition to underprivileged children in Colombia. She has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003, focusing on education and child welfare.
Her commitment to philanthropy has earned her numerous humanitarian awards, including the UN International Labor Organization’s Medal for her advocacy.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2023, Shakira’s estimated net worth is $300 million, earned through her music, endorsements, and business ventures. She has collaborated with brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and Oral-B.
Lesser-Known Facts About Shakira
- Polyglot: Shakira speaks multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Arabic.
- High IQ: Shakira reportedly has an IQ of 140, making her one of the most intelligent celebrities in the industry.
- Author: She wrote a children’s book titled Dora the Explorer: World School Day Adventure.
- First Belly Dancing Performance: Shakira learned belly dancing from her Lebanese grandmother and often incorporates it into her performances.
- Record Holder: She is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, with over 80 million records sold worldwide.
Awards and Recognitions
- Grammy Awards: 3 wins
- Latin Grammy Awards: 12 wins
- Recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
- Honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in 2011.
Conclusion
Shakira is a true icon whose influence extends beyond music to philanthropy, culture, and global advocacy. Her dedication to her art and commitment to making the world a better place makes her a role model for millions. With her ever-evolving career and passion for helping others, Shakira continues to shine as a beacon of inspiration.
More Lesser-Known and Interesting Facts About Shakira
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Early Poetry: Shakira wrote her first poem, "La Rosa de Cristal" (The Crystal Rose), at the age of four, showcasing her creative talent from a very young age.
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Rejected by Choir: Shakira was rejected from her school choir because her music teacher thought her vibrato was too strong and likened it to "the sound of a goat."
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First Grammy Win: Shakira became the first Colombian artist to win a Grammy Award in 2001 for her album MTV Unplugged.
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Love for Perfumes: Shakira has a passion for creating fragrances and has launched several successful perfumes, including S by Shakira and Dance by Shakira.
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Signature Belly Moves: Shakira’s famous hip movements are inspired by her Lebanese heritage and her early fascination with belly dancing.
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Humanitarian Beginnings: She started her Pies Descalzos Foundation when she was just 18 years old, using a portion of her earnings from her early music success.
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Performed for the Pope: Shakira performed her song "Ave Maria" for Pope John Paul II in 1999 during a visit to Rome.
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Astronomy Enthusiast: Shakira loves astronomy and has expressed a keen interest in stargazing and learning about celestial phenomena.
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An Architectural Hobby: Shakira designed her mansion in the Bahamas and enjoys exploring architectural concepts as a creative outlet.
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First Acting Role: She starred in a Colombian telenovela called El Oasis in the mid-1990s, before fully committing to her music career.
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Unique Voice: Shakira’s mezzo-soprano voice has been described as one of the most distinctive in the music industry due to its unique timbre.
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Philanthropic Music Sales: Proceeds from some of her albums, such as Sale El Sol, have been donated to her foundation to support educational projects in Colombia.
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World Cup Record: "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is the most-viewed World Cup anthem on YouTube, with billions of views.
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Surprisingly Short Feet: Shakira has small feet for her height, wearing a size 2.5 in US sizing, which is unusual for someone standing 5'2".
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Learning Guitar for Fun: During her downtime, Shakira taught herself to play the guitar to broaden her musical skills.
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Voice of Disney: Shakira voiced Gazelle, a pop star character, in Disney’s animated movie Zootopia (2016), contributing to its soundtrack with the hit song “Try Everything.”
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Survived a Shark Attack: Shakira once escaped a close encounter with a shark while swimming in the Maldives, an incident she often laughs about.
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Trained in Karate: In addition to dancing, Shakira trained in karate during her youth, contributing to her strength and coordination.
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Ambidextrous: Shakira can write with both hands, an ability she has displayed during fan interactions and press interviews.
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Multilingual Songwriting: She has written songs in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and even Catalan, showcasing her linguistic versatility.
Shakira’s life is a testament to her creativity, resilience, and diverse talents, making her a fascinating and multifaceted global icon.
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