Shakira

Shakira

Singer
Date of Birth: 02.02.1977
Country: Colombia

Content:
  1. Shakira Biography
  2. Music Career
  3. International Success
  4. Business Ventures and Philanthropy
  5. Personal Life
  6. Recent Years

Shakira Biography

Childhood and Youth of Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in the Colombian city of Barranquilla. She was the youngest of nine children in the family of Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid. Despite her humble beginnings, Shakira's father was a successful businessman who owned a jewelry store and was also a writer. From a young age, Shakira showed exceptional intelligence and talent. She learned to read and write in her native language at a very young age and even started writing poetry at the age of four. She developed a passion for belly dancing and her parents enrolled her in dance classes. Although she was expected to pursue a career as a writer, artist, or dancer, Shakira became a globally renowned singer and gained significant influence as a philanthropist.

 Shakira

Music Career

In 1990, Shakira met theater journalist Monica Ariza at a local talent competition. Through Monica's connections, Shakira signed a contract with Sony Music's Colombian division. She released her debut album, "Magia," on June 24, 1991. Although the album was not commercially successful, it gained Shakira popularity in her home country. In 1994, she tried her hand at acting in the melodramatic series "El Oasis" and received recognition for her role. In 1995, Shakira recorded the song "Dónde Estás Corazón" for the album "Nuestro Rock," which became an instant hit in Latin America. Her first official studio album, "Pies Descalzos," was released in 1996 and achieved platinum status in several countries. Shakira's talent as a singer, combined with her strong vocals and choreography, made her an international star at a young age.

 Shakira

International Success

In 1997, Shakira released her second major album, "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" which immediately topped local charts. Despite being in Spanish, the album gained significant popularity in the United States. In 1999, Shakira recorded her first live album, "MTV Unplugged," which received critical acclaim and won two Grammy Awards. To further solidify her presence in the international market, Shakira decided to release an English-language album. "Laundry Service" was released in November 2001 and became a major success worldwide. Although some critics accused Shakira of copying American pop music styles, the album showcased her versatility and charm. In 2005, Shakira released the Spanish-language album "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1," which sold over 4 million copies globally and earned her numerous music awards. The single "Hips Don't Lie" became the best-selling single of the last decade. Over the years, Shakira continued to release successful albums, collaborate with other artists, and receive prestigious awards for her musical achievements.

 Shakira

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

In addition to her music career, Shakira has been actively involved in philanthropy. In 1997, she founded the "Pies Descalzos Foundation," a charity organization dedicated to providing education and support to underprivileged children in Colombia. Shakira became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003 and has been involved in various campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS, support education, and promote children's rights. In 2010, she launched her own line of fragrances called "S by Shakira" and expanded her business ventures. Shakira's commitment to philanthropy has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

 Shakira

Personal Life

Shakira was in a long-term relationship with lawyer Antonio de la Rua from 2000 to 2010. Although they never got married, Shakira considered him her partner and credited him for supporting her career. After their breakup, de la Rua filed a lawsuit against Shakira, seeking compensation for his role in her career. In 2010, Shakira started dating Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, and they have two sons together, Milan and Sasha. Despite occasional rumors of marital issues, Shakira and Pique continue to support each other and appear as a happy family in public.

 Shakira

Recent Years

In recent years, Shakira has faced various challenges and continued to thrive in her career. She embarked on the "El Dorado World Tour" in 2018, which led to the construction of two schools for underprivileged children in her hometown of Barranquilla. In 2020, she released the single "Me Gusta" and performed at the National Football League's Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez. Shakira remains active in the music industry, hinting at new releases and collaborating with other artists. Despite legal and financial issues, Shakira's talent and dedication continue to make her a highly respected and influential figure in the music world.

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