Shakira, a renowned Colombian singer, began her career early, encouraged by her father and performing locally by age 10. Since 1990, she has been continuously active, releasing albums and touring extensively. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Her significant impact is highlighted by her songs, including “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which has surpassed 3 billion views on YouTube.
Shakira Biography
| Name | Shakira |
| Net Worth | $350 Million |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Annual Salary | $30 Million + |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record producer |
| Gender | Female |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
Early Life
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was (born on February 2, 1977), in Barranquilla, Colombia, to William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado.
The only child of her parents, she has a rich heritage, with Lebanese descent from her father’s side and Italian and Spanish ancestry on her mother’s side. Growing up in a Roman Catholic family, she has eight older half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage.
From a young age, she was drawn to the arts, writing her first poem at 4 and developing a keen interest in music and dance early on.
Her exposure to various cultures and languages enabled her to become multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, and some Arabic, Italian, French, and Catalan. Her musical journey began in earnest after an encounter with the Doumbek at a Middle Eastern restaurant, sparking her passion for performance and belly dancing.
Early Career
Shakira demonstrated her talent early on, captivating her classmates with her belly dancing and singing. Despite her strong vibrato, which led to a choir rejection, she gained local recognition in Barranquilla. Discovered by theatre producer Monica Ariza, her journey to stardom began. Ariza facilitated an audition with Sony Colombia, where Shakira’s performance secured her a three-album deal despite initial skepticism from some executives.
Music Career
Shakira released her debut album, “Magia,” at 13, though it saw limited success. Her breakthrough came with her third album, “Pies Descalzos,” and continued with “Donde Estan los Ladrones?” marking her rise in Spanish-speaking markets.
Her international success exploded with “Laundry Service” in 2001, featuring hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” selling over 20 million copies worldwide. She maintained her momentum with both Spanish and English albums, including “Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1” and “She Wolf,” achieving significant chart success and accolades. Notably, songs like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became global sensations.
The Columbian singer solidified her status as a global superstar with appearances on “The Voice” and a memorable performance at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside J.Lo. Recognized as the second most successful Latina singer after Gloria Estefan, she has sold over 125 million records worldwide, becoming the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time.
Shakira’s achievements in music include:
- 3 Grammy Awards
- 13 Latin Grammy Awards
- 4 MTV Video Music Awards
- 7 Billboard Music Awards
- 39 Billboard Latin Music Awards
- 6 Guinness World Records
- Two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the 2000s and 2010s
In 2009, Billboard named her the Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade. On Spotify, she’s the most-streamed Latin artist, and she’s one of only three female singers with two music videos exceeding 2 billion views on YouTube.
Personal Life
Shakira and Argentine attorney Antonio de la Rúa, son of former Argentine President Fernando De la Rúa, were in a relationship from 2000 until 2011. Despite a long partnership and a proposal in March 2001, they never married, considering themselves akin to a married couple without formal papers. Their split in 2011 led to a legal dispute, with de la Rúa suing Shakira for $100 million over business dealings, a lawsuit dismissed by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in 2013.
She began dating Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué in March 2011, announcing their relationship via Twitter. Piqué, who is 10 years her junior and played for FC Barcelona, appeared in the music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” where they met. The couple, who lived in Barcelona, welcomed two sons, Milan in January 2013 and Sasha in January 2015, before separating in June 2022 amid allegations of Piqué’s infidelity.
Shakira is also noted for her philanthropic efforts, founding the Pies Descalzos Foundation to support underprivileged children in Colombia.
Net Worth
Shakira, the Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist from Barranquilla, boasts a net worth of $350 million, making her one of the richest and highest-paid singers in Colombia.
Her wealth stems from her successful music career, which includes an extensive discography, chart-topping hits, and global tours. In 2010, she expanded her brand by partnering with Spanish company Puig to launch her line of cosmetics and fragrances.
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Additionally, her YouTube channel, with over 40 million subscribers, significantly contributes to her income, alongside endorsements with brands like Reebok, Panasonic, Crest, and Oral B.
FAQs
How old is Shakira?
Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Columbia; she is 47 years old.
When did Shakira come out?
Shakira’s debut album, Magia, was recorded in 1990 when she was 13 years old. The album is a mix of pop-rock ballads, disco, and electronic accompaniment. However, her first two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), were not very successful.
Is Shakira a US citizen?
No, Shakira is Colombian. She was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 2, 1977. Her full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. She is a singer and songwriter who is successful in both Spanish- and English-speaking markets.
What is Shakira ethnicity?
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, the Colombian singer, songwriter, and actress, is of Spanish and Lebanese descent. Her father, William Mebarak Chadid, was born in New York City to a Lebanese family and moved to Colombia when he was five. Shakira’s mother is Colombian.
Where is Shakira now?
As of November 2023, Shakira is living in Miami. She has two children, Milan and Sasha, with her ex-partner, former soccer player Gerard Piqué. The couple lived together in Barcelona for eight years before ending their relationship in 2022.