Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shakira
Discover the career path of Shakira, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter celebrated for popularizing Hispanophone music worldwide. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her impact on the global music scene.
June 1991: Release of 'Magia'
In June 1991, Shakira's debut album, 'Magia', was released, featuring the song 'Magia' with a music video and three other singles.
February 1993: Performance at Viña del Mar International Song Festival
In February 1993, Shakira performed the ballad "Eres" at Chile's Viña del Mar International Song Festival, winning third place. Ricky Martin was one of the judges who voted for her.
March 1993: Release of 'Peligro'
In March 1993, Shakira's second studio album, 'Peligro', was released. Shakira was not pleased with the final result.
1993: Release of 'Peligro'
In 1993, Shakira released her second album, 'Peligro'. This followed the commercial failure of her first album.
1994: Starring in 'El Oasis'
From 1994, Shakira starred in the Colombian TV series 'El Oasis', loosely based on the 1985 Armero tragedy.
1994: Recording "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" for Compilation Album
In 1994, Shakira originally recorded the song "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" for the compilation album 'Nuestro Rock Volumen II', released in Colombia.
February 1995: Recording of 'Pies Descalzos' Begins
In February 1995, recording began for Shakira's third studio album and international debut album, 'Pies Descalzos', following the success of her single "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?".
October 1995: Commencement of Tour Pies Descalzos
In October 1995, Shakira commenced her first international tour, named simply Tour Pies Descalzos.
October 1995: Release of 'Pies Descalzos'
In October 1995, Shakira's album 'Pies Descalzos' was released. It reached number five on the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.
1995: Release of Pies Descalzos
In 1995, Shakira released her album Pies Descalzos, featuring assertive sound, direct lyrics, and personal aesthetic, utilizing aspects of dancehall, bossa nova and bachata among its styles.
1995: Return to Recording with Luis Fernando Ochoa
In 1995, Shakira returned to recording music under Sony Music Columbia with Luis Fernando Ochoa, who became her principal music collaborator for her next three albums: Pies Descalzos, The Remixes and Dónde Están los Ladrones?
1995: Rise to Prominence with 'Pies Descalzos'
In 1995, Shakira rose to prominence with her album 'Pies Descalzos'. This marked a turning point in her career after her initial albums.
1995: Concierto de Lanzamiento de Pies Descalzos in Bogotá
In 1995, Shakira, visibly chubbier, held her Concierto de Lanzamiento de Pies Descalzos in Bogotá, marking an early career milestone.
August 1996: 'Pies Descalzos' Certified Platinum in the U.S.
In August 1996, the RIAA certified Shakira's album 'Pies Descalzos' platinum status in the U.S.
November 1996: Tour Pies Descalzos Concert at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional
On November 22, 1996, Shakira's Tour Pies Descalzos concert at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional was attended by 10,000 spectators.
1996: Tour Pies Descalzos concert at Mexico City
In 1996, Shakira performed her Tour Pies Descalzos concert at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional.
October 1997: End of Tour Pies Descalzos
The Tour Pies Descalzos ended in October 1997, lasting for two years and 112 shows.
1997: Founding of Pies Descalzos Foundation
In 1997, Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, a Colombian charity providing education and meals for children in Colombia.
1997: Viña del Mar International Song Festival Concert in Chile
In 1997, Shakira performed a concert at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile as part of her Tour Pies Descalzos.
1997: Billboard Latin Music Awards and Success of 'Pies Descalzos'
In 1997, Shakira received three Billboard Latin Music Awards for Album of the Year for 'Pies Descalzos', Video of the Year for "Estoy Aqui", and Best New Artist. Pies Descalzos eventually sold over 5 million copies.
1997: Starring in 'El Oasis'
Until 1997, Shakira starred in the Colombian TV series 'El Oasis', loosely based on the 1985 Armero tragedy.
September 1998: Release of 'Dónde Están los Ladrones?'
In September 1998, Shakira's fourth studio album, 'Dónde Están los Ladrones?', was released, produced by Shakira with Emilio Estefan as the executive producer.
1998: Release of Dónde Están los Ladrones?
In 1998, Shakira released "Dónde Están los Ladrones?", showcasing her unique vocal style, songwriting, and exploration of social commentary through powerful ballads and boundary-pushing musical fusion.
1999: MTV Unplugged Broadcast
In 1999, Shakira's MTV Unplugged became the program's first episode to be broadcast entirely in Spanish. It also marked the first time a Latin pop act attempted an Unplugged.
2000: Tour Anfibio
In 2000, Shakira performed the Tour Anfibio, which highlighted her rock renditions.
2001: Entry into English-Language Market with 'Laundry Service'
In 2001, Shakira entered the English-language market with her fifth album, 'Laundry Service'. This album became the best-selling album of all time by a female Latin artist.
2001: Release of Laundry Service
In 2001, Shakira released her first mostly-English album, "Laundry Service", marking a diversification into pop music genres like pop rock and Latin pop, influenced by her mixed ethnicity and background.
2001: "Whenever Wherever" on MTV
In 2001, Shakira's "Whenever Wherever" music video aired on MTV with both the English and Spanish versions, marking the first time that U.S. MTV aired a Spanish-language video.
2001: Roseland Ballroom Show
In 2001, Shakira's Roseland Ballroom Manhattan show marked a change in her appearance and style.
2002: Tour of the Mongoose
In 2002, Shakira embarked on the Tour of the Mongoose, showcasing rock renditions of her songs.
2003: Tour of the Mongoose
In 2003, Shakira continued the Tour of the Mongoose, highlighting rock renditions of her songs.
2005: Performance at the MTV Video Music Awards
In 2005, Sanz and Shakira performed "La Tortura" at the MTV Video Music Awards.
2005: Founding Member of ALAS Foundation
In 2005, Shakira became a founding member of Latin America in Solidarity Action (ALAS Foundation), an organization promoting early childhood public policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
2005: Release of Fijación Oral, vol. 1
In 2005, Shakira released "Fijación Oral, vol. 1", a Spanish language album featuring "La Tortura" with Alejandro Sanz, blending pop with reggaeton beats. Other singles from the album included "No", "Día de Enero", and "Las de la Intuición".
2005: Release of Oral Fixation, vol. 2
In 2005, Shakira released "Oral Fixation, vol. 2", which is an English sister album to Fijación Oral, vol. 1. The album features the hit song "Hips Don't Lie" with Wyclef Jean, blending salsa and reggaeton, and includes tracks like "Don't Bother" and "Illegal" featuring Carlos Santana.
2005: Release of 'Fijación Oral, Vol. 1' and 'Oral Fixation, Vol. 2'
In 2005, Shakira released the Spanish-language album 'Fijación Oral, Vol. 1' and the English-language album 'Oral Fixation, Vol. 2'.
April 2006: Honored at UN Ceremony
On 3 April 2006, Shakira was honored at a UN ceremony for creating the Pies Descalzos Foundation.
2007: Last Top 10 Hit Before January 2023
Prior to the success of "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" in January 2023, Shakira's last top-ten hit in the U.S. was "Beautiful Liar" in 2007.
2008: Honorary Chair of Global Campaign for Education
In 2008, Shakira served as the Honorary Chair of the Global Campaign for Education Global Action Week.
July 2009: Release of "She Wolf"
In July 2009, Shakira released "She Wolf" as the lead single from her upcoming album of the same name. The single went on to achieve commercial success, receiving certifications in 17 countries.
October 2009: Release of She Wolf Album
In October 2009, Shakira released her eighth studio album, "She Wolf". The album received mainly positive reviews from critics and included the hit single "She Wolf".
2009: Release of She Wolf
In 2009, Shakira released "She Wolf", an electropop album with clubby sounds and influences from various countries. It features the title track "She Wolf" (and its Spanish version "Loba") and explores themes of desire and empowerment.
March 2010: Awarded Medal by UN International Labour Organization
In March 2010, Shakira was awarded a medal by the UN International Labour Organization for her work as an ambassador for children, education, and social justice.
May 2010: Release of "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)"
In May 2010, Shakira, in collaboration with Freshlyground, released "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song was based on the Cameroonian folk song "Zangaléwa".
October 2010: Release of 'Sale el Sol' album
In October 2010, Shakira released her ninth studio album 'Sale el Sol'. The album received critical acclaim and was commercially successful throughout Europe and Latin America.
November 2010: MTV Free Your Mind Award
In November 2010, Shakira received the MTV Free Your Mind award for her dedication to improving access to education for children worldwide, after performing as the opening act of the MTV European Music Awards.
2010: Nokia Downloads and Online Video Ranking
In 2010, Nokia reported that Shakira had more music downloads than any other Latino artist in the previous five years, with "She Wolf" topping the Latino downloads chart. Additionally, Shakira was ranked fifth on the 'Online Video's Most Viral Artists of 2010' list with over 404 million views.
2010: Launch of "S by Shakira" beauty line
In 2010, Shakira began her own beauty line, "S by Shakira", with parent company Puig, launching perfumes, lotions, and body sprays.
2010: Collaboration with World Bank and Barefoot Foundation
In 2010, Shakira collaborated with the World Bank and the Barefoot Foundation to establish an initiative that distributes educational and developmental programs for children across Latin America.
2010: MTV Free Your Mind Award
In 2010, Shakira received the Free Your Mind MTV award for her involvement with the World Cup campaigns and other philanthropic work. She thanked those who joined her with the Waka Waka song and those who promoted universal education.
2010: Release of Sale el Sol
In 2010, Shakira released "Sale el Sol", a mostly Spanish album meant to be a return to her beginnings, featuring ballads, rock songs, and Latin dance songs. It includes collaborations with El Cata, Pitbull, and Residente.
February 2011: Agreement Between FC Barcelona Foundation and Pies Descalzos
In February 2011, the FC Barcelona Foundation and Pies Descalzos reached an agreement for children's education through sport.
August 2011: Participation in Dora the Explorer
In August 2011, Shakira participated in an episode of Dora the Explorer. A song off the episode titled "Todos Juntos" by Dora, featuring Shakira, was released with a music video.
November 2011: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year
On 9 November 2011, Shakira was honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year for her artistic achievements and philanthropic undertakings, being the youngest musician to receive this distinction.
December 2011: Release of Live from Paris Album
In December 2011 Shakira released her fourth live album, Live from Paris. The album was promoted with the release of "Je l'aime à mourir" as a single.
2011: Latin Grammys Honor and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2011, Shakira received recognition at the Latin Grammys as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Also in 2011, the Harvard Foundation honored her as Cultural Rhythms Artist of the Year and she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2011: Recognition for Philanthropic Work and Contributions to Music
In 2011, Shakira received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year awards for her philanthropic work with her Barefoot Foundation and her contributions to music. She was also appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States in 2011.
June 2012: Collaboration with Pitbull
In June 2012, Shakira collaborated with rapper Pitbull for the song "Get It Started", which was released as a single from Pitbull's album Global Warming.
September 2012: Joins The Voice
In September 2012, it was announced that Shakira and Usher would replace Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green as coaches for the fourth season of the U.S. TV show The Voice in March 2013.
January 2013: Collaboration with Ivete Sangalo
In January 2013, Ivete Sangalo released a single titled "Dançando", featuring Shakira, off her album Real Fantasia.
February 2013: Collaboration with Draco Rosa
In February 2013, Draco Rosa released "Blanca Mujer", a duet he sang with Shakira, as a promotional single.
March 2013: Joining The Voice as a coach
In March 2013, Shakira joined the U.S. TV show 'The Voice' as a coach for its fourth season, replacing Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green.
December 2013: Announcement of New Single
In December 2013 it was announced that Shakira's new single ("Can't Remember to Forget You", a duet with Rihanna) would be issued in January 2014.
2013: Coaching on 'The Voice'
In 2013, Shakira served as a coach on the American singing competition television series 'The Voice'.
January 2014: Release of "Can't Remember to Forget You"
In January 2014, Shakira released the single "Can't Remember to Forget You", a duet with Rihanna.
March 2014: Release of Shakira Album
In March 2014, Shakira released her self-titled tenth studio album, Shakira.
April 2014: Hero Award at Radio Disney Music Awards
On 27 April 2014, Shakira was honored with the Hero Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards for her work with the Fundación Pies Descalzos.
2014: FIFA World Cup Performance and Naming of New Species
In 2014, Shakira became the first musical act to perform three times at the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, in 2014, a new species of parasitic wasp, Aleiodes shakirae, was named after her due to its host's characteristic "shake and wiggle" behavior.
2014: Continued Coaching on 'The Voice'
In 2014, Shakira continued her role as a coach on the American singing competition television series 'The Voice', marking her second season on the show.
August 2015: Announcement of Role in Zootopia
In August 2015, at Disney's D23 Expo, it was announced that Shakira would voice Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia, in the Disney animated movie. Shakira also contributed an original song titled "Try Everything" to the film.
2015: Work on El Dorado album began
In 2015, Shakira began working on her eleventh studio album, El Dorado.
2015: Time's Most Influential People
In 2015, Time recognized Shakira as one of the most influential people on social media, highlighting her philanthropic efforts and "unparalleled platform".
May 2016: Collaboration with Carlos Vives on "La Bicicleta"
In May 2016, Shakira collaborated with Carlos Vives on the track "La Bicicleta", which subsequently won the Latin Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
October 2016: Release of "Chantaje" with Maluma
On 28 October 2016, Shakira released the single "Chantaje" with Maluma, which became Shakira's most-viewed YouTube video.
2016: Voice Role in 'Zootopia'
In 2016, Shakira had a voice role in the animated film 'Zootopia'.
2016: Zootopia Box Office Success
In 2016, Zootopia opened to a record-breaking box office success, earning over $1 billion worldwide.
April 2017: Release of "Me Enamoré"
On 7 April 2017, Shakira released the song "Me Enamoré" as the second official single from El Dorado.
May 2017: Release of El Dorado Album
On 26 May 2017, Shakira released the album El Dorado.
June 2017: Announcement of El Dorado World Tour
On 27 June 2017, the El Dorado World Tour was announced with European and U.S.–Canada dates published.
September 2017: Release of Perro Fiel
On 15 September 2017, Shakira released the song "Perro Fiel" featuring Nicky Jam as the third official single from El Dorado.
2017: Release of El Dorado
In 2017, Shakira released "El Dorado", featuring hits like "Chantaje" with Maluma and "La Bicicleta" with Carlos Vives, utilizing styles of música urbana. The album also includes "Me Enamoré" and "Toneladas".
2017: Named One of the "World's Greatest Leaders"
In 2017, Shakira was named as one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune, recognizing her influence as a socio-political figure.
January 2018: Rescheduled Dates for El Dorado World Tour
In January 2018, Shakira announced new dates for the El Dorado World Tour. In the same month she released a collaboration with Maluma titled "Clandestino" as a standalone single.
June 2018: Chantaje views
By June 1, 2018, Shakira's song "Chantaje" with Maluma had over 2.1 billion views on YouTube.
November 2018: Comments on Educational Policies
In November 2018, Shakira spoke against the Colombian government's intentions to reduce the national education budget during a visit to Barranquilla.
November 2018: Release of "Nada"
On 3 November 2018, "Nada" was released as the fifth and final single off El Dorado.
2018: Spotify's Most Streamed Female Artists
In 2018, Spotify included Shakira in the list of the top 10 most streamed female artists of the decade on the platform, making her the highest streamed Latin artist.
2018: Postponement of El Dorado World Tour
In 2018, the El Dorado World Tour, originally scheduled to begin on 8 November in Cologne, Germany, had its entire European itinerary delayed due to a haemorrhage on Shakira's right vocal cord.
November 2019: Release of Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour
In November 2019, Shakira released her fifth live album, Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour, which was her first album available as digital download only.
2019: Release of 30 Fragrances
By 2019, Shakira had released 30 fragrances, not counting deluxe editions, under her "S by Shakira" beauty line.
January 2020: Release of Me Gusta
In January 2020, Shakira released "Me Gusta", a collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA.
February 2020: Performance at Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show
On 2 February 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, which had a viewership of 103 million people.
May 2020: Donation of Face Masks and Respirators
In May 2020, Shakira donated more than 50,000 face masks and ten respirators to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in her hometown of Barranquilla.
December 2020: Collaboration with Black Eyed Peas on "Girl Like Me"
In December 2020, Shakira teamed up with Black Eyed Peas on the single "Girl Like Me", written as a tribute to Latin women.
2020: Spotify and Vevo Records
In 2020, Shakira became the first female artist to have four songs from different decades with over 100 million streams on Spotify. She also broke the Vevo Certified Awards record, setting it at 37.
2020: Global Literacy Award
In 2020, The World Literacy Foundation announced Shakira as the recipient of the Global Literacy Award for "her significant contribution to the improvement of literacy for disadvantaged children around the world".
January 2021: Catalog Sale to Hipgnosis Songs Fund
In January 2021, Shakira sold her catalog of 145 songs' publishing rights to Hipgnosis Songs Fund.
December 2021: Executive Producer for Dancing with Myself
In December 2021, it was announced that Shakira would be an executive producer for Dancing with Myself, an NBC dance competition series.
2022: Dancing with Myself Airs
In 2022, Dancing with Myself, an NBC dance competition series where Shakira was an executive producer, aired.
2022: Executive Producer and Judge on 'Dancing with Myself'
In 2022, Shakira executive produced and judged the dance competition series 'Dancing with Myself'.
January 2023: Release of "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53"
On January 11, 2023, Shakira released "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53", a collaboration with Bizarrap, achieving number one in 16 countries, 14 Guinness World Records, and marking Shakira's fifth top-ten in the U.S. and first in over 15 years on the Billboard Hot 100.
February 2023: Release of "TQG"
On February 24, 2023, Karol G and Shakira released the single "TQG", which became Shakira's sixth top-ten and highest-debuting single in the U.S., also breaking a Guinness World Record.
July 2023: Chart Dominance on Latin Pop Airplay
On July 29, 2023, Shakira became the first woman to hold the top three spots on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, with "TQG" at number one, "Acróstico" at number two, and "Copa Vacía" at number three.
2023: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and Latin Grammy Nominations
In September 2023, Shakira received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and performed a medley of her hits. At the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, she received seven nominations and won Song of the Year and Best Pop Song for "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" and Best Urban/Fusion Performance for "TQG".
March 2024: Release of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran
In March 2024, Shakira released "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran", a collection of 16 songs born out of her breakup, showcasing a variety of moods and genres including Afrobeats, bachata, and Tex-Mex rhythms.
April 2024: Surprise Coachella Performance and Tour Announcement
On April 12, 2024, Shakira joined Bizarrap at Coachella, performing "La Fuerte" and "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53", and announced the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.
September 2024: Release of "Soltera"
In September 2024, Shakira released the Afrobeats-influenced song "Soltera", focusing on the pleasures of living without a male partner. The song was followed by a video in October showing Shakira enjoying a night out with friends.
September 2024: Release of "Soltera" and Latin Grammy Nominations
In September 2024, Shakira released the single "Soltera". Also in September 2024, Shakira received three nominations at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran and Song of the Year for "(Entre Paréntesis)".
November 2024: Announcement to Return as Gazelle in Zootopia 2
On 8 November 2024, Shakira announced that she will return as Gazelle for Zootopia 2.
December 2024: Rescheduled North American Leg of Tour
Originally scheduled for November and December 2024, the North American leg of Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour was rescheduled to follow the Latin American leg due to the demand for larger stadium venues.
2024: Release of 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'
In 2024, Shakira released the Spanish-language album 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'.
February 2025: Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album
At the February 2025 Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Shakira received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran and dedicated the award to immigrants in the United States.
February 2025: Partnership with Hard Rock International
On February 27, 2025, Shakira and Hard Rock International announced a year-long partnership to uplift women through music, with the Hard Rock Heals Foundation donating $250,000 to Shakira's Pies Descalzos Foundation.
February 2025: First Concert of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
The first concert of Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour took place on February 11, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro.
November 2025: Reprising Role in Zootopia 2
In November 2025, Shakira will reprise her voice role as Gazelle and write a new song for Zootopia 2.
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