Challenges Faced by Shakira: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Shakira faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, a Colombian singer-songwriter and dancer, is known as the "Queen of Latin Music." She significantly impacted Latin America's music scene and popularized Hispanophone music globally, increasing the use of the Spanish language. She has won 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards, including 3 Song of the Year wins.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 1991: Release of Magia

In June 1991, Shakira released her debut album, Magia. Though it fared well on Colombian radio, it was not a commercial success.

March 1993: Release of Peligro

In March 1993, Shakira's second studio album, Peligro, was released. Shakira was not pleased with the production and refused to promote it, contributing to another commercial failure.

1993: Release of Peligro

In March 1993, Shakira released her second album, Peligro. Although more developed than Magia, Shakira was not pleased with the final result, and her refusal to promote it contributed to its commercial failure.

2002: Shakira discusses artistic and social issues after her 'crossover'

In 2002, Shakira discussed the artistic and social challenges she faced after her "crossover" into the English-language market. She felt under scrutiny in the U.S. and spoke about the potential challenges of maintaining artistic integrity.

October 2011: Termination of business partnership

In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, which led to a lawsuit in April 2013.

September 2012: Civil litigation reported

In September 2012, it was reported that Antonio de la Rúa had initiated civil litigation against Shakira.

2012: Period of alleged tax evasion begins

In 2012, the period during which Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain began, continuing until 2014, leading to an investigation in 2017.

April 2013: Lawsuit for $100 million

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa filed a lawsuit in California against Shakira, seeking $100 million for termination of their business partnership and services.

August 2013: Dismissal of lawsuit

In August 2013, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed Antonio de la Rúa's $100 million lawsuit against Shakira.

2014: Period of alleged tax evasion ends

In 2014, the period during which Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain ended. The Spanish authorities announced an investigation into her taxes in 2017.

November 2017: Named in the Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, which disclosed her sole ownership of a Malta-based company used to transfer over $30 million in music rights. Her representatives maintained the lawfulness of her use of the company.

2017: Tax investigation announced

In 2017, Spanish authorities announced an investigation into Shakira's taxes, alleging she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

November 2018: Speaks Against Education Budget Cuts in Colombia

In November 2018, during a visit to Barranquilla, Shakira spoke out against the Colombian government's plans to reduce the national education budget, advocating for increased investment in education and school construction.

2019: Applications for offshore companies

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, which her representatives later stated were part of the process of dissolving existing companies and revealed in the 2021 Pandora Papers.

January 2021: Sale of Song Catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Fund

In January 2021, Shakira sold her catalog of 145 songs (publishing rights) to Hipgnosis Songs Fund, following a trend among top musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2021: Judge finds evidence of criminality in tax case

In July 2021, a Spanish judge determined that there was sufficient "evidence of criminality" to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud related to the period between 2012 and 2014.

2021: Pandora Papers reveal offshore companies

In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira had submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019, but her representatives stated these were to dissolve existing companies with no income or activity.

June 2022: Announcement of separation from Gerard Piqué

In June 2022, Shakira and Gerard Piqué announced their separation in a joint statement, ending their 12-year relationship.

July 2022: Refusal of settlement offer

In July 2022, Shakira refused a settlement offered by the Spanish Prosecution Ministry, opting to go to trial to prove her innocence in the tax fraud case. Prosecutors requested an eight-year prison sentence and a €23.8 million fine.

September 2022: Approval of tax fraud trial

On September 27, 2022, a Spanish judge approved the tax fraud trial against Shakira after prosecutors accused her of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes. Shakira claimed she had already paid all owed amounts plus €3 million as interest.

November 2023: Settlement reached in tax fraud case

On November 20, 2023, at the commencement of the trial, Shakira reached a deal with prosecutors and settled the tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine, citing her well-being and the interest of her children as factors in her decision.

December 2024: Rescheduling of U.S. and Canada Leg of the Tour

In December 2024, Shakira's U.S. and Canada leg of the tour was rescheduled to follow the Latin American leg, due to the demand for larger stadium venues in the U.S.

June 2025: Postponement of Show due to Civil Unrest

In June 2025, Shakira's show in the Los Angeles area was postponed to August due to immigration policy and enforcement-related civil unrest in the vicinity.