Childhood and Education Journey of Shakira in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Shakira, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer. She is recognized for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to increased Spanish language learning and usage, and paving the way for other Latin artists in the international market. Her achievements include numerous accolades, such as 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a global music icon.

Sections (7)

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

February 1977: Shakira's Birth and Family Background

In February 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, as the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. Her parents are of Lebanese and Spanish descent, and she was raised Catholic.

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

In February 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She would later become a globally recognized singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer, known as the "Queen of Latin Music".

1997: Founded Fundación Pies Descalzos

In 1997, Shakira founded Fundación Pies Descalzos (the Barefoot Foundation), a Colombian charity focused on building and maintaining schools for underprivileged children.

December 2001: New Look

In December 2001, Shakira's stage appearance and style changed dramatically between her MTV Unplugged (1999) and Roseland Ballroom shows in Manhattan. Frank Kogan in The Village Voice noted that "Her previous look was just as pretty, but the new one is tougher and wilder".

2002: Shakira's Reflections on Education and Career

In 2002, Shakira reflected on her early start in music, mentioning her belief in God and the sacraments influenced by her convent schooling. She also noted missing out on adolescence due to her focus on career goals.

2003: Became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In 2003, Shakira became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and one of the global representatives of the UN children's agency.

April 2006: Honored at a United Nations ceremony for establishing the Pies Descalzos Foundation

On April 3, 2006, Shakira was honored at a United Nations ceremony for establishing the Pies Descalzos Foundation.

December 2006: Became a founding member of Latin America in Solidarity Action (ALAS) Foundation

In December 2006, Shakira became a founding member of Latin America in Solidarity Action (ALAS) Foundation, a coalition promoting early childhood public policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.

2006: Shakira Reclaims Her Image

In 2006, Shakira confessed to "getting lost in a cloud of hairdressers, make-up artists and assistants" for years but declared to "reclaiming her image" and doing her own make-up.

2007: Secured a commitment of $40 million from the government of Spain at the Clinton Global Initiative

In 2007, at the Clinton Global Initiative, Shakira secured a commitment of $40 million from the government of Spain for victims of natural disasters.

December 2008: Served as honorary chair of the Global Campaign for Education

In December 2008, Shakira served as honorary chair of the Global Campaign for Education.

2008: Named honorary chairperson of the Global Campaign for Education

In 2008, Shakira was named honorary chairperson of the Global Campaign for Education, recognizing her commitment to education advocacy.

November 2009: Publication of "The making of Saint Shakira" by The Guardian

In November 2009, The Guardian published an essay titled "The making of Saint Shakira" by Euan Ferguson, discussing Shakira's impact on social change in Colombia, particularly in childhood education, and her ability to influence world leaders. Ferguson viewed her as authentic and effective, comparing her favorably to Madonna.

2009: Shakira studies at UCLA

Between 2007 and 2009, Shakira studied the history of Western Civilization at UCLA.

June 2010: Shakira meets Gerard Piqué

In June 2010, Shakira met Spanish football player Gerard Piqué while shooting the music video for "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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October 2010: Addressed the situation of the gypsies to French President Nicolas Sarkozy

In October 2010, in the Spanish edition of the magazine GQ, Shakira addressed the words "we are all gypsies" to French President Nicolas Sarkozy to highlight the plight of the gypsies.

November 2010: The Independent article highlights Shakira's ability to mix pop and politics

In November 2010, The Independent published an article highlighting Shakira as "living proof that pop and politics can mix". The article noted her ability to balance her career with her efforts to combat poverty and influence global political leaders, referencing her appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting.

2010: Collaborated with the World Bank and the Barefoot Foundation

In 2010, Shakira collaborated with the World Bank and the Barefoot Foundation to establish an initiative to distribute educational and developmental programs for children across Latin America.

October 2011: Nominated to the White House Education Commission

In October 2011, Shakira was nominated to the White House Education Commission, recognizing her advocacy for education.

2012: Planned Album Release Postponed

In 2012, Shakira originally intended to release a new album, but plans to release a single and video were postponed due to her pregnancy.

January 2013: Birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak

On 22 January 2013, Shakira gave birth to her first son, Milan, with Gerard Piqué.

January 2015: Birth of Sasha Piqué Mebarak

On 29 January 2015, Shakira gave birth to her second son, Sasha, with Gerard Piqué.

2020: Shakira completes ancient philosophy course

In 2020, Shakira announced her completion of an ancient philosophy course through the University of Pennsylvania, describing it as an impractical hobby.

June 2022: Shakira and Piqué announce separation

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

June 2024: Partnership announcement with Despegar

In June 2024, Despegar announced its partnership with Shakira, recognizing her as an iconic artist who has challenged the boundaries of art and music, establishing herself as one of the most influential and beloved artists of all time.