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 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.

Sections (7)

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

February 1977: Shakira's Birth in Barranquilla, Colombia

On February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. Her name means "thankful" in Arabic.

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

On February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is a Colombian singer-songwriter who has significantly impacted Latin American music and popularized Hispanophone music globally.

1985: Armero Tragedy

In 1985, the Armero tragedy occurred and it was the basis for the Colombian TV series 'El Oasis' in which Shakira starred from 1994 to 1997.

1990: Recording 'Magia' with Sony Music Entertainment

In 1990, Shakira, at age 13, began recording her debut album, 'Magia', with Sony Music Entertainment (Colombia).

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?

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.

1999: Relationship with Antonio de la Rúa Begins

In 1999, Shakira began a relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa.

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.

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.

2009: Statement on Relationship Status

In a 2009 interview, Shakira stated that her relationship with Antonio de la Rúa already functioned as a marriage.

August 2010: Separation from Antonio de la Rúa

In August 2010, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa separated after 11 years together, describing it as "a mutual decision to take time apart".

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: Meeting Gerard Piqué

In spring 2010, Shakira met Gerard Piqué after he appeared in the music video for her song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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.

October 2011: Termination of Business Partnership

In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, leading to a lawsuit filed by de la Rúa in September 2012.

2011: Relationship with Gerard Piqué Begins

In 2011, Shakira entered a relationship with Spanish football player Gerard Piqué.

September 2012: Lawsuit Filed by de la Rúa

As first reported in September 2012, Antonio de la Rúa sued Shakira, asking for $100 million after Shakira terminated their business partnership in October 2011.

2012: Postponement of album release

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

January 2013: Birth of Milan

On 22 January 2013, Shakira gave birth to her first son, Milan, in Barcelona.

April 2013: De la Rúa Sues Shakira

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa sued Shakira for $100 million.

August 2013: Dismissal of Lawsuit

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

January 2015: Birth of Sasha

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

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.

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.

2020: Completion of Ancient Philosophy Course

In 2020, Shakira announced her completion of an ancient philosophy course through the University of Pennsylvania.

2021: Condemnation of Violence During Protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and asked President Iván Duque Márquez to "immediately stop the human rights violations".