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, a Colombian singer-songwriter dubbed the "Queen of Latin Music," is celebrated for her global popularization of Hispanophone music. She has significantly impacted the Latin American musical scene. Her achievements include four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, including three Song of the Year wins, marking her as a highly decorated and influential figure in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

In February 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, who would later be known as the "Queen of Latin Music", was born. She would become a Colombian singer-songwriter known for popularizing Hispanophone music globally.

1985: Armero Tragedy

In 1985, the Armero tragedy took place which inspired the Colombian TV series 'El Oasis' in which Shakira starred in 1994.

1995: Concierto de Lanzamiento de Pies Descalzos in Bogotá

In 1995, Shakira, visibly "chubbier" at the age of 18, held her Concierto de Lanzamiento de Pies Descalzos in Bogotá.

1997: Founded Fundación Pies Descalzos

In 1997, Shakira founded Fundación Pies Descalzos, a Colombian charity dedicated to building and maintaining schools for underprivileged children. The foundation is funded by Shakira and other international groups.

1999: Began Relationship with Antonio de la Rúa

In 1999, Shakira began a relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa, who later managed her business and career.

December 2001: Shakira's Changed Appearance

In December 2001, Frank Kogan of The Village Voice noted the dramatic change in Shakira's stage appearance and style between her MTV Unplugged (1999) and Roseland Ballroom (2001) Manhattan shows, noting her new look was "tougher and wilder".

2001: "Engaged" to Antonio de la Rúa

From 2001, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa were "engaged", though they never married.

2001: Inspiration for "Underneath Your Clothes" from The Beatles

In 2001, Shakira revealed that the song "Underneath Your Clothes" was where she showed her devotion for the music of the Beatles. Shakira cited Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" as the song that made her appreciate the power of the electric guitar and "kick started her passion for music".

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2002: Shakira Comments on Being Compared to Madonna

In 2002, Shakira responded to comparisons to Madonna, stating she didn't aspire to that level of fame, preferring a quieter life later on.

December 2006: Founding Member of ALAS Foundation

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

2006: Reclaiming her Image

In 2006, Shakira declared that she was reclaiming her image and would do her own make-up, after confessing to getting lost in a cloud of hairdressers, make-up artists and assistants for years.

2007: Secured Commitment for Natural Disaster Victims

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

2007: Studying at UCLA

Beginning in 2007, and continuing until 2009, Shakira studied the history of Western Civilization at UCLA.

2008: Honorary chairperson of the Global Campaign for Education

In 2008, Shakira was named honorary chairperson of the Global Campaign for Education.

January 2009: Performance at Lincoln Memorial "We Are One" festivities

On 18 January 2009, Shakira performed at the Lincoln Memorial "We Are One" festivities in Washington, D.C., in honor of Barack Obama's inauguration. She sang "Higher Ground" with Stevie Wonder and Usher.

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2009: Studying at UCLA

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

2009: Shakira's Comments on Marriage

In a 2009 interview, Shakira stated that she and Antonio de la Rúa lived as husband and wife without needing to make it official, expressing contentment with their relationship status.

October 2010: Statement on Gypsies

In October 2010, in the Spanish edition of GQ magazine, Shakira stated "we are all gypsies" to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, criticizing discrimination and advocating for fundamental human rights.

2010: Collaboration with the World Bank

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

2010: Launch of "S by Shakira" Beauty Line

In 2010, Shakira launched her own beauty line, "S by Shakira", with Puig, releasing perfumes, lotions, and body sprays.

February 2011: Agreement with FC Barcelona Foundation

In February 2011, the FC Barcelona Foundation and Pies Descalzos reached an agreement on children's education through sport.

2012: Postponement of album release

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

January 2013: Birth of first son, Milan

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

January 2015: Birth of second son, Sasha

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

2015: Begins working on El Dorado album

In the latter part of 2015, Shakira began working on her eleventh studio album, El Dorado.

June 2017: Announcement of El Dorado World Tour

The El Dorado World Tour was announced on 27 June 2017. The European and U.S.–Canada dates were published, with Latin American dates to be announced later. Rakuten was announced as the sponsor. Other partners included Live Nation Entertainment's Global Touring Division and Citi.

November 2018: Speaks against education budget cuts

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

2019: 30 Fragrances Released

As of 2019, Shakira had released 30 fragrances, not counting deluxe editions, as part of her "S by Shakira" beauty line.

May 2020: Donation of Face Masks and Respirators

In May 2020, Shakira donated over 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, describing it as an impractical hobby of hers.

2021: Condemnation of Violence during Colombian Protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and urged President Iván Duque to end human rights violations.

June 2022: Separation from Gerard Piqué announced

In June 2022, Shakira and Gerard Piqué announced in a joint statement that they were separating, 12 years after they met.

November 2023: Settlement reached in tax fraud trial

On November 20, 2023, at the start of her tax fraud trial, Shakira reached a settlement with prosecutors, paying a €7.5 million fine. She cited her well-being and the interests of her children as factors influencing her decision.

December 2024: Osvaldo Ríos Speaks of Past Relationship

In December 2024, Puerto Rican actor Osvaldo Ríos spoke about his past relationship with Shakira, which began when she was 20. He mentioned "Moscas en la Casa" and "Tú" as songs inspired by their bond.

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March 2025: Gerard Piqué Relocates to Miami

According to a ¡Hola! magazine report on March 2025, Gerard Piqué moved to Miami to spend time with his and Shakira's sons during her tour. He was observed practicing football with them before the children joined Shakira in South America.

June 2025: Launching of Isima hair-care beauty line

In June 2025, Shakira announced the launching of her new hair-care beauty line, Isima, designed with the diversity and specificity of Latina hair in mind.

2025: Miami Concerts and Tour Discussions

In June 2025, Shakira held two concerts in Miami, inviting music collaborators and celebrity friends. She spoke to a BBC correspondent on June 13, 2025 about "the biggest tour of 2025", and expressed her feelings about Miami being her home and talked about immigrant's situation in the U.S. Also announced the imminent European part of the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour.

2025: Shakira discusses emotional healing and tour intimacy

In March 2025, Shakira spoke about her emotional state following her breakup with Piqué, noting that healing is a long process. She announced additional concert dates in Mexico, bringing the total to 26. Shakira described the tour as more intimate and profound, a space for healing. In April 2025, she invited Maluma and Carlos Vives as special guests in Medellín.

2026: Tour Expansion to Europe, Asia and the Middle East planned

According to Billboard, throughout the year 2026, Shakira intends to extend her tour beyond the Americas to include Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, aiming to spread her music, story, and legacy globally.