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, known as Shakira, is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is recognized for her global impact on popularizing Hispanophone music. Her achievements include four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, with three of those being for Song of the Year, underscoring her significant contributions to 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 and Family Background

On February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado, and her family is of Spanish and Lebanese descent. She was raised Catholic and has eight older half-siblings from her father's previous marriage. She spent much of her youth in Barranquilla.

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

On February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, was born. She later became a Colombian singer-songwriter who significantly impacted Latin America's musical landscape and popularized Hispanophone music globally.

1985: Inspiration for El Oasis

The Colombian TV series El Oasis, in which Shakira starred between 1994 and 1997, was loosely based on the 1985 Armero tragedy.

1999: Shakira begins relationship with Antonio de la Rúa

In 1999, Shakira began a relationship with Antonio de la Rúa, the son of the then-president of Argentina, Fernando de la Rúa.

December 2001: Shakira's Stage Appearance and Style Change Dramatically

In December 2001, following MTV Unplugged (1999) and Roseland Ballroom (2001) Manhattan shows, Shakira's stage appearance and style changed dramatically, becoming "tougher and wilder".

2001: Antonio de la Rúa's father ends his term as President of Argentina

In 2001, Antonio de la Rúa's father, Fernando de la Rúa, concluded his term as the President of Argentina, a period during which Antonio and Shakira were in a relationship.

2001: Devotion for The Beatles' music

In 2001, Shakira said that "Underneath Your Clothes" is where she shows her devotion for the Beatles' music, also mentioning that she was heavily influenced by rock music, listening heavily to such bands as Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Nirvana, The Beatles, the Police, The Cure, and Aerosmith.

2002: Shakira compared to Latino Britney Spears

In 2002, Shakira was described as looking "like a Latino Britney" due to her bleached blonde curls and petite frame. However, her vocal talent quickly distinguished her.

2006: Shakira Reclaims Her Image and Does Her Own Makeup

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

2007: Shakira studies Western Civilization at UCLA

In 2007, Shakira began studying the history of Western Civilization at UCLA, continuing through 2009.

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

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

2009: Shakira studies Western Civilization at UCLA

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

2009: Shakira reflects on her motivations

In 2009, Shakira reflected on her motivations for working hard, initially driven by the desire to bring joy to her parents and later to make her country proud. Eventually, she realized she was also working for herself.

2009: Shakira comments on her relationship with Antonio de la Rúa

In 2009, Shakira stated that her relationship with Antonio de la Rúa functioned as a married couple and that they didn't need formal marriage papers, despite being engaged for a long time, emphasizing her desire for a permanent union and family.

June 2010: Shakira meets Gerard Piqué

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

October 2010: "We are all gypsies"

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

2012: Postponement of album release due to pregnancy

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: Shakira gives birth to her first son, Milan

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

January 2015: Shakira gives birth to her second son, Sasha

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

June 2017: Announcement of El Dorado World Tour

On June 27, 2017, the El Dorado World Tour was announced by Shakira. 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.

2018: Delay of European tour due to vocal issues

In 2018, Shakira had to delay her entire European "El Dorado World Tour" itinerary. She had suffered a hemorrhage on her right vocal cord in late October and needed to rest her voice for some time to recover. Shakira was unable to sing and experienced depression.

October 2020: Shakira publishes op-ed in Time magazine about separated children at U.S.-Mexico border

On October 30, 2020, Shakira's op-ed was published in Time magazine, titled "Shakira: The Parents of 545 Children Are Missing, and the Silence Is Blaring", where she criticized U.S. immigration policies and the separation of children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

2020: Shakira completes ancient philosophy course

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

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.

2021: Shakira condemns violence during Colombian protests

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

November 2023: Shakira Settles Tax Evasion Case

On November 20, 2023, Shakira settled her tax evasion case at the commencement of the trial by paying a €7.5 million fine. She stated that her decision was influenced by her well-being and the interest of her children.

December 2024: Osvaldo Ríos speaks of his past relationship with Shakira

In December 2024, Puerto Rican actor Osvaldo Ríos discussed his past relationship with Shakira, which occurred when she was 20 and he was 36. He mentioned their "emotional and spiritual connection", travels together, and Shakira's devotion to the Virgin Mary. He also noted that Moscas en la Casa and Tú were songs inspired by their love letters and romantic bond.

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December 2024: Rescheduling of US-Canada leg of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

In December 2024, the US-Canada leg of Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, originally scheduled for November and December 2024, was rescheduled to follow the Latin American leg due to demand for larger stadium venues in the U.S.

February 2025: Partnership with Hard Rock International

On February 27, 2025, Shakira joined forces with Hard Rock International, announcing a year-long partnership to uplift women and empower them through music.

March 2025: Gerard Piqué "relocated to Miami"

In March 2025, Gerard Piqué reportedly relocated to Miami to be with his sons during Shakira's tour. He was observed practicing football with them before the children traveled to South America to reunite with Shakira, who was reportedly staying at Antonio de la Rúa's mansion in Uruguay.

May 2025: Shakira celebrates Latino community during U.S. tour

In May 2025, at the start of her U.S. tour, Shakira aimed to celebrate the Latino community during what she recognized as a politically fraught time, emphasizing representation and fighting prejudice.

2025: Shakira's Emotional State and Concert Dates in Mexico

In 2025, Shakira reflected on her emotional state, noting that "healing processes take many years." Additional concert dates in Mexico were announced for March and April. For the last two shows of the Latin American tour, Shakira had Maluma and Carlos Vives as special guests.