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 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

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

On February 2nd, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. Her name means "thankful" in Arabic.

1997: Founding of 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 in Colombia.

1999: Antonio de la Rúa's father presidency

In 1999, Antonio de la Rúa's father, Fernando de la Rúa, became the president of Argentina, serving until 2001.

1999: MTV Unplugged Concert

In 1999, Shakira performed an MTV Unplugged concert. It was the first time that the show was broadcast entirely in Spanish. It was a major breakthrough for her in the U.S. music market.

December 2001: Changed Stage Appearance

In December 2001, between Shakira's MTV Unplugged (1999) and Roseland Ballroom (2001) Manhattan shows, Shakira's stage appearance and style changed dramatically, becoming "tougher and wilder", according to Frank Kogan of The Village Voice.

2001: 'Whenever, Wherever' on MTV

In 2001, the "Whenever, Wherever" music video was aired on MTV with both the English and Spanish versions. It was the first time U.S. MTV had aired a Spanish-language video.

2001: Release of first English material

In late 2001, Shakira released her first English material, becoming an instant pop sensation. Her success was attributed to her poetic sense and a sexy video image built on her hip-shaking belly dance moves.

2002: Rolling Stone magazine profile

In 2002, Evan Wright of Rolling Stone described Shakira as "a rock girl through and through", noting her singing as "full-throated and urgent, her manner commanding onstage or on record".

2002: Shakira comments on becoming the next Madonna

In 2002, Shakira commented on whether she would be the Madonna of the new millennium, expressing doubts about wanting to perform at Madonna's level of intensity at age 40, and considering a quieter life on a farm.

2002: Looked Like a Latino Britney

In 2002, Ted Kessler of The Observer commented that Shakira "did look like a Latino Britney", with her "all bleached blonde curls" and a "tiny 5ft frame".

December 2006: Founding Member of Latin America in Solidarity Action (ALAS) Foundation

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

2006: Reclaiming Image

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

2007: Studying history at UCLA

In 2007, Shakira started studying the history of Western Civilization at UCLA, finishing in 2009.

2009: Studying history at UCLA

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

2009: Description of Shakira's Life and Persona

In 2009, Scott Malcomson's article in The New York Times Magazine described Shakira's life as "relentless and unlikely," noting her intense and preoccupied demeanor, her extreme work ethics, and her attentiveness to fans. The article also analyzed the impact of her "feminine allure" on her career, highlighting her various reactions to it.

2009: Reflections on public life

In 2009, Shakira reflected on living in the public eye from a young age, stating that it's the only life she knows and that her family and friends help her stay grounded.

2009: Views on traditionalism

In a 2009 interview, Shakira expressed her non-traditional views on marriage with Antonio de la Rua, stating that they did not need to formalize their relationship. She also said that she desired and expected a permanent union and family with de la Rúa.

October 2010: Shakira Declares "We Are All Gypsies"

In October 2010, in the Spanish edition of GQ magazine, Shakira addressed French President Nicolas Sarkozy, stating "we are all gypsies", and advocated for the fundamental rights of human beings, urging citizens to condemn actions that seem indictable.

February 2011: Agreement Reached Between FC Barcelona Foundation and Pies Descalzos

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

2012: Postponed album and single release due to pregnancy

In 2012, Shakira originally intended to release a new album, but plans 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.

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.

2020: Completion of ancient philosophy course

In 2020, Shakira announced that she had 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: Condemns Violence During Colombian Protests

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

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.

2022: Estimated Financial Worth

In 2022, Shakira's financial worth was estimated at $300 million.

March 2024: Release of 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' Album

In March 2024, Shakira released 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran', an album born out of her breakup with Gerard Piqué. This collection of 16 songs showcases a variety of moods and genres, including Afrobeats in "Nassau," bachata in "Monotonía," and Tex-Mex rhythms in "(Entre Paréntesis)." The album marks a transformation of pain into musical expression.

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February 2025: Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album

In February 2025, Shakira received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album at the Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. She dedicated the award to immigrants in the United States and was accompanied by her sons, Milan and Sasha.

March 2025: Gerard Piqué's Relocation to Miami

According to a ¡Hola! magazine story on March 10, 2025, Gerard Piqué "relocated to Miami" to be with his and Shakira's sons during her tour. The boys were then sent to South America to join their mom.

May 2025: Celebrates Latino Community During U.S. Tour

In May 2025, at the onset of her U.S. tour, Shakira emphasized the importance of celebrating the Latino community during a politically fraught era and expressed the desire for her show to represent the community, particularly during challenging times.

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.