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 acclaimed Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer, often dubbed the "Queen of Latin Music." She is recognized for her significant influence on Latin American music and her role in popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to the increased interest in the Spanish language. She has received numerous awards, including 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards.

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, as the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado.

February 1977: Shakira's Birth

On February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is known as a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer and is referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music."

1997: Founded Fundación Pies Descalzos

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

1999: Fernando de la Rua becomes president of Argentina

In 1999, Fernando de la Rua, the father of Shakira's future boyfriend Antonio de la Rua, became the president of Argentina.

2000: Shakira begins relationship with Antonio de la Rúa

In 2000, Shakira began a relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa, the son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rúa.

December 2001: Changed stage appearance and style

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

2001: Shakira and Antonio de la Rua get engaged

In 2001, Shakira and Antonio de la Rua got engaged but the marriage never materialized.

2002: Described as a "rock girl"

In 2002, Evan Wright of Rolling Stone magazine described Shakira as "a rock girl through and through" with a "full-throated and urgent" singing style.

2002: Compared to "Latino Britney"

In 2002, Ted Kessler of The Observer described Shakira as looking "like a Latino Britney" with her "all bleached blonde curls" and a "tiny 5ft frame".

April 2006: Honored at United Nations ceremony

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

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, a coalition seeking to promote early childhood public policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.

2006: Reclaiming her image

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

2007: Clinton Global Initiative Commitment

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

2007: Shakira studies history at UCLA

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

December 2008: People en Español's Humanitarian of the Year

In the December 2008 issue of People en Español, Shakira was declared the Humanitarian of the Year, acknowledging her contributions to social causes.

2008: Forbes ranking and Live Nation contract

In early 2008, Forbes named Shakira the fourth top-earning female artist in the music industry, and in July, she signed a $312 million contract with Live Nation Entertainment for tours, recordings, sponsorship, and merchandise.

January 2009: People en Español's Humanitarian of the Year

In the January 2009 issue of People en Español, Shakira was declared the Humanitarian of the Year, acknowledging her contributions to social causes.

2009: Shakira studies history at UCLA

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

2009: Shakira speaks of her relationship with de la Rúa

In a 2009 interview, Shakira discussed her unconventional relationship with Antonio de la Rúa, stating they lived as husband and wife without formalizing the union.

March 2010: Awarded Medal by UN International Labour Organization

In March 2010, Shakira was awarded a medal by the UN International Labour Organization in recognition of being a "true ambassador for children and young people, for quality education and social justice".

June 2010: Shakira meets Gerard Piqué

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

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August 2010: Shakira and Antonio de la Rua mutually decide to separate

In August 2010, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa made a mutual decision to take time apart from their romantic relationship, as announced in January 2011.

October 2010: Statement on Gypsies in GQ Magazine

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

November 2010: MTV Free Your Mind Award

In November 2010, after performing as the opening act of the MTV European Music Awards, Shakira received the MTV Free Your Mind award for her efforts to facilitate access to education for all children.

2010: Collaboration with the World Bank

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.

January 2011: Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa announce separation

On January 10, 2011, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa announced their mutual decision to take time apart from their romantic relationship, while continuing their business partnership.

February 2011: Agreement between FC Barcelona Foundation and Pies Descalzos

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

October 2011: Appointed to President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

In October 2011, Shakira was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

2012: 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: Shakira gives birth to her first son, Milan

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

April 2014: Hero Award at Radio Disney Music Awards

On April 26, 2014, Shakira was honored with the Hero Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards for her work with the Pies Descalzos Foundation and other charitable organizations.

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

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

July 2017: Performance at Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg

In July 2017, Shakira sang with Chris Martin at the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, aimed at securing funding for key issues like education, food security, and women's rights.

May 2020: Shakira donates supplies to combat COVID-19

In May 2020, Shakira donated over 50,000 face masks and ten respirators to Barranquilla to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Shakira appointed to the Earthshot Prize Council

In October 2020, Shakira was appointed by Prince William to the Earthshot Prize Council, which awards prizes to environmental pioneers.

October 2020: Shakira publishes op-ed on separated children at U.S.-Mexico border

In October 2020, Shakira wrote an op-ed for Time magazine about the 545 children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, criticizing U.S. immigration policies.

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 of hers.

March 2021: Shakira listed as a feminist hero by Global Citizen

On International Women's Day, March 2021, Global Citizen listed Shakira among "14 feminist heroes one should know and celebrate".

2021: Shakira condemns violence during Colombian protests

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

June 2022: Shakira and Piqué announce separation

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

March 2024: Release of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran

In March 2024, Shakira released "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran", a collection of 16 songs born out of her breakup. The album showcases a variety of moods and genres, including Afrobeats, bachata, and Tex-Mex rhythms.

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December 2024: Osvaldo Ríos speaks of past relationship with Shakira

In December 2024, Osvaldo Ríos spoke of his past relationship with Shakira, which started when she was 20 and he was 36, and lasted nearly a year, stating their careers pulled them apart.

February 2025: Shakira partners with Hard Rock International to empower women

On February 27, 2025, Shakira joined forces with Hard Rock International for a year-long partnership to uplift women, with the Hard Rock Heals Foundation donating $250,000 to her Pies Descalzos Foundation.

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

In May 2025, at the beginning of her U.S. tour, Shakira celebrated the Latino community, emphasizing representation and fighting prejudice during politically fraught times.

June 2025: Shakira's Los Angeles show postponed due to civil unrest

In June 2025, Shakira's show in the Los Angeles area was postponed to August because of immigration policy and enforcement-related civil unrest.

October 2025: Joins FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board

In October 2025, Shakira joined the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund's Advisory Board. The fund was a result of Global Citizen's partnership with FIFA in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2026: FIFA World Cup Partnership

In 2026, Shakira's FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was a result of Global Citizen's partnership with FIFA in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.