Shakira, a Colombian singer and songwriter, is known as the "Queen of Latin Music." Her musical journey began at 13 with Sony Music Colombia. After initial setbacks, she achieved recognition in Hispanic countries with albums like "Pies Descalzos" and "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" Her global breakthrough came with "Laundry Service" in 2001, selling over 13 million copies. Hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes" cemented her status as a leading crossover artist.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in February 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Armero tragedy, a devastating volcanic eruption in Colombia, occurred in 1985.
Shakira recorded her debut album, "Magia", with Sony Music Colombia in 1990 at the age of 13.
Shakira's debut album, "Magia," was released in June 1991, when she was just 13 years old. It featured a collection of songs written from the age of eight, showcasing a blend of pop-rock ballads and uptempo disco tracks with electronic influences.
In 1991, at the age of 13, Shakira released her debut album, "Magia", under Sony Music Colombia. The album featured a blend of pop-rock ballads and electronic disco tracks.
In February 1993, Shakira was invited to perform at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, a platform for emerging Latin American artists. She performed the ballad "Eres" and won third place. One of the judges who voted for her was a young Ricky Martin.
In February 1993, Shakira participated in the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. She impressed the judges, including a young Ricky Martin, with her ballad "Eres" and secured third place in the competition.
In 1994, Shakira recorded the song "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" for a Colombian compilation album called "Nuestro Rock". The song's success on Colombian radio encouraged Sony to finance her third album.
Shakira made her acting debut in 1994, playing the character Luisa Maria in the Colombian telenovela El Oasis.
In February 1995, after the success of her single "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?", Shakira began recording her third studio album and international debut album, "Pies Descalzos", under Sony Music and Columbia Records.
Shakira released her third studio album, "Pies Descalzos", in Latin America in October 1995.
In 1995, Shakira released her third studio album "Pies Descalzos", which later inspired the name of her charitable foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children in Colombia through education.
Shakira's album "Pies Descalzos" was released in 1995.
"Pies Descalzos", Shakira's third studio album, was released in the US in February 1996.
In March 1996, Shakira kicked off her first international tour, the Tour Pies Descalzos, which included 20 shows and concluded in 1997.
In August 1996, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Shakira's album "Pies Descalzos" platinum.
Shakira won three Billboard Latin Music Awards in 1997 for Album of the Year for "Pies Descalzos", Video of the Year for "Estoy Aqui", and Best New Artist.
In 1997, Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation to aid underprivileged children in Colombia through education. The foundation, named after her 1995 album "Pies Descalzos", builds schools and provides meals and educational resources to thousands of children in the country.
Shakira released her fourth studio album, "Dónde Están los Ladrones?", produced with Emilio Estefan, Jr. as the executive producer, in September 1998.
In 1998, Shakira released the album "Dónde Están los Ladrones?"
On August 12, 1999, Shakira recorded her first live album, "MTV Unplugged", in New York City.
In 1999, Shakira's MTV Unplugged became the first episode to be broadcasted entirely in Spanish. It was also the first time a Latin pop act, let alone a Latina solo act, performed an Unplugged.
In March 2000, Shakira commenced her two-month Tour Anfibio, spanning Latin America and the United States.
Shakira won an MTV Video Music Award in the category of People's Choice – Favorite International Artist for "Ojos Así" in August 2000.
In September 2000, Shakira performed "Ojos Así" at the inaugural ceremony of the Latin Grammy Awards, where she received nominations in five categories.
Shakira started dating Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa in 2000.
Between August 2001 and February 2002, Shakira released "Whenever, Wherever" ("Suerte" in Spanish-speaking countries) as the first single from her debut English album and fifth studio album.
Shakira's fifth studio album and first English-language album, titled "Laundry Service" in English-speaking countries and "Servicio De Lavanderia" in Latin America and Spain, was released on November 13, 2001.
Shakira made her mark on the English-language music scene in 2001 with the release of "Laundry Service", selling over 13 million copies globally.
By 2001, when Shakira released Laundry Service, she had already sold 10 million albums in Latin America, according to Billboard.
Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" music video was aired in both English and Spanish on MTV in 2001. This marked the first time a Spanish-language video aired on US MTV.
Between August 2001 and February 2002, Shakira released "Whenever, Wherever" ("Suerte" in Spanish-speaking countries) as the first single from her debut English album and fifth studio album.
Shakira performed "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" at Aerosmith's MTV Icon in April 2002.
Shakira's "Laundry Service" became the best-selling album of 2002, selling over 13 million copies worldwide. It became the most successful album of her career to date.
In November 2002, Shakira embarked on the Tour of the Mongoose, comprising 61 shows that concluded in May 2003.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Shakira's "Laundry Service" album triple platinum in June 2004.
Shakira was initially offered a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004, but she declined.
Shakira's label, Sony BMG, released a DVD and 10-track live album titled "Live & Off the Record" in 2004, commemorating the Tour of the Mongoose.
In June 2005, Shakira released her sixth studio album, "Fijación Oral, Volumen Uno." The album, which featured the hit single "La Tortura" with Alejandro Sanz, was a commercial success, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 and achieving multi-platinum status.
On November 29, 2005, Shakira released her second English studio album and seventh studio album overall, "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2." Although the lead single "Don't Bother" did not achieve significant chart success in the US, the album itself debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 and sold over eight million copies globally.
In 2005, Shakira released two albums: "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1" in Spanish and "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2" in English.
In 2005, Shakira joined other artists and business leaders as a founding member of Latin America in Solidarity Action, a coalition focused on improving early childhood public policies.
Shakira and Sanz performed "La Tortura" at the MTV Music Video Awards in 2005.
Shakira won her second Grammy Award in February 2006 for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album for "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1."
In February 2006, Shakira released "Hips Don't Lie," featuring Wyclef Jean, as the second single from "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2." The song became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in over 55 countries and becoming her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Shakira's philanthropic efforts were recognized by the United Nations in April 2006 when she was honored at a UN ceremony for her creation of the Pies Descalzos Foundation, a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of children through education.
Shakira's Oral Fixation Tour began in June 2006, covering six continents and 125 shows before concluding in July 2007.
Shakira received four Latin Grammy Awards in November 2006 for "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1." The awards included Record of the Year, Song of the Year for "La Tortura," Album of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album.
November 2006 marked the release of "Illegal," featuring Carlos Santana, as the third single from "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2." In the same month, Shakira embarked on her Oral Fixation Tour, which spanned 125 shows across six continents and lasted until July 2007.
In 2006, "Hips Don't Lie" was ranked 65th on National Public Radio's list of the greatest songs by 21st century female artists. That same year, the US Bureau of International Information Programs cited Shakira as an example of a celebrity who achieved global success by sharing her talent and culture with the world.
In late 2006, Shakira collaborated with Alejandro Sanz on "Te lo Agradezco, Pero No" for Sanz's album "El Tren de los Momentos." She also collaborated with Miguel Bosé on "Si Tú No Vuelves" for his album "Papito."
In 2006, the Los Angeles Times published commentary on Shakira's wide-reaching global appeal.
In February 2007, Shakira made her debut performance at the 49th Grammy Awards. She also received a nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Hips Don't Lie" with Wyclef Jean.
"Beautiful Liar," a collaboration between Shakira and Beyoncé, was released as the second single from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's album "B'Day" in April 2007. The song achieved massive success, jumping 91 positions on the Billboard Hot 100 to reach number three, setting a record at the time for the largest upward movement on the chart. It also reached number one in the UK and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Shakira's Oral Fixation Tour concluded in July 2007, having covered 125 shows across six continents since its start in June 2006.
Shakira released her third live album, "Oral Fixation Tour," in November 2007, capturing performances from her extensive world tour.
In 2008, Shakira was named Honorary Chair of the Global Campaign for Education's Global Action Week.
In early 2008, Forbes ranked Shakira as the fourth top-earning female artist in the music industry. Later that year, in July, she signed a significant $300 million, ten-year contract with Live Nation, encompassing touring and record label aspects. This deal coincided with her existing contract with Epic Records for three more albums.
Shakira's commitment to education expanded in 2008 when she served as the Honorary Chair for the Global Campaign for Education Global Action Week.
Shakira performed at the "We Are One" celebration for President Barack Obama's inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial in January 2009. She collaborated with Stevie Wonder and Usher on a performance of "Higher Ground."
Shakira was featured on Mercedes Sosa's album "Cantora" in June 2009, contributing to a cover of Silvio Rodríguez's "La Maza."
Shakira released "She Wolf" in July 2009 as the lead single from her upcoming album of the same name. The single was a commercial success, receiving certifications in 17 countries.
Shakira's eighth studio album, "She Wolf," was released internationally in October 2009.
Shakira's eighth studio album, "She Wolf," was released in the United States on November 23, 2009. The album was generally well-received by critics and achieved commercial success, although it became one of her least successful albums in terms of sales.
In 2009, Shakira stated that her relationship with Antonio de la Rúa was already like a marriage, emphasizing that formal paperwork wasn't necessary for their commitment.
Shakira released the album "She Wolf" in 2009.
Shakira received a medal from the UN International Labour Organization in March 2010, acknowledging her role as a prominent advocate for children and young people, quality education, and social justice.
After a decade together, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa announced their separation in August 2010, describing it as a mutual decision to take a break from their romantic relationship, while still considering it temporary.
In October 2010, Shakira released her ninth studio album, titled "Sale el Sol."
In November 2010, Shakira was presented with the MTV Free Your Mind award, following her opening performance at the MTV European Music Awards, in recognition of her consistent efforts to promote greater access to education for children worldwide.
Google announced Shakira as the most searched female entertainer of 2010.
In 2010, Nokia revealed that Shakira's music downloads surpassed any other Latino artist in the previous five years. Her album, She Wolf, also topped the Top 10 Latino downloads.
In 2010, Shakira partnered with the World Bank and her Barefoot Foundation to develop and distribute educational and developmental programs for children across Latin America.
In 2010, Shakira released "Sale el Sol", an album reflecting a return to her musical roots, featuring ballads, rock songs, and Latin dance tracks.
In 2010, Shakira teamed up with South African group Freshlyground to create "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. The song incorporated elements of "Zangalewa," a Cameroonian soldiers' Fang song. "Waka Waka" became a global hit, reaching high chart positions in various continents and becoming the best-selling World Cup song ever. Shakira performed the song at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup.
Shakira collaborated with rapper Pitbull in 2010 on the song "Get It Started."
Shakira first met Gerard Piqué in the spring of 2010 when he appeared in her music video for "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Shakira launched her beauty line, "S by Shakira," with parent company Puig in 2010. The line included perfumes, lotions, and body sprays.
Shakira's album "Sale el Sol" was released in 2010.
In February 2011, Shakira's Pies descalzos Foundation partnered with the FC Barcelona Foundation to further their shared mission of improving children's lives through education and sports.
Shakira was featured in an episode of "Dora the Explorer" in August 2011, and a song titled "Todos Juntos" was released with a music video.
Shakira ended her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa in October 2011, leading to a subsequent lawsuit from de la Rúa who claimed he was owed compensation for his contributions.
Shakira was honored as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in November 2011, acknowledging her remarkable philanthropic work and significant contributions to Latin music.
Shakira was honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year on November 9, 2011.
In December 2011, Shakira released her fourth live album, "Live from Paris."
Shakira received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award at the Latin Grammys and was named Cultural Rhythms Artist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation in 2011. She also finally accepted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6270 Hollywood Blvd.
Shakira and Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué began dating in 2011.
In 2011, Shakira's "Sale el Sol" album achieved commercial success and won the Latin Grammy Award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Album."
In 2011, Shakira received both the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year awards, recognizing her philanthropic work with the Barefoot Foundation and her significant contributions to music.
Shakira collaborated with Pitbull on the song "Get It Started", released on June 28, 2012.
In September 2012, reports emerged about Antonio de la Rúa's lawsuit against Shakira for $100 million, claiming he was owed this amount after she ended their business partnership in October 2011.
It was announced in September 2012 that Shakira and Usher would become coaches for the fourth season of "The Voice."
Shakira resided in Spain with Gerard Piqué from 2012 to 2014, a period during which Spanish authorities alleged she did not fulfill her tax obligations in the country.
Shakira was awarded the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 2012.
Shakira was honored as a Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2012. Forbes also included her in their list of "Top 100 World's Most Powerful Women."
Shakira's plans to release a new album in 2012 were postponed due to her pregnancy.
Ivete Sangalo released a single titled "Dançando" featuring Shakira in January 2013.
Shakira and Gerard Piqué welcomed their first son, Milan Piqué Mebarak, on January 22, 2013, in Barcelona, Spain.
Shakira debuted as a coach on "The Voice" alongside Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in March 2013.
Antonio de la Rúa officially filed a lawsuit against Shakira in April 2013, demanding $100 million he believed he was entitled to after their business partnership ended in October 2011.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed Antonio de la Rúa's lawsuit against Shakira in August 2013, rejecting his claim for $100 million following the termination of their business partnership in October 2011.
Shakira announced she would not participate in the fifth season of "The Voice" to focus on her new album.
It was announced in December 2013 that Shakira's new single would be delayed until January 2014.
Shakira was again recognized by Forbes in their "Top 100 World's Most Powerful Women" in 2013.
Shakira's new single was expected to be released in January 2014.
Shakira returned as a coach for the sixth season of "The Voice" in February 2014.
Shakira's self-titled tenth studio album was released on March 25, 2014.
In April 2014, Shakira was honored with the Hero Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards for her work with the Pies Descalzos Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing education and support to underprivileged children in Colombia.
Shakira performed "La La La (Brazil 2014)" with Carlinhos Brown at the 2014 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony on July 13, 2014.
In 2014, Shakira released the album titled "Shakira".
Shakira became the first artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup three times in 2014. In the same year, a new wasp species, Aleiodes shakirae, was named after her because it makes its host shake.
The year 2014 marked the end of the period in which Shakira was alleged to have failed to pay taxes in Spain while residing there with Gerard Piqué. Shakira maintained her primary residence was in the Bahamas during this time.
Shakira gave birth to her second son, Sasha Piqué Mebarak, with Gerard Piqué on January 29, 2015.
It was announced at Disney's D23 Expo in August 2015 that Shakira would voice Gazelle, Zootopia's biggest popstar, in the Disney animated film.
Shakira was featured as a playable bird in the game Angry Birds POP! for a limited time in September 2015.
On October 15, 2015, the first video game featuring Shakira, Love Rocks starring Shakira, was released.
In 2015, Time recognized Shakira as one of the most influential people on social media, highlighting her "unparalleled platform" for promoting her philanthropy.
Shakira collaborated with Carlos Vives on "La Bicicleta" in May 2016, which won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Latin Grammys.
Shakira released "Chantaje" with Maluma on October 28, 2016.
Zootopia premiered in 2016, with Shakira voicing Gazelle and contributing an original song, "Try Everything," written and composed by Sia and Stargate. The film achieved remarkable box office success, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Shakira released "Me Enamoré" as the second single from her album "El Dorado" on April 7, 2017.
Shakira released her eleventh studio album, "El Dorado," and the promotional single "Perro Fiel" on May 26, 2017.
The El Dorado World Tour was announced on June 27, 2017, with Rakuten as a sponsor.
The music video for "Perro Fiel" was filmed in Barcelona on July 27, 2017.
"Perro Fiel" was certified gold in Spain for selling over 20,000 copies on August 30, 2017.
"Perro Fiel" was officially released as a single on September 15, 2017, along with its music video.
Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers in November 2017, which revealed her sole ownership of a Malta-based company used to manage $30 million in music rights. Her legal team insisted that her use of the company was entirely legal.
Shakira's "El Dorado" was released in 2017.
Shakira's influence extends beyond pop culture, as she's become a socio-political figure. In 2017, Fortune named her one of the "World's Greatest Leaders." Publications like The Guardian and The Independent recognized her impact on social change in Colombia, particularly in education, and her ability to address these issues with world leaders.
Shakira won her third Grammy Award for "El Dorado" and released the single "Trap" with Maluma in January 2018.
In January 2018, Shakira announced her El Dorado World Tour. Later in June, she released "Clandestino," a collaboration with Maluma.
In June 2018, after recovering from a vocal cord haemorrhage, Shakira resumed her El Dorado World Tour with a performance in Hamburg, Germany.
As of June 1, 2018, "Chantaje" became Shakira's most-viewed YouTube video.
During a November 2018 visit to her hometown Barranquilla for a Pies Descalzos Foundation school construction project, Shakira publicly criticized the Colombian government's proposed education budget cuts, advocating for increased investment in education and school infrastructure.
Spotify included Shakira in their list of the top 10 most streamed female artists of the decade in 2018, solidifying her as the most streamed Latin artist on the platform.
Partially influenced by revelations in the Paradise Papers, Spanish authorities initiated an investigation into Shakira's financial affairs in 2018. Prosecutors claimed she didn't pay taxes in Spain while living there with Gerard Piqué between 2012 and 2014, a claim Shakira refuted by asserting that her primary residence was in the Bahamas.
Shakira's European tour dates were postponed to 2018 due to a vocal cord haemorrhage.
In November 2019, Shakira released her fifth live album, "Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour." Forbes also ranked her among the world's highest-paid women in music that year.
By 2019, Shakira had released 30 fragrances, excluding deluxe editions.
Shakira filed applications for three offshore companies in 2019, as revealed in the 2021 Pandora Papers. Her representatives stated these filings were part of the process of dissolving existing companies, not creating new ones, and that Spanish authorities were aware of these inactive companies.
Shakira collaborated with Anuel AA to release "Me Gusta" in January 2020.
In February 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed together for the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, which drew a massive viewership of 103 million people, according to Billboard.
In May 2020, Shakira responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by donating over 50,000 face masks and ten respirators to her hometown Barranquilla, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of her community.
Shakira was featured on Black Eyed Peas' single "Girl Like Me" in December 2020.
Shakira revealed her completion of an ancient philosophy course through the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, describing it as a personal interest and hobby.
The New Zealand Herald highlighted Shakira's impressive longevity in the music industry in 2020, emphasizing her successful crossover appeal and transition into the digital streaming era.
Shakira was awarded the 2020 Global Literacy Award by the World Literacy Foundation, recognizing her outstanding efforts in improving literacy among disadvantaged children globally.
In 2020, Shakira was the most Googled musician of the year.
In 2020, Shakira became the first female artist with four songs from different decades surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify. She was also the only artist with Spanish songs, the only Latin artist, and the third artist overall, after Michael Jackson and Eminem, to achieve this. Furthermore, she broke the Vevo Certified Awards record, setting it at 37 videos with over 100 million views.
Shakira sold her entire music catalog, comprising 145 songs, to Hipgnosis Songs Fund in January 2021.
In July 2021, a Spanish judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Shakira to stand trial on tax fraud charges, based on allegations that she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014, a period during which she claimed her primary residence was in the Bahamas.
Shakira released "Don't Wait Up", her first English-language song since 2016, in July 2021.
In December 2021, Kiss FM named Shakira one of the most influential female artists of the 21st century, acknowledging her global impact.
In December 2021, Shakira was announced as the executive producer for "Dancing with Myself," a dance competition series on NBC.
The Pandora Papers, released in 2021, revealed that Shakira had filed applications for three offshore companies in 2019. Her representatives clarified that this was part of dissolving existing companies, not establishing new ones, and that these companies were inactive, with Spanish authorities already informed about their existence.
During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira expressed her strong disapproval of the violence and urged President Iván Duque Márquez to prioritize the protection of human life and halt human rights violations.
In April 2022, Shakira released "Te Felicito" with Rauw Alejandro, the lead single from her upcoming twelfth studio album.
Shakira and Gerard Piqué publicly announced their separation in June 2022, ending their 11-year relationship.
In July 2022, Shakira chose to go to trial to defend herself against accusations of tax fraud in Spain after failing to reach an agreement with the Spanish Prosecution Ministry.
On September 27, 2022, a Spanish judge in Esplugues de Llobregat approved a tax fraud trial against Shakira, with prosecutors alleging she failed to pay €14.5 million (approximately $13.9 million) in taxes. Shakira maintains that she has paid all her dues, including €3 million (approximately $2.8 million) in interest.
Shakira's long-term partner, Gerard Piqué, served as President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022.
Shakira served as executive producer and judge on the dance competition series "Dancing with Myself" in 2022.
In 2022, MTV recognized Shakira's impact on the music industry by including her in their list of "The Most Influential Women in the History of Music", making her the only Latina to receive this recognition.
Shakira released "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53", a collaboration with Argentine DJ Bizarrap, in January 2023. It became a global hit, breaking multiple records and reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
Shakira collaborated with Karol G to release "TQG" in February 2023, which achieved significant success, becoming her highest-debuting single in the US and breaking a Guinness World Record for the highest-charting Spanish-language track by a woman in the US.
Shakira became the first woman in history to hold the top three spots on the Latin Pop Airplay chart on July 29, 2023, with "TQG," "Acróstico," and "Copa Vacía."
A trial date was scheduled for November 2023 after the presiding judge in Barcelona, Ana Duro, received the necessary qualifying papers from both parties involved in Shakira's tax fraud case.
At the beginning of her trial on November 20, 2023, Shakira reached a settlement in her tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine. In a statement, she explained that her well-being and the well-being of her children were key factors in her decision to settle.
As of 2023, Shakira was recognized by "Billboard" as the best-selling female Latin artist of all time in the United States and globally.
Shakira was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
Shakira released her twelfth studio album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran", in March 2024, marking her first studio release in nearly seven years.
"Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" by Shakira was released in 2024.