Lasting Legacy of Shakira: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Shakira—a timeline of influence.

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

1999: Gabriel García Márquez praises Shakira

In 1999, Colombian Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez wrote an essay praising Shakira's musical talent, maturity, and strong will, admiring her unique and innocent sensuality in singing and dancing, leading to a friendship between them.

2001: Shakira discusses musical stylistic 'fusion'

In 2001, Shakira expressed to El Tiempo her view on musical stylistic "fusion", saying that it offers her the opportunity to remove any type of label people want to place on her and gives her freedom.

2002: Shakira discusses artistic and social issues after her 'crossover'

In 2002, Shakira discussed the artistic and social challenges she faced after her "crossover" into the English-language market. She felt under scrutiny in the U.S. and spoke about the potential challenges of maintaining artistic integrity.

2002: Shakira's interview statement

In 2002, Shakira mentioned in an interview: "The seeds of their education are well-planted in my system. I believe in God. I believe in the sacraments".

2006: Recognition in Global Issues Journal

In 2006, Shakira was recognized in the journal Global Issues as a celebrity who achieved success by sharing her talent and culture with the global community.

2007: Mention of "Beautiful Liar" Success

In January 2023, when the single "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, it was mentioned that Shakira had her first top-ten in the U.S. in over 15 years, since the song "Beautiful Liar" in 2007.

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November 2009: The making of Saint Shakira

In November 2009, The Guardian published an essay by Euan Ferguson titled "The making of Saint Shakira". The essay highlighted Shakira's impact on social change in Colombia, particularly in childhood education, and her ability to discuss important issues with world leaders. She was celebrated as a saint in Colombia and Latin America.

November 2009: AllMusic Profile

On November 22, 2009, Steve Huey of AllMusic described Shakira as a "wildly inventive diva who created a cross-cultural pop sound rooted in her native Colombia but encompassing nearly every territory in the world".

2009: New York Times Magazine profile

In 2009, Scott Malcomson wrote in The New York Times Magazine that Shakira, with her Lebanese ancestry and English-language songs like "Hips Don't Lie", showed how universal a Latin artist could be, while also trying to stay Latin American.

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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: Motivation for career

In 2009, Shakira reflected on her motivations for her career, initially driven by a desire to bring joy to her parents and make her country proud. Later, her motivation shifted to doing it for herself.

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.

November 2010: The Independent Article

In November 2010, The Independent published an article portraying Shakira as "living proof that pop and politics can mix", highlighting her ability to balance her artistic career with her efforts to combat poverty and her influence on the global political elite. It was observed that she was equally comfortable mingling with political figures and performing concerts.

2011: Awards and appointments

In 2011, Shakira received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year awards for her philanthropic and humanitarian work and contributions to music. Shakira was also appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States.

2012: Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters

In 2012, Shakira was granted the honor of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.

2013: "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" Impact

In 2013, Billboard wrote that "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" "became a global hit that transcended the time of the mundial".

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September 2017: Time Magazine Profile

In September 2017, Time magazine referred to Shakira as a "pop legend".

2017: Named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders"

In 2017, Shakira was named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune for her influence in the philanthropic world and her effective use of social media to advocate for vulnerable children.

2017: Reference to El Dorado

On March 22, 2024, when Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran album was released, it was mentioned that it was Shakira's first studio album in nearly seven years, after El Dorado released in 2017.

2018: "Hips Don't Lie" as one of the greatest songs

In 2018, "Hips Don't Lie" was selected as one of the greatest songs by 21st century female artists by National Public Radio, ranked at number 65.

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2018: Titan of Latin Pop

In 2018, The New York Times called Shakira "a titan of Latin Pop," noting that she had produced rock, pop, and reggaeton over almost three decades.

February 2020: Performance at Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show

On February 2, 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, which had a viewership of 103 million people. Shakira highlighted the Afro-Colombian community and jointly sang Waka Waka with Lopez during the event's finale.

December 2020: Entertainment Tonight Profile

In December 2020, Entertainment Tonight perceived Shakira as "one of the most influential artists of the 21st century".

2020: Impact on Latin Music

In 2020, Lucas Villa wrote in Paper magazine that "In her wake, Colombia has become a hotspot for talent with recent exports like J Balvin, Maluma and Karol G. As Latin music continues to become a global force, we can't forget to remember Shakira's impact in the movement."

2020: Paper magazine recognizes Shakira's ability to transition into the digital streaming era

In 2020, Paper magazine highlighted Shakira's longevity and her successful transition into the digital streaming era of music, despite being an artist from the pre-digital age. In the same year, she was the most Googled musician/band, and the 7th most searched person overall.

March 2021: Listed Among Feminist Heroes by Global Citizen

On International Women's Day, 8 March 2021, Shakira was listed by Global Citizen as one of "14 feminist heroes one should know and celebrate", alongside other prominent women.

2022: Included in the list of "the most influential women in the history of music"

In 2022, MTV (Latin America) included Shakira in the list of "the most influential women in the history of music", as the only Latina on the list.

May 2023: Billboard's Latin Woman of the Year

In May 2023, Billboard honored Shakira as the "Latin Woman of the Year", highlighting her record-breaking achievements of 2022 and 2023 and her status as one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

2023: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and Latin Grammy Nominations

In 2023, Shakira received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first South American artist to receive this accolade. She also received seven nominations at the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, including three nominations for Song of the Year.