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, known as Shakira, is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is celebrated for her global popularization of Hispanophone music and significant impact on the Latin American music scene. A multi-award-winning artist, Shakira has received four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, including three Song of the Year wins, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1999: Gabriel García Márquez admires Shakira

In 1999, Colombian Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez expressed his admiration for Shakira, stating that "no one of any age can sing or dance with the innocent sensuality Shakira seems to have invented." He published an essay praising her "phenomenal musical talent" and "extraordinary maturity."

2006: Cited in Global Issues journal

In 2006, the journal Global Issues, published by the U.S. Bureau of International Information Programs, cited Shakira as one of the celebrities "in today's globalized world" who "made it big by sharing the uniqueness of their talent and culture with the global community".

November 2009: AllMusic's description of Shakira

In November 2009, Steve Huey of AllMusic described Shakira as a "wildly inventive diva" who created a cross-cultural pop sound rooted in her native Colombia. He noted her aggressive, rock-influenced approach and creative control over her music, highlighting her role as a poetic lyricist. Huey mentioned that Shakira gained a reputation as one of Latin music's most ambitiously poetic lyricists.

November 2009: The making of Saint Shakira

In November 2009, The Guardian published an essay titled "The making of Saint Shakira" by Euan Ferguson. The essay discussed Shakira's impact on social change in Colombia, her effectiveness in discussing issues with world leaders like Barack Obama and Gordon Brown, and her perceived authenticity.

2009: Motivation for Professional Development

In 2009, Shakira expressed her thoughts on her motivation for working hard on her professional development and career, initially driven by a desire to bring her parents joy and later to make her country proud, eventually realizing that she herself also mattered.

November 2010: Shakira, Living Proof

In November 2010, The Independent published an article calling Shakira "living proof that pop and politics can mix". The article highlighted her ability to balance her career with her efforts to combat poverty and influence global political leaders.

2011: Honors and Recognition in 2011

In 2011, Shakira was honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at the Latin Grammys and received the Cultural Rhythms Artist of the Year award from the Harvard Foundation. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2013: "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" named best World Cup song

In 2013, Billboard named "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" the best World Cup song, calling it "the most successful World Cup anthem ever." They noted its global hit status that transcended the time of the mundial.

2014: FIFA World Cup Performances and Naming of New Species

In 2014, Shakira became the first musical act to perform three times at the FIFA World Cup. In the same year, a new species of parasitic wasp, Aleiodes shakirae, was named after her.

September 2017: Time Magazine calls Shakira a "Pop Legend"

In September 2017, Time magazine referred to Shakira as a "pop legend", recognizing her significant and lasting impact on the music industry.

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

In 2017, Shakira was named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune magazine. The magazine cited her philanthropic work and use of social media to support vulnerable children.

2017: Deutsche Welle Discusses Shakira's Globalized Sound

In 2017, journalist Kate Müser of Deutsche Welle commented on Shakira's 'globalized sound,' noting how her fusion of Latin beats with Middle Eastern and other global elements creates a sense of global citizenship. She references Rolling Stone Magazine's comparison of Shakira's stylistic range, contrasting her favourably with American pop idols due to her incorporation of folk, Middle Eastern, and Latin styles into her music.

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

In 2018, National Public Radio selected "Hips Don't Lie" as one of the greatest songs by 21st-century female artists, ranking it at number 65. They noted that it became the most popular song in the reggaeton genre's history, despite never being marketed as such.

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2018: The New York Times Called Her Titan of Latin Pop

In 2018, The New York Times described Shakira as "a titan of Latin Pop," noting her ability to produce rock, pop, and reggaeton over almost three decades.

October 2020: Lucas Villa Reflects on Shakira's Early Career

In October 2020, Lucas Villa reflected on Shakira's early career, highlighting her 1995 album 'Pies Descalzos' as her breakthrough. He also noted that her 1998 album 'Dónde Están los Ladrones?' blended Latin rock with pop and Middle Eastern music, showcasing her Lebanese heritage and maintaining her 'free-spirited' essence.

December 2020: Entertainment Tonight perceives Shakira as one of the most influential artists

In December 2020, Entertainment Tonight described Shakira as "one of the most influential artists of the 21st century", highlighting her widespread impact and significance in contemporary music.

2020: Paper Magazine on Shakira's Influence

In 2020, Lucas Villa summarized in the Paper magazine that Shakira's unprecedented expansion has inspired other Latin American artists to attempt crossing over into the U.S. music market. Also in 2020, The Paper magazine wrote about Shakira's longevity and her ability to successfully crack the digital-streaming era of music.

2020: Views on Shakira's Longevity in Music Industry

In 2020, The New Zealand Herald found Shakira's longevity in the music industry "particularly impressive given her ability to breach the lines of crossover, a feat not many artists have been able to achieve". Also in 2020, The Paper magazine wrote about Shakira's longevity and her ability to successfully crack the digital-streaming era of music.

January 2021: Shakira hailed as the "Queen of Latin Music"

In January 2021, Merck Mercuriadis of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund hailed Shakira as the "Queen of Latin Music," emphasizing her role as a successful songwriter.

December 2021: Shakira Named One of the Most Influential Female Artists

In December 2021, Kiss FM named Shakira as one of the most influential female artists of the 21st century. Her being "an international star without abandoning her Latin American roots" was highlighted.

2022: Most Influential Women in the History of Music

In 2022, MTV included Shakira in the list of "The Most Influential Women in the History of Music", being the only Latina on the list.

2024: Review of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran

In her 2024 review of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Boutayna Chokrane wrote about the different expectations and debates surrounding Shakira's musical eras and cultural authenticity since her debut.

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2025: Shakira's Planned Tour Expansion

In 2025, according to Billboard, Shakira plans to extend her tour to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, aiming to share her music, story, and legacy globally after completing the Americas leg.

2026: Continuation of Shakira's Global Tour

In 2026, according to Billboard, Shakira intends to continue her tour across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, further disseminating her music and legacy worldwide following the Americas leg.