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, the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer. She is recognized for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to increased Spanish language learning and usage, and paving the way for other Latin artists in the international market. Her achievements include numerous accolades, such as 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a global music icon.

Sections (7)

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

1997: Billboard Latin Music Awards and Cultural Ambassador

In 1997, Shakira received three Billboard Latin Music Awards for Album of the Year, Video of the Year, and Best New Artist, and was named a national cultural ambassador by the president of Colombia.

1999: Gabriel García Márquez on Shakira

In 1999, Colombian Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez praised Shakira's "phenomenal musical talent", "extraordinary maturity", and "will of granite" after meeting her.

July 2002: Shakira's Interview with The Observer

In July 2002, Shakira explained to Ted Kessler of The Observer that her move into the English-speaking market was driven by a desire for intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and personal development, viewing it as an anthropological mission to bridge cultural gaps. She also described the promotional activities as a "promotional treadmill".

2002: Evan Wright on Shakira

In 2002, Evan Wright of the Rolling Stone magazine described Shakira as a rock girl through and through, noting her full-throated and urgent singing style and commanding presence on stage and on record.

2002: Shakira's Reflections on Education and Career

In 2002, Shakira reflected on her early start in music, mentioning her belief in God and the sacraments influenced by her convent schooling. She also noted missing out on adolescence due to her focus on career goals.

2002: Thoughts on Rock vs. Pop

In late 2002, Shakira expressed her preference for the freedom of pop music over the rigidity of rock, stating that pop allows her to metamorphose while acknowledging the dignity within the world of rock and roll.

2006: Global Issues Journal Citation

In 2006, the journal Global Issues 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 but encompassing nearly every territory in the world. He also noted her aggressive, rock-influenced approach and her extraordinary degree of creative control over her music.

November 2009: Publication of "The making of Saint Shakira" by The Guardian

In November 2009, The Guardian published an essay titled "The making of Saint Shakira" by Euan Ferguson, discussing Shakira's impact on social change in Colombia, particularly in childhood education, and her ability to influence world leaders. Ferguson viewed her as authentic and effective, comparing her favorably to Madonna.

2009: Profile of Shakira by Scott Malcomson

In 2009, Scott Malcomson wrote in The New York Times Magazine article that Shakira's life was "relentless and unlikely" and commented on her work ethics and feminine allure.

2009: Scott Malcomson on Shakira

In 2009, Scott Malcomson wrote in The New York Times Magazine that Shakira showed how universal a Latin artist could be, balancing her Lebanese ancestry and English-language songs while staying Latin American.

2009: Shakira discusses her motivations

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, before realizing she was doing it for herself.

November 2010: The Independent article highlights Shakira's ability to mix pop and politics

In November 2010, The Independent published an article highlighting Shakira as "living proof that pop and politics can mix". The article noted her ability to balance her career with her efforts to combat poverty and influence global political leaders, referencing her appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting.

February 2011: Named Artist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation

In February 2011, the Harvard Foundation named Shakira Artist of the Year at its Cultural Rhythms festival, awarding her its most prestigious medal for her contributions to music and her humanitarian efforts.

January 2012: Received the honor of Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

In January 2012, Shakira received the honor of Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French minister of culture for her significant contributions to the arts and literature.

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

In 2013, Billboard called "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" the most successful World Cup anthem ever, noting that the song became a global hit that transcended the time of the mundial.

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2015: Recognized as one of the most influential people on social media by Time

In 2015, Time recognized Shakira as one of the most influential people on social media, highlighting her social capital and unparalleled platform.

September 2017: Time magazine refers to Shakira

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

2017: Commentary on Shakira's Diverse Artistic Output

In 2017, Deutsche Welle journalist Kate Müser commented on Shakira's diverse artistic output, highlighting her blend of Latin beats with Middle Eastern and world elements, making her music feel globally accessible. Müser also quoted Rolling Stone's comparison of Shakira's stylistic breadth to American pop idols, noting her unique credibility due to her incorporation of folk, Middle Eastern, and Latin styles over a pop and rock foundation.

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

In 2017, Shakira was named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune for her philanthropic work and influence, particularly leveraging her social media platforms to advocate for vulnerable children.

2018: "Hips Don't Lie" Recognized

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

2018: Titan of Latin Pop

In 2018, The New York Times called Shakira "a titan of Latin Pop," highlighting her nearly three-decade career producing rock, pop, and reggaeton.

2019: Listed as one of the women who should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019, Houston Press listed Shakira as one of the women who should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

October 2020: 25th Anniversary of Pies Descalzos

In October 2020, Lucas Villa reflected on the 25th anniversary of Shakira's album "Pies Descalzos", noting how the 18-year-old Shakira made her mark with her poetic lyricism and creative control.

December 2020: Entertainment Tonight on Shakira

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

2020: Shakira's Impact on Latin Music

In 2020, Lucas Villa summarized in Paper magazine that Shakira has paved the way for such Latin artists as Maluma and J Balvin to crossover. He highlighted Colombia as a hotspot for talent due to Shakira's impact.

2020: Digital Streaming Era Titan

In 2020, Paper magazine wrote about Shakira's longevity and ability to successfully crack the digital-streaming era of music: "The self-proclaimed 'She Wolf' is a titan in the digital era of music where she devours billions of streams with her catalog".

March 2021: Recognition as a Feminist Hero

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

2021: Merck Mercuriadis Praises Shakira's Songwriting

In 2021, music industry executive and artist manager Merck Mercuriadis praised Shakira's songwriting footprint, highlighting her as one of the most serious and successful songwriters of the last 25 years.