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 the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is celebrated for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to the increased use and learning of the Spanish language. Shakira has received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, with three of those being for Song of the Year, solidifying her impact and legacy 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 admiration for Shakira's "innocent sensuality" in singing and dancing, acknowledging her phenomenal talent and maturity.

2001: Shakira Discusses Musical Fusion

In 2001, Shakira told the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo that musical "fusion" offered her the opportunity to remove any type of label people want to place on me, giving her artistic freedom.

2002: Shakira Discusses Crossover Challenges

In 2002, Shakira discussed the challenges of crossing over to the English-language market in the U.S., including feeling "under the microscope" and the pressure to avoid mistakes.

2002: Shakira Speaks about her Education

In 2002, Shakira gave an interview where she spoke about how she had been moved up in her class work ahead of her age and graduated from a convent secondary school when she was 15, but her professional involvement in music prevented her from continuing formal education.

2002: Shakira Discusses Future Plans

In 2002, Shakira stated that she didn't want to be jumping on stage when she's 40, and that she might want to get a farm and plant onions and tomatoes.

2002: Laundry Service Success

In 2002, Shakira's album, Laundry Service, became the best-selling album of the year. The album sold over 15 million copies worldwide, cementing her position as the biggest Latin female crossover artist.

2006: Global Issues Cites Shakira as a Global Icon

In 2006, the journal Global Issues, published by the U.S. Bureau of International Information Programs, cited Shakira as one of the celebrities who achieved global recognition by sharing the uniqueness of their talent and culture.

November 2009: "The Making of Saint Shakira" by The Guardian

In November 2009, The Guardian published an essay titled "The Making of Saint Shakira," highlighting Shakira's impact on Colombia's social change, especially in childhood education, and her ability to discuss issues with world leaders.

November 2009: AllMusic's description of Shakira

On November 22, 2009, Steve Huey of AllMusic described Shakira as a "wildly inventive diva" known for her cross-cultural pop sound, rock-influenced approach, creative control over her music, and poetic lyricism.

2009: Article in The New York Times Magazine

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

2009: The New York Times Magazine on Shakira's Universality

In 2009, Scott Malcomson wrote in The New York Times Magazine that Shakira demonstrated how universal a Latin artist could be, balancing her Latin American identity with English-language songs like 'Hips Don't Lie' with Wyclef Jean.

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2009: Reflection on Public Life

In 2009, Shakira reflected on her life, noting that she doesn't know any other way of living than being in the public eye since a young age and that her family and friends remind her what's real.

2009: Shakira's Motivation

In 2009, Shakira reflected on her reasons for working hard, stating that in her early years, she wanted to bring joy to her parents and later to make her country proud. Eventually, she realized she was also doing it for herself.

November 2011: Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In November 2011, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Shakira with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording, recognizing her achievements as an artist and advocate for social causes. Also in November, Shakira was declared the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at the Latin Grammys.

November 2011: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Honor

On 9 November 2011, Shakira was honored as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year for her artistic achievements and philanthropic undertakings, being the youngest musician to receive this distinction.

2011: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year

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, such as the Barefoot Foundation, and her contributions to music. Shakira was also appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States in 2011.

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: Billboard on "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)"

In 2013, Billboard described "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" as a global hit that transcended the time of the mundial, solidifying its status as the most successful World Cup anthem ever.

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2014: Performed three times at the FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Shakira became the first musical act to perform three times at the FIFA World Cup. Also in 2014, Forbes ranked Shakira at number 58 on its "list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women". Additionally in 2014, a newly-described species of parasitic wasp was named Aleiodes shakirae after her.

September 2017: Time Magazine refers to Shakira as a "pop legend"

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

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

In 2017, Shakira was named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune, recognizing her influence as a socio-political figure and her effective use of social media to support vulnerable children.

2018: "Hips Don't Lie" recognized by National Public Radio

In 2018, "Hips Don't Lie" was selected by National Public Radio as one of the greatest songs by 21st-century female artists, emphasizing its role in popularizing reggaeton music, even though it was never explicitly marketed as such.

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2018: Shakira as a Titan of Latin Pop by The New York Times

In 2018, The New York Times called Shakira "a titan of Latin Pop", highlighting her enduring influence and diverse musical output spanning rock, pop, and reggaeton over three decades.

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 introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging her long and impactful career.

October 2020: Lucas Villa's reflection on Shakira's 25-year career

In October 2020, Lucas Villa reflected on Shakira's 25-year career, highlighting her debut with the LP Pies Descalzos and her enduring essence as a rockera and pop star.

December 2020: Entertainment Tonight calls Shakira "one of the most influential artists of the 21st century"

In December 2020, Entertainment Tonight recognized Shakira as "one of the most influential artists of the 21st century", highlighting her widespread impact and enduring legacy.

2020: Shakira's Impact on Latin Music by Paper Magazine

In 2020, Paper magazine highlighted Shakira's impact in paving the way for Colombian artists like J Balvin, Maluma, and Karol G to succeed in the global music scene, establishing Colombia as a hotspot for talent.

2022: Included in the list of "the most influential women in the history of music" by MTV (Latin America)

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

2022: Estimated financial worth

In 2022, Shakira's financial worth was estimated at $300 million, reflecting her success and influence in the music industry.

May 2023: Honored as the "Latin Woman of the Year" by Billboard

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

2023: YouTube Views

By 2023, Shakira had over 20 billion cumulative views, being one of the top-10 artists overall of all time on YouTube.

2024: Shakira Awards, Sales, and Views Summary

As of 2024, Shakira had received four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, sold over 95 million records worldwide prior to the release of "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran", and was among the top-10 artists overall of all time on YouTube with over 20 billion cumulative views by 2023.

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2025: Continues to be a powerful voice in the movement to Defeat Poverty and Defend the Planet

According to Global Citizen in 2025, Shakira "continues to be a powerful voice in the movement to Defeat Poverty and Defend the Planet".

2025: Interview with Danielle Dithurbide and tour insights

During an interview with Danielle Dithurbide on 27 March 2025, Shakira reflected on her emotional state and the healing process after her relationship with Piqué. She also discussed the intimate and profound character of her tour, mentioning the healing that occurred during the concerts. Furthermore, Luis Fernando Ochoa joined her on stage on April 13th during the Medellín concert.