54 Facts About Shakira

Early Life and Background

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known to the world simply as Shakira, has a fascinating life story. Born in Colombia, she has become a global icon. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early years.

1. Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
2. Her name means "grateful" in Arabic, reflecting her Lebanese heritage from her father's side.
3. She wrote her first poem, "La Rosa de Cristal" (The Crystal Rose), when she was just four years old.
4. By age eight, she had written her first song, inspired by the death of her older half-brother.
5. Shakira's talent for belly dancing comes from her Lebanese grandmother, who taught her traditional dance moves.

Rise to Fame

Shakira's journey to stardom wasn't instant. It took years of hard work and perseverance. Here are some key moments that marked her rise to fame.

6. At 13, she signed her first record deal with Sony Music Colombia.
7. Her debut album, "Magia," released in 1990, was a collection of songs she had written since she was eight.
8. Shakira's third album, "Pies Descalzos," released in 1995, was her breakthrough, selling over five million copies.
9. The hit single "Estoy Aquí" from "Pies Descalzos" topped charts in Latin America and Spain.
10. She learned English by studying the work of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Walt Whitman.

Musical Achievements

Shakira's musical career is filled with numerous awards and recognitions. Her unique voice and style have captivated audiences worldwide.

11. Shakira has won three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards.
12. Her song "Hips Don't Lie" became the best-selling single of the 21st century.
13. She is the only South American artist to have a number-one song in the US.
14. Shakira's album "Laundry Service" sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
15. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2011.

Personal Life

Beyond the stage, Shakira's personal life is equally interesting. From her relationships to her philanthropic efforts, she has made headlines for various reasons.

16. Shakira has been in a relationship with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué since 2011.
17. The couple has two sons, Milan and Sasha.
18. She is fluent in five languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic.
19. Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, appointed in 2003.
20. She founded the Barefoot Foundation, which provides education and nutrition to impoverished children in Colombia.

Unique Talents and Interests

Shakira is not just a singer; she has a range of talents and interests that might surprise you.

21. She is an expert in history and has a keen interest in ancient civilizations.
22. Shakira has a black belt in karate.
23. She loves painting and often paints abstract art in her free time.
24. Shakira is an avid reader, with Gabriel García Márquez being one of her favorite authors.
25. She has a passion for architecture and designed her own home in the Bahamas.

Impact and Influence

Shakira's influence extends beyond music. She has made significant contributions to various fields and inspired millions.

26. She performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where her song "Waka Waka" became the tournament's anthem.
27. Shakira's hips are insured for $45 million.
28. She was named one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes multiple times.
29. Shakira has collaborated with numerous artists, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Alejandro Sanz.
30. She has over 100 million followers on social media, making her one of the most followed musicians.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Shakira's life is full of fun and quirky facts that make her even more relatable and interesting.

31. She loves chocolate and often indulges in it despite her strict diet.
32. Shakira's favorite color is black.
33. She has a pet rabbit named Toby.
34. Shakira once voiced a character in the animated movie "Zootopia."
35. She enjoys surfing and often hits the waves during her vacations.

Philanthropy and Social Work

Shakira's heart is as big as her talent. She has dedicated much of her time and resources to helping others.

36. Her Barefoot Foundation has built several schools in Colombia.
37. Shakira donated $45 million to help rebuild schools in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
38. She has been involved in numerous campaigns to promote early childhood education.
39. Shakira's foundation also provides meals to thousands of children in need.
40. She has been recognized by the United Nations for her humanitarian efforts.

Awards and Recognitions

Shakira's talent and hard work have earned her numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career.

41. She received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award in 2011.
42. Shakira has been nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
43. She won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2005.
44. Shakira was honored with the World Music Award for World’s Best Selling Latin Female Artist.
45. She received the Billboard Latin Music Award for Latin Pop Album of the Year.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Shakira's collaborations with other artists have produced some of the most memorable songs in music history.

46. She collaborated with Beyoncé on the hit song "Beautiful Liar."
47. Shakira and Rihanna teamed up for the song "Can't Remember to Forget You."
48. She worked with Alejandro Sanz on the song "La Tortura."
49. Shakira's duet with Carlos Vives, "La Bicicleta," won the Latin Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
50. She has also partnered with brands like Pepsi and Oral-B for various campaigns.

Recent Activities

Shakira continues to be active in the music industry and beyond. Her recent activities show that she is still at the top of her game.

51. She released her latest album, "El Dorado," in 2017, which won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.
52. Shakira performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020 alongside Jennifer Lopez.
53. She launched her own line of perfumes, which has been very successful.
54. Shakira continues to tour worldwide, performing to sold-out crowds and captivating audiences with her incredible talent.

Shakira's Fascinating World

Shakira's life is a blend of talent, hard work, and unique experiences. From her early days in Colombia to becoming a global superstar, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her music, dance, and philanthropic efforts have touched millions around the world.

Her multilingual abilities, business ventures, and commitment to education through her Barefoot Foundation highlight her versatility. Shakira's influence extends beyond entertainment, making her a role model for many.

Whether it's her record-breaking hits or her dedication to social causes, Shakira continues to captivate audiences. Her story reminds us that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve greatness.

So, next time you hear one of her songs, remember the incredible journey behind that voice. Shakira's world is indeed fascinating, filled with facts that showcase her as a true icon.