Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known simply as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who has become one of the most iconic and influential artists in the world. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira showed an early talent for music, writing her first song at the age of eight and signing her first record deal as a teenager. With her unique blend of Latin, rock, pop, and Arabic influences, Shakira broke barriers and redefined what it means to be a global superstar.
Her breakthrough came in the late 1990s with the release of her albums Pies Descalzos and Dónde Están los Ladrones?, which established her as a leading voice in Latin America. However, it was her first English-language album, Laundry Service (2001), featuring hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” that catapulted her to international fame. Known for her distinctive voice, powerful stage presence, and signature hip-shaking dance moves, Shakira quickly became a household name across continents.
Over her career, has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, Latin Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Some of her most iconic hits include “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” “She Wolf,” and “Chantaje.” Her performance at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez was widely praised and watched by millions around the globe.
Beyond music, is also celebrated for her humanitarian work. Through her Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos), she has helped provide education and nutrition to thousands of underprivileged children in Colombia.
With her charisma, talent, and dedication, Shakira has become not just a Latin music legend but a global ambassador of culture and philanthropy. Her ability to cross genres, languages, and borders continues to inspire generations of fans and artists alike. Even decades into her career, Shakira remains at the forefront of pop culture, proving her timeless appeal and unwavering commitment to her craft.
In this blog, we will explore every facet of Shakira’s remarkable life, from her early family roots to her extraordinary rise as a global superstar. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply intrigued by the legend that is , this comprehensive biography covers it all — her humble beginnings in Barranquilla, her record-breaking music career, her unforgettable performances, her philanthropic endeavors, and her personal journey. Get ready to discover the story behind one of the most iconic and influential artists of our time.
Who is Shakira?
Shakira
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known worldwide simply as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and philanthropist who became one of the most iconic Latin artists in history. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, she started writing songs and performing at a young age. Known for her powerful vocals, signature hip-shaking dance style, and genre-blending music, Shakira rose to international stardom with her crossover into English-language music in the early 2000s.
has sold over 80 million records worldwide and is widely celebrated as the “Queen of Latin Music.” She has won numerous awards, including 3 Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammy Awards, and multiple Billboard and MTV awards. Her biggest global hits include Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever, and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem.
Beyond music, is admired for her philanthropy. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which builds and funds schools for underprivileged children in Colombia. She has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
has also made headlines for her personal life, including her high-profile relationship and later split with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares two sons, Milan and Sasha.
From her humble beginnings in Barranquilla to the global stage, story is one of resilience, talent, and a relentless drive to break barriers in the music industry.
Shakira: Wikipedia Overview
| Real Name | Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll |
|---|---|
| Age | 48 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Gender | Female |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese-Colombian |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Education | Attended La Enseñanza school; self-educated in music |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Producer, Actress, Philanthropist |
| Spouse | Not married (long-term relationship with Gerard Piqué; separated in 2022) |
| Family | Parents: William Mebarak Chadid & Nidia Ripoll; Children: Milan & Sasha |
| Famous For | Latin pop music, belly dancing, humanitarian work |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300 million (as of 2025) |
Shakira: Parents & Siblings
She was born to William Mebarak Chadid, a Lebanese-Colombian writer and jeweler, and Nidia Ripoll Torrado, a homemaker of Spanish-Italian descent. She is the only child of her parents but has eight older half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage.
Her parents fostered her artistic interests early on, encouraging her to write poetry, play guitar, and perform in her hometown. Her strong family ties and multicultural heritage have been central to her identity and musical influences, blending Middle Eastern and Latin rhythms.
Shakira: Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
She is Colombian by nationality, having been born and raised in Barranquilla. Ethnically, she is of Lebanese and Colombian (Spanish and Italian) descent, a unique blend that has influenced her artistry.
She was raised in a Catholic household and has occasionally referenced her faith in interviews, though she tends to keep her spiritual views private.
Shakira: Physical Appearance
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Weight | 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Naturally dark brown; often dyed blonde |
| Body Measurements | Bust: 34–36 in, Waist: 24–26 in, Hips: 36–38 in |
Shakira: Age
As of 2025, She is 48 years old, having been born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Shakira: Height & Weight
She stands approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall and weighs around 117 pounds (53 kg). Her petite yet toned figure reflects her disciplined dance routines and active lifestyle.
Shakira: Eye & Hair Color
She has dark brown eyes and naturally dark brown hair, though she is famous for her iconic honey-blonde curls, which she has sported for much of her career.
Shakira: Body Measurements
her figure has long been admired for its natural curves and athleticism, essential to her energetic performances. Her approximate measurements are:
- Bust: 34–36 inches
- Waist: 24–26 inches
- Hips: 36–38 inches
Shakira: Educational Background
She attended a local Catholic school, La Enseñanza, in Barranquilla, where she was an exceptional student with a particular interest in poetry and music. She began performing at an early age and signed her first recording contract at 13. Though she did not attend university, she has spoken about her love for learning and is fluent in several languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and some Italian and Arabic. Her foundation also supports education for disadvantaged children, reflecting her belief in its power to transform lives.
Shakira: Career Overview
She Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and philanthropist who rose to fame in the Latin music scene in the 1990s before achieving global superstardom in the 2000s. With over 80 million records sold worldwide, she is regarded as one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.
Early Career & Latin Breakthrough
She began her music career as a teenager in Colombia, releasing her first album Magia in 1991, followed by Peligro (1993). Though these early works gained modest attention, her 1995 album Pies Descalzos and 1998’s ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones? were massive successes in Latin America, cementing her as a rising star known for her poetic lyrics and unique vocal style.
Crossover to English-Language Music
In 2001, She released her first English-language album, Laundry Service, which became a global phenomenon thanks to hits like Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes. The album sold over 13 million copies worldwide and launched her international career.
Continued Musical Success
She continued her success with albums like Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005), featuring hits such as La Tortura, Hips Don’t Lie, and Don’t Bother. Hips Don’t Lie became one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century.
In 2010, she recorded Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the FIFA World Cup, which remains one of the most-watched videos on YouTube and a global anthem. Subsequent albums like Sale el Sol (2010), Shakira (2014), and El Dorado (2017) reinforced her versatility and dominance in pop and Latin music.
In 2024, Shakira released the viral single Puntería, which became a trending hit and showcased her enduring appeal.
Acting & Television
In addition to her music, She has acted in television and voice work, including as Gazelle in Disney’s Zootopia (2016). She also served as a coach on The Voice in 2013 and 2014.
Public Image and Recognition
She is known for her signature belly dancing and hip-shaking style, drawing from her Lebanese heritage. She has won 3 Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammy Awards, and numerous Billboard and MTV awards. She has performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show (2020) alongside Jennifer Lopez and has appeared on countless magazine covers.
Forbes has repeatedly included her on lists of powerful women and influential Latin artists. Beyond entertainment, She is celebrated for her philanthropic work through the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which funds schools in Colombia.
Shakira: Net Worth
As of 2025, She net worth is estimated at $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She earns from album sales, global tours, streaming royalties, brand endorsements, and investments. She remains one of the highest-earning Latin artists in history, earning tens of millions annually through her multifaceted career.
Shakira: Husband & Kids
She is not married but was in a long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué from 2011 to 2022. The couple shares two sons:
- Milan Piqué Mebarak (born 2013)
- Sasha Piqué Mebarak (born 2015)
Following her separation from Piqué in 2022, Shakira has focused on her career and raising her children, often sharing moments from their lives on social media while maintaining privacy about her dating life.
Shakira: Biography
She Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll. From an early age, she demonstrated exceptional talent in writing, singing, and dancing. She wrote her first song at age 8 and signed her first record deal at 13.
Her multicultural background, with Lebanese and Spanish-Italian roots, deeply influenced her sound and style, blending Arabic, rock, pop, and Latin rhythms. After achieving fame in Latin America in the 1990s, she successfully crossed over into the English-language market in 2001.
Throughout her career, She has been celebrated not only for her music and dance but also for her commitment to education and children’s rights through her foundation. She continues to tour globally, release new music, and inspire millions with her artistry and humanitarian work.
Shakira: Boyfriend/Relationship Status
As of 2025, She is single, having ended her relationship with Gerard Piqué in 2022. While she has been linked to a few rumored partners since then, she has not confirmed any serious relationships. In a 2025 interview, She said she is focusing on her children, her career, and her personal growth, describing herself as “happily independent.”
Shakira: Social Media Accounts
Shakira Latest Released Viral Video Song – Puntería (Official Video)
In 2024, She released her single Puntería alongside its official video, which quickly went viral across platforms for its catchy beat, empowering lyrics, and stunning visuals. The song marked her triumphant return to the charts and demonstrated her ability to remain relevant and innovative in the ever-changing music industry.
Interesting Facts About Shakira
- She was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
- She wrote her first song, Tus Gafas Oscuras, at the age of 8.
- She is of Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian descent.
- She speaks multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and some Arabic.
- She is trained in belly dancing, a skill she learned from her Lebanese grandmother.
- She released her first album, Magia, when she was just 13 years old.
- Her English-language debut, Laundry Service (2001), sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
- She has won 3 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards.
- Her 2010 FIFA World Cup song Waka Waka is one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.
- She performed at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Jennifer Lopez.
- She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which funds schools and education programs in Colombia.
- She dated Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué for over a decade and has two sons with him.
- She has over 90 million followers on Instagram, making her one of the most-followed Latin artists.
- She has sold an estimated 80+ million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever.
- As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $300 million.
Shakira – Final Words
She has cemented her place as one of the most iconic and influential artists of her generation. From her humble beginnings in Barranquilla to her status as an international superstar, she has broken barriers for Latin artists worldwide. Known for her distinctive voice, electrifying performances, and philanthropic work, Shakira exemplifies artistry, resilience, and heart.
Beyond her music, she has made a lasting impact through her dedication to education and social causes, proving she’s more than just an entertainer—she’s a role model. With a career spanning decades, countless accolades, and an unyielding creative spirit, her journey continues to inspire millions across the globe. Her legacy as the “Queen of Latin Pop” is secure, and her future promises even more memorable moments, both on and off the stage.
FAQs About Shakira
Who is Shakira?
She is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist known for her unique voice, hit songs, and global influence.
How old is Shakira?
She was born on February 2, 1977, making her 48 years old in 2025.
What is Shakira’s net worth?
As of 2025, Shakira’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million.
Where is Shakira from?
She was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia.
What is Shakira’s real name?
Her full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll.
Is Shakira married?
No, She is not married. She was previously in a long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué.
Does Shakira have children?
Yes, she has two sons: Milan (born 2013) and Sasha (born 2015).
What is Shakira’s height and weight?
She is approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall and weighs around 53 kg (117 lbs).
What are Shakira’s social media accounts?
She is active on Instagram (@shakira), Twitter/X (@shakira), Facebook (Shakira), YouTube (She), and TikTok (@shakira).
Has Shakira acted in movies?
Yes, she voiced the character Gazelle in Disney’s animated film Zootopia (2016).
What songs is Shakira known for?
Some of her most famous songs include Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever, Waka Waka, Underneath Your Clothes, and Puntería.
What brands has Shakira partnered with?
She has worked with brands like Pepsi, Oral-B, Fisher-Price, and others throughout her career.
Does Shakira have a foundation?
Yes, she founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on providing education and nutrition to underprivileged children in Colombia.
How did Shakira become famous?
She rose to fame in Latin America with her 1995 album Pies Descalzos and gained international fame with her English debut Laundry Service in 2001.
Does Shakira have siblings?
Yes, She has eight older half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage.
What is Shakira’s zodiac sign?
She zodiac sign is Aquarius.
