Shakira is not just a global music sensation; she is a multifaceted artist whose life and career are filled with intriguing stories and remarkable achievements.
From her early beginnings in Barranquilla, Colombia, to her rise as one of the best-selling artists of all time, Shakira’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion.
Beyond her chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, there are countless fascinating facts that reveal the depth of her artistry and her impact on the world.
In this article, we will explore some of the most captivating aspects of Shakira’s life, including her unique cultural influences, philanthropic endeavors, and the secrets behind her signature sound.
How many times has Shakira been married?
Shakira has never been married. Throughout her life, she has had three significant relationships.
The first was with Osvaldo Ríos in 1997, which lasted for about eight months.
Following that, she was in a long-term relationship with Antonio de la Rúa from 2000 to 2010; this romance spanned ten years and included an engagement, though they never tied the knot.
Her most notable relationship has been with Gerard Piqué, which began in 2011 and lasted until their separation in 2022.
This twelve-year partnership resulted in two children, but like her previous relationships, they also did not marry.
Recently, Shakira has been linked to other figures such as Drake and Jimmy Butler, but her romantic history primarily revolves around these three significant relationships.
How many kids does Shakira have?
Shakira has two children, both sons, with her former partner Gerard Piqué.
Their eldest son, Milan Piqué Mebarak, was born on January 22, 2013, and their second son, Sasha Piqué Mebarak, arrived on January 29, 2015.
Shakira has described parenting as one of the most challenging experiences of her life, emphasizing her commitment to their well-being following her separation from Piqué in June 2022.
Is Shakira an American citizen?
Shakira is a Colombian-American citizen. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, she later acquired American citizenship.
Shakira has lived in various countries, including Spain and the United States, and currently resides in Miami.
Her dual citizenship reflects her international career and personal life, especially following her long-term relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué and her ongoing ties to both Colombian and American cultures.
Facts about Shakira
1. Full name: Shakira’s full name, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, reflects her rich cultural heritage, with “Shakira” meaning “grateful” in Arabic and “Isabel” being her mother’s name, while “Mebarak” is her father’s surname and “Ripoll” is her mother’s maiden name.
2. Birthdate: She was born on February 2, 1977, in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, which would later become a significant influence on her music and artistic expression.
3. Heritage: Shakira’s heritage is a blend of Lebanese and Colombian cultures, reflecting her diverse ancestry and the rich musical traditions that have shaped her career.
4. First song: At just eight years old, she began writing her own songs, demonstrating an early passion for music that would eventually lead to her becoming one of the most successful artists globally.
5. Early career: Shakira’s music career took off when she signed her first record deal at the age of 13, marking the beginning of a journey that would see her rise to international fame.
6. Breakthrough album: Her breakthrough album Pies Descalzos, released in 1996, catapulted Shakira to fame both in Colombia and internationally, showcasing her unique blend of Latin rhythms and pop melodies.
7. Language skills: Shakira’s linguistic abilities are as impressive as her musical talent, with fluency in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
8. Record sales: With over 75 million records sold globally, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time, a testament to her enduring popularity across multiple generations.
9. Grammy Awards: Shakira has won three Grammy Awards throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to music and her ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
10. Latin Grammy Awards: In addition to her Grammy wins, she holds an impressive fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a leading figure in Latin music.
11. Crossover artist: Shakira made history by becoming the first South American artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit single “Hips Don’t Lie,” a collaboration with Wyclef Jean.
12. World Cup anthem: Her energetic anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” was chosen as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, further cementing her global appeal.
13. Philanthropy: Shakira’s commitment to philanthropy is evident through her founding of the Barefoot Foundation, which works tirelessly to provide education and support to impoverished children in Colombia.
14. The Voice: She has also ventured into television by serving as a coach on The Voice, helping aspiring singers achieve their dreams and sharing her expertise with a new audience.
15. Documentary: Shakira’s documentary El Dorado World Tour has been widely acclaimed and remains one of the most screened documentaries featuring a Latina artist in Latin America.
16. Social media influence: She is highly active on social media platforms, using them to connect with fans, share her creative process, and promote various causes she supports.
17. Dance skills: Shakira’s training in belly dancing has been a defining element of her performances, adding an exotic and captivating dimension to her live shows.
18. Acting career: Before focusing solely on music, she began her acting career with a role in the Colombian soap opera El Oasis in 1994, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
19. Best-selling artist: Shakira holds the distinction of being the best-selling Colombian artist of all time, a testament to her enduring popularity both domestically and internationally.
20. Cultural impact: Her success has paved the way for other Latin artists to achieve mainstream recognition, breaking down cultural barriers and opening doors for future generations.
21. Children’s involvement: Shakira’s sons Milan and Sasha have been involved in her creative process, participating in her music project “Acróstico,” which highlights their unique bond and artistic collaboration.
22. Fashion icon: She is renowned for her distinctive style, often incorporating bold fashion choices that reflect her personality and artistic expression.
23. Collaborations: Throughout her career, Shakira has collaborated with numerous artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, fostering creative partnerships that have resulted in memorable hits.
24. Awards nominations: Shakira has received over 700 nominations throughout her career, a staggering number that underscores her consistent excellence across various award ceremonies.
25. Humanitarian work: In addition to her work through the Barefoot Foundation, she remains actively involved in numerous charitable causes around the world, using her platform to make a positive impact.
26. Record-breaking singles: Shakira’s single “TQG” broke records for Spanish-language tracks by women in the U.S., highlighting her continued influence on contemporary music trends.
27. Best-selling album in Turkey: Her album Laundry Service holds the distinction of being the best-selling album in Turkey’s history, demonstrating her broad appeal across different regions.
28. Crossover success: Shakira has achieved Billboard success across four decades with multiple albums topping charts, solidifying her status as a crossover artist capable of appealing to diverse audiences.
29. Innovative music videos: She is celebrated for her innovative music videos that often blend vibrant visuals with cultural richness, creating memorable experiences for viewers worldwide.
30. Cultural ambassador: As a cultural ambassador for Colombia, Shakira represents her country’s rich heritage through both her music and philanthropic efforts, inspiring pride among her compatriots.
31. Multi-genre influence: Her music is characterized by its blend of diverse genres such as rock, pop, and Arabic influences, reflecting her eclectic taste and ability to innovate within different musical styles.
32. First Spanish-language top ten debut: Shakira made history by becoming the first woman to debut a Spanish-language track in the U.S. top ten with her hit single “La La La,” showcasing her ability to transcend linguistic barriers.
33. Singing career start: She started performing professionally at age ten in local venues in Barranquilla, laying the groundwork for her future success as a global performer.
34. Award-winning documentaries: Shakira’s documentaries have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, highlighting her commitment to storytelling through visual mediums beyond just music.
35. Musical family background: Growing up in a family that values music—her father being a musician—Shakira was naturally inclined towards creative expression from an early age.
36. Diverse discography: Her discography includes albums released in both English and Spanish languages, allowing her to connect with an extensive audience base globally.
37. Inspiration from Middle Eastern music: Shakira draws inspiration from Middle Eastern music traditions due to her Lebanese heritage, incorporating these elements into her songs to create unique blends of cultural influences.
38. Popular dance moves: Shakira is renowned for popularizing specific dance moves such as belly dancing globally through her performances and music videos, making these styles more accessible and mainstream.
39. Social activism: She uses her platform to advocate for education and children’s rights worldwide through various initiatives beyond just her foundation work, leveraging her influence positively across different regions.
40. Influence on Latin music scene: Shakira is considered one of the most influential Latin artists of all time due to her groundbreaking contributions to mainstream music while inspiring future generations within the Latin music scene.
41. Recent releases: She continues releasing new music; including her latest album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to creating innovative and impactful musical content for her devoted fan base.
Conclusion
Shakira’s journey from a young girl in Barranquilla to an international music icon is nothing short of inspiring.
Her unique blend of cultural influences, exceptional talent, and unwavering dedication to her craft have not only earned her a prominent place in the music industry but have also allowed her to make a significant impact on global humanitarian efforts.
Through her philanthropic work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and social justice, using her platform to uplift underprivileged communities.
As we’ve explored these 41 fascinating facts about Shakira, it’s clear that her artistry transcends borders, resonating with fans around the world.
Whether through her catchy melodies, captivating performances, or heartfelt lyrics, Shakira continues to inspire and entertain, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.
As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, we can only anticipate what remarkable contributions she will make in the future.
