Shakira: Based on NeemTime research
Biography / Personal Details / Who is Shakira
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
She is internationally recognized for her powerful stage presence, unique vocal style, and blending of Latin, Arabic, and pop musical influences.
Shakira is fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and has also studied Arabic and Italian.
Her name, Shakira, means “grateful” in Arabic, reflecting her Lebanese father’s heritage.
She became a global crossover star in the early 2000s and has sold over 80 million records worldwide.
Shakira is known not only for her music but also for her hip-shaking belly dance routines, which have become her signature on stage.
She stands at approximately 5 feet 2 inches and maintains a petite but athletic frame through regular dance and fitness routines.
Aside from entertainment, Shakira is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts, especially through her Barefoot Foundation which supports education in Colombia.
She has received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards.
Shakira is often considered one of the most influential Latin artists of all time due to her cultural impact and long-standing global popularity.
Background / Childhood / Early Life Highlights of Shakira
Shakira was born as the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll, and she grew up in a multicultural household with Lebanese and Colombian roots.
Her early years were marked by financial struggle after her father’s business went bankrupt, which deeply influenced her empathy for disadvantaged children.
She wrote her first poem at age four and composed her first song, “Tus Gafas Oscuras,” at age eight, dedicated to her father.
Shakira was fascinated with belly dancing from a young age and would often perform for classmates at school.
She was rejected from her school choir because her voice was considered “too strong” and “different,” which motivated her to find her own musical path.
By age 13, she had signed her first record deal with Sony Music Colombia, marking the start of her professional career.
Her first two albums, released while she was still in her teens, gained modest local attention but failed to gain international recognition.
Shakira’s determination and creativity led her to take more control over her music, writing and producing much of her breakthrough album “Pies Descalzos.”
She spent part of her childhood visiting Lebanon, which influenced her cultural identity and introduced her to Arabic music and dance.
Shakira credits her early struggles and bicultural upbringing as key influences in shaping both her music and philanthropic mindset.
Career / Other Work / Current Life Highlights of Shakira
Shakira achieved international fame with the release of her fifth album, “Laundry Service,” in 2001, which featured the hit single “Whenever, Wherever.”
She made a successful transition from Spanish-language albums to English pop, becoming a global superstar known for her multilingual appeal.
In addition to her music career, Shakira has served as a coach on “The Voice” in the U.S., showing her mentoring side to aspiring artists.
She performed at major world events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where her song “Waka Waka” became an international anthem.
Shakira has collaborated with numerous artists including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Maluma, and Alejandro Sanz.
Her philanthropic work through the Barefoot Foundation has built schools in Colombia and supports over 6,000 children annually.
She has ventured into business with her own fragrance line and other entrepreneurial efforts, showing her versatility beyond music.
Shakira earned critical acclaim for her 2020 Super Bowl halftime show performance alongside Jennifer Lopez.
In recent years, she has returned to Spanish-language music with hits that showcase her continued relevance and artistic evolution.
As of now, Shakira remains active in both music and philanthropy, often using her platform to speak out on social justice, education, and environmental issues.
Dating History / Family Members / Personal Life of Shakira
Shakira was in a long-term relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa from 2000 to 2010, describing him as her “first serious love.”
Following their split, she entered a widely publicized relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, which began in 2011.
Shakira and Piqué have two sons together, Milan and Sasha, and lived together in Barcelona for much of their relationship.
The couple announced their separation in 2022 after over a decade together, amid intense media attention and rumors of infidelity.
Despite the breakup, Shakira has emphasized co-parenting and her commitment to providing stability for her children.
Shakira is close to her extended family and has spoken publicly about how her father’s Lebanese roots and mother’s Spanish heritage shaped her identity.
Her father, William Mebarak, has been a strong influence, often accompanying her to public events and appearing in documentaries about her life.
Though often private, Shakira has shared glimpses into her life as a mother and artist, balancing fame with family life.
She reportedly moved to Miami with her children following her separation from Piqué to start a new chapter focused on personal growth and career revival.
Shakira has chosen not to marry, expressing in interviews that she prefers freedom and flexibility in relationships over traditional structures.
Shakira Family
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Height / How to Get Body Like Shakira
Shakira stands approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, maintaining a petite and toned physique through consistent dance-focused workouts.
She trains under celebrity fitness coach Anna Kaiser, incorporating strength, cardio, and core routines tailored to high-energy performance demands.
Her daily routine often includes dance rehearsals lasting several hours, making movement a key part of her fitness regime rather than gym-only sessions.
Shakira follows a clean Mediterranean-influenced diet that emphasizes vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats while minimizing processed foods.
She practices yoga and stretching to maintain flexibility, which is essential for her signature hip movements and dynamic stage presence.
Her workouts are designed for endurance and agility, often involving dance intervals, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises.
Shakira reportedly avoids alcohol and sugar in her daily routine, focusing instead on hydration, nutrient balance, and mental clarity.
She balances high-intensity intervals with recovery-based activities like walking, meditation, and rest days to support long-term health.
Shakira’s active motherhood also plays a role in her fitness, as she often engages in outdoor play and movement with her children.
Her motivation for staying fit is performance-based rather than appearance-driven, as she aims to deliver powerful, high-energy shows.
Interview Quotes of Shakira (where/when)
In a 2020 interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Shakira said, “I feel like music is the oxygen of my life—without it, I feel like I can’t breathe.”
During a 2013 interview with Elle Magazine, she shared, “I used to think I had to be perfect to be loved, but now I just want to be real.”
On The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2020, Shakira joked, “I dance better than I cook, and that’s probably for everyone’s benefit.”
In a 2019 CBS Sunday Morning segment, she revealed, “Becoming a mother grounded me in a way that changed my creativity forever.”
Speaking to Billboard in 2014, she remarked, “Pop is like fast food. You have to keep it fresh, spicy, and unexpected.”
In a Vanity Fair interview from 2009, she reflected, “I’ve always felt like an outsider. That’s what gave me the drive to work harder.”
On 60 Minutes in 2020, she said, “I feel most connected to my roots when I dance barefoot. That’s who I am at my core.”
In a 2018 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Shakira opened up: “When I lose my voice, I feel like I lose my identity.”
In a 2021 Apple Fitness+ interview, she stated, “Every show is a workout. You don’t need a gym when you’re touring.”
Speaking to The Guardian in 2017, she commented, “I’ve always had to fight to prove myself. That fight is in my DNA.”
TV / Movie Quotes of Shakira (where/when)
In the animated movie Zootopia (2016), as the voice of Gazelle, Shakira’s character says, “Try everything,” which became a hit song and motivational anthem.
In a Saturday Night Live sketch in 2009, she playfully declared, “I don’t understand why people say I sound like a goat—I think goats are cute!”
During a guest appearance on Ugly Betty in 2009, she joked as herself, “Yes, I’m the real Shakira—don’t let the librarian glasses fool you.”
In her 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show, although non-verbal, her iconic ululation and tongue flick went viral as a bold cultural expression.
On The Voice (Season 4, 2013), she advised a contestant, “You don’t just sing the song—you make people feel it in their bones.”
In the documentary Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour (2019), she reflects, “It’s been hard, but I feel alive when I’m on that stage.”
In VH1 Behind the Music (2002), she stated, “I’m not here to fit into the industry mold—I’m here to shake it.”
While hosting MTV Europe Music Awards in 2009, she quipped, “Europe is always louder, wilder, and definitely more fashionable.”
In Carpool Karaoke with Trevor Noah (2017), she joked, “My hips don’t lie, but my GPS definitely does.”
On Sesame Street (2010), Shakira encouraged children by saying, “You can do anything—especially if you sing while you do it!”
Controversies / Gossip / Scandals of Shakira
In 2022, Shakira made headlines over her split from Gerard Piqué after reports of his alleged infidelity surfaced in Spanish media.
The couple’s breakup became a media frenzy, especially after Shakira released a diss track with Bizarrap in 2023, indirectly referencing the situation.
In 2021, Shakira was named in the Pandora Papers, a massive international tax investigation, for allegedly using offshore accounts to reduce tax liabilities.
Spanish prosecutors accused her in 2018 of tax evasion totaling around €14.5 million, claiming she falsely claimed residency outside Spain.
In 2023, she agreed to a settlement with Spanish authorities, paying millions to resolve the tax fraud case and avoid a prison sentence.
Rumors have circulated about creative tensions between Shakira and fellow artists, especially after abrupt project cancellations with former collaborators.
In the mid-2000s, she faced backlash from fans in Latin America who felt she was abandoning her cultural roots for a more globalized pop sound.
Some media outlets speculated about plastic surgery, though Shakira has never confirmed any cosmetic procedures and often promotes natural beauty.
During her 2020 Super Bowl halftime show, her performance sparked debate over whether it was “too provocative” for American audiences.
Despite public scrutiny, Shakira has rarely addressed gossip directly, preferring to respond through her music or stay focused on her children and career.
Lesser Known Unknown Facts Trivia of Shakira
Shakira has an exceptionally high IQ reported to be around 140, which is considered in the gifted range.
Her first poem was written when she was just four years old, and it eventually evolved into a song that launched her music career.
Before breaking into music, Shakira was rejected from her school choir because her vibrato was described as sounding “like a goat.”
She is ambidextrous, meaning she can write with both hands, although she favors her left for most tasks.
Shakira learned Arabic dance moves from her Lebanese grandmother and blended them with Latin dance to create her iconic performance style.
She once took a break from music to study History of Western Civilization at UCLA, enrolling under the name Isabel Mebarak.
Shakira holds the Guinness World Record for the most likes on a Facebook page by a musician, once surpassing 100 million followers.
She composed the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka” in under a week and included an African band, Freshlyground, to give it authenticity.
She has released music in multiple languages including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and even a bit of Arabic.
Shakira is known for her unusual pre-show ritual of brushing her teeth before every performance to feel mentally and physically fresh.
10 Most Commonly Frequently Discussed Questions/Topics with Answers on Shakira
Is Shakira underrated as a songwriter?
Fans often praise her lyrical depth in Spanish-language songs, especially her early albums, arguing she doesn’t get enough credit for her poetic skills.
How does Shakira stay fit?
Many posts explore her workout routines with trainer Anna Kaiser, emphasizing dance cardio, strength training, and a clean diet as the keys to her fitness.
What happened between Shakira and Gerard Piqué?
Fans threads are filled with speculation about their breakup, often citing alleged infidelity and fan-dissected clues from her lyrics and interviews.
What are Shakira’s best non-English songs?
Users frequently recommend tracks like “Antología,” “Ojos Así,” and “No,” which showcase her vocal range and songwriting talent in Spanish.
Why did Shakira appear in the Pandora Papers?
Fans discussions analyze how she allegedly used offshore companies to manage assets, with debates around legality versus ethics.
Is her Super Bowl performance culturally significant?
Fans widely discuss the halftime show with Jennifer Lopez, applauding the representation of Latin culture and the references to Colombian and Lebanese heritage.
Has Shakira had plastic surgery?
Fans speculate but often conclude she likely hasn’t, citing her consistent appearance and her advocacy for natural beauty.
What are Shakira’s hidden talents?
Fans threads highlight her ability to speak six languages, her academic achievements, and her philanthropy through the Barefoot Foundation.
How does Shakira compare to other pop stars?
There are long debates comparing her to artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and J.Lo, with many arguing she’s more versatile musically and linguistically.
Why is Shakira important to Latin music?
Fans agree she opened the global market to Latin pop artists and influenced generations by maintaining her cultural roots while achieving crossover success.