Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombia, to Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado and William Alberto Mebarak Chadid, a family with a rich cultural heritage that would later influence her music.
Her descent is a unique blend of Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian, a melting pot that would shape her musical style and contribute to her distinctive sound.
As a young girl, Shakira's elementary school years were marked by a diagnosis of ADHD, which manifested primarily as hyperactivity. Despite this challenge, she was known among her peers for her impressive belly dancing skills, a talent that would later become a hallmark of her performances.
However, Shakira's early musical endeavors were met with criticism when a school choir teacher told her that she "sang like a goat." But this setback did not deter her passion for music and performance, and she continued to hone her craft.
Shakira's professional music career began at the tender age of 12, and she quickly gained attention for her unique voice and high-energy performances. Her breakthrough came with the album "MTV Unplugged," which won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2001, catapulting her to international stardom.
Throughout her career, Shakira has been recognized for her innovative fusion of Latin pop, urban, and other musical styles, creating a distinctive sound that has captivated a global audience. Her dynamic dance style, which incorporates traditional belly dancing, is another hallmark of her performances.
In addition to her successful music career, Shakira is also a dedicated philanthropist. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on providing education and nutrition to underprivileged children in Colombia, a testament to her commitment to giving back to her community.
