Shakira

Main milestones

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known professionally as Shakira, is a Colombian singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the musical landscape of Latin America and beyond. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira has built a successful career spanning over three decades, earning her the title of 'Queen of Latin Music.' This timeline highlights key milestones in her life and career.

Birth

February 2, 1977

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. She is of Spanish and Lebanese descent and has eight older half-siblings from her father's previous marriage.

First Poem

Age 4

Shakira wrote her first poem, titled 'La rosa de cristal' ('The Crystal Rose'), showcasing her early interest in writing.

First Typewriter

Age 7

Shakira received a typewriter as a Christmas gift, which she used to continue writing poetry and eventually songs.

First Song

Age 8

Shakira wrote her first song, titled 'Tus gafas oscuras' ('Your dark glasses'), inspired by her father's grief over the loss of her older half-brother.

Signing with Sony Music Colombia

1990

Shakira was signed to a record deal with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13, marking the beginning of her professional music career.

Debut Album - Magia

1991

Shakira released her debut album, Magia, which, despite moderate success, helped boost her visibility in Colombia.

Second Album - Peligro

1993

Shakira released her second album, Peligro, which, like Magia, had limited commercial success but contributed to her growing presence in the music industry.

Breakthrough Album - Pies Descalzos

1995

Shakira's third album, Pies Descalzos, marked a significant breakthrough in her career, producing several hits and establishing her as a rising star in Latin music.

Crossover Success - ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?

1998

Shakira's fourth album, ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?, further solidified her success in Hispanic countries and laid the groundwork for her crossover into the English-speaking market.

English Debut - Laundry Service

2001

Shakira's fifth album, Laundry Service, marked her entry into the English-language market and became a huge success, selling over 13 million copies worldwide and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for MTV Unplugged.

Dual Release - Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2

2005

Shakira released two albums in the same year: the Spanish-language Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and the English-language Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, both of which debuted in the top five in the United States and included the hit single 'Hips Don't Lie.'

World Cup Anthem - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

2010

Shakira collaborated with South African band Freshlyground on 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),' which became the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup and a global hit.

Self-Titled Album - Shakira

2014

Shakira released her self-titled album, which featured duets with Rihanna and Blake Shelton, further cementing her status as a global superstar.

El Dorado

2017

Shakira's album El Dorado won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album and the Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album, solidifying her legacy in Latin music.

Super Bowl Halftime Show

2020

Shakira performed alongside Jennifer Lopez in the Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing various Latin American music styles and dances, including the mapalé and champeta, to a global audience.

Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran

2024

Shakira released her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, making her the first woman with number-one albums across four different decades.

Other Themed Timelines

Awards and Recognition

Crossover Success

Early Life and Career

Personal Life and Relationships

Rise to Fame

Television and Film

Talks

Media Collections

Main milestones

Other Themed Timelines