- Born
- Birth nameShakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
- Nicknames
- Shak
- Shaki
- Height5′ 2″ (1.57 m)
- Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado and William Alberto Mebarak Chadid. She is of Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian descent, contributing to her diverse musical influences.
During her elementary school years, Shakira was diagnosed with ADHD, which mainly manifested as hyperactivity. She was known among her peers for her belly dancing skills. Despite her enthusiasm for music, she faced early criticism when a school choir teacher told her she wouldn't succeed because she "sang like a goat." These challenges did not deter her passion for music and performance.
Shakira began her musical career at the age of 12, quickly gaining attention for her unique voice and energetic performances. Her breakthrough came with the album "MTV Unplugged," which won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2001, marking her rise to international prominence.
Known for her fusion of Latin pop, urban, and other music styles, Shakira has created a distinctive sound that has garnered a global fan base. Her dynamic dance style, incorporating traditional belly dancing, further distinguishes her performances.
In addition to her music career, Shakira is recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on providing education and nutrition to underprivileged children in Colombia.- IMDb Mini Biography By: [email protected]
- Children
- ParentsWilliam Mebarak ChadidNidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
- RelativesTonino Mebarak(Sibling)Patricia Mebarak(Sibling)Ana Mebarak(Sibling)Valerie Domínguez(Cousin)Adriana Tarud Durán(Cousin)
- Performs barefoot in most of her concerts
- Belly dancing
- Sexy dance moves
- Frequently wears tight clothes.
- Blonde dyed hair
- Fluent in English and Portuguese, in addition to her native Spanish. She also speaks some Italian and French. Portuguese was the first language she learned after Spanish.
- Her Lebanese grandmother taught her the art of Arabian belly dancing so she can stay true to her Middle Eastern roots.
- Shakira means grateful in Arabic.
- Has perfect pitch: the ability to recognize any note upon hearing it or sing any note without prior to hearing it.
- Is a huge fan of Bollywood movies and music from India. She got in touch with Farah Khan, the most famous choreographer in India, and asked her if she could choreograph a dance for her performance at the 2006 MTV Video Awards. That night, Shakira's performance was the most memorable one as she sang and danced to "Hips Don't Lie" in traditional Indian clothing.
- The worst mistake of a woman is to go to the kitchen, because then she never gets out of there.
- I admire a person who, for the love of art, is able to take off their clothes in front of a camera. But I'm not capable, I'm too cowardly for that.
- It's not easy to work with me, I recognize that. It's not easy if those people aren't perfectionistic as as I am.
- The worst frustration for a singer is choosing a career in making music and then not being able to make music because you're always giving interviews.
- My brain, I believe, is the most beautiful part of my body.
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