Shakira
Shakira (Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) is a global Colombian superstar—singer‑songwriter, dancer, and producer—born on 2 February 1977 in Barranquilla. Dubbed the “Queen of Latin Music,” she’s sold over 125 million records, making her the best‑selling Latin female artist ever .
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🎶 Career Highlights
• Early success in Latin America with Pies Descalzos (1996) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998) .
• Broke into the English–language market with Laundry Service (2001), delivering global chart‑toppers like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes” .
• Continued global dominance with hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” “Waka Waka” (2010 World Cup anthem), and recent chart‑busters “TQG” and “BZRP Session #53” .
• Acts as a cultural ambassador: judge on The Voice (2013–14), appeared in Zootopia, advocates for children’s education via the Pies Descalzos Foundation, and holds titles like UN goodwill ambassador .
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🆕 Recent & Ongoing Projects
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024)
Her twelfth studio album, released in March 2024, delves into themes of heartbreak, empowerment, and self‑rediscovery following personal trials (like her split from Gerard Piqué and legal issues) .
2025 World Tour: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
• Began 11 February 2025 in Rio, running until 9 December across the Americas with 79 dates .
• Record-breaking: added extra stadium dates in NY & Miami, and made history as first female artist with seven consecutive sold-out shows at Mexico’s Estadio GNP Seguros .
• Some early cancellations due to health (hospitalization for abdominal issue in Peru) and technical/stage safety concerns in Chile, Medellín, Lima, and Peru .
July ~2025: Texas Tour & Flood Relief
• Performed rescheduled show at San Antonio’s Alamodome on 5 July, dedicating a portion of proceeds to Hill Country flood victims and Catholic Charities .
New Collaborations
• Released “Bésame” with Alejandro Sanz on 23 May 2025—flamenco‑afrobeat fusion, marking their third collaboration .
2024 Copa América Halftime
Headlined the first-ever Copa América final halftime show in Miami (July 2024), performing four songs including “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Te Felicito,” earning praise and sparking a few playback controversies .
Honors & Legacy
• Avenue renamed after her in Barranquilla and a 21‑foot bronze statue erected at the malecon in 2023 .
• Won multiple Grammys and Latin Grammys; MTV honored her with their Video Vanguard Award .