Shakira biography
Shakira history
Shakira facts
Shakira video clips
Shakira photos
Shakira story
Shakira discography
Shakira photographs
Shakira bio
Shakira info
Shakira curious
Shakira images
Shakira quotes
Shakira films
Shakira filmography

Born to parents of Colombian and Lebanese decent, Shakira Mebarak discovered her love of music at an early age. Penning her first song aged 8, she thrived on a healthy mix of both world music and bands as diverse as Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and Nirvana. One of her first songs was called ‘Tus Gafas Oscuras’ (Your Dark Glasses), about her father’s grief at the loss of his son in a car accident.

A regular on the local Colombian talent show circuit, Shakira got her lucky break after moving to Bogotá, initially with hopes of pursuing a career in modelling. Thanks to local theatre producer Monica Ariza, the talented young star-to-be was thrust under the nose of Sony Colombia executive, Ciro Vargas. Following a successful live showcase, Shakira was signed to the label and went on to release her fist album, ‘Magia’ in 1991. The album failed to grab attention on the international market, but did wonders for Shakira’s profile in her home country. A second album, ‘Peligro’, in 1993 left Shakira dissatisfied with the music industry and she returned home to take a role in the Colombian soap opera, ‘El Oasis’.

Shakira’s first English album, ‘Laundry Service’, released in 2001 was to be the catalyst that would launch the young star onto the international stage. Thanks to the collaborating talents of Gloria Estefan, the album went on to sell in excess of 13 million copies and spawned the monster hits ‘Whenever, Wherever’ and ‘Underneath Your Clothes’. The combination of strong Latin rhythms and Shakira’s unique voice made her instantly recognisable.

In 2002, Shakira set off on a world tour entitled ‘Tour of the Mongoose’. This unusually named show was based on the little known fact that a mongoose can defeat a cobra. Huge visuals to demonstrate this were even beamed onto screens to dazzle, and probably terrify, audiences.

Following this exhausting tour, Shakira took a break from recording leaving her record company to satisfy hungry fans with a remix collection ‘Laundry Service: Washed and Dried’ in 2002 and a live album, ‘Live & Off the Record’ in 2004.

Having amassed a healthy collection of both English and Spanish songs, Shakira released both ‘Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1’ and ‘Oral Fixation, Vol. 2’ in 2005. Both albums performed well thanks to a string of awards, including the 2005 MTV ‘Best Female, and the phenomenally successful second single ‘Hips Don't Lie’ featuring Wyclef Jean. In 2006, the duo was invited to perform the song to millions of football fans at the 2006 World Cup.

2006 proved to be a hugely successful year for the young talent after she received 6 Latin Billboard Awards, making her the biggest winner of the night. She was also honoured at a United Nations ceremony thanks to her Pies Descalzos Foundation, a charity that helps to protect children from violence in Colombia.

On the personal front, Shakira began dating the son of the then president of Argentina, Antonio de la Rúa in 2000. The couple have since become engaged and Shakira has said that she plans on having two children.

As her career continues to soar, it appears that Shakira has taken up where Britney and Co. have left off in terms of worldwide teen appeal.
Shakira biography



The name Shakira is Arabic for ‘grateful’ or ‘full of grace’.

Shakira says she named her debut English album ‘Laundry Service’ as she always feels “clean and fresh” when she is in love.

She doesn’t like to wear jewellery.

She has a penchant for chocolate balls.

Steven Spielberg offered her a part in his film ‘The Mask of Zorro’ in 1998. However, she felt unable to accept, as she believed her English wasn’t good enough.

Doll manufacturer Mattel has made several dolls inspired by the ‘Shakira’ look.
Shakira biography




Shakira biography



Magia - 1991
Peligro - 1993
Pies Descalzos - 1996
The Remixes - 1997
¿Dónde Están los Ladrones? - 1998
MTV Unplugged - 2000
Laundry Service - 2001
Grandes Éxitos - 2002
Live & Off the Record - 2004
Fijación Oral Vol. 1 - 2005
Oral Fixation Vol. 2 - 2005