Shakira Biography

Birthdate: February 9, 1977

Shakira Gets Her Start

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in the Columbian city of Barranquilla. When Shakira was 13, she headed to Bogotá to become a model. Instead of a modeling contract, Shakira ended up with a recording contract with Sony Music Columbia. In 1991, at the age of 14, Shakira released her debut album, Magia (Magic). The entire album was made up of songs written by Shakira. The CD didn't do very well and neither did her follow-up album, Peligro (Danger), so Shakira decided to make the jump into acting. In 1994, Shakira appeared on a Columbian soap opera called El Oasis but went back to music the next year. Shakira's album Pies Descalzos (Barefeet) sold over one million copies in Brazil.

Shakira's US Success

Shakira co-produced her following album Donde Estan Los Ladrones? with Emilio Estefan (Gloria's hubby) and the album went multi-platinum in the US, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Central America and Spain. The Latin singer has already won a Grammy and has two Latin Grammys under her belt. Shakira's first English-language CD, Laundry Service, was a huge success in North America. Shakira's new CD is due out in the spring of 2004.

Shakira - Did U Know?

Shakira was appointed as a UNICEF Ambassador, making her the youngest UNICEF Ambassador ever.

Shakira's name means "the graceful one."

Shakira speaks five languages (Italian, Spanish, English, Arabic and Portugese).

Shakira Says...

"I was so in love with the rock sound but at the same time because my father is of 100 percent Lebanese descent, I am devoted to Arabic tastes and sounds. Somehow I'm a fusion of all of those passions and my music is a fusion of elements that I can make coexist in the same place, in one song."

Shakira I would like to know you personally. When you have your next show can you send me tickets because I love you?
Kidz Submit By:
Nickname: hottiehottie
Age: 12

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