Ever wondered what makes Shakira, the global icon, so uniquely captivating? Its her vibrant heritage, a rich tapestry woven from Lebanese, Spanish, and Colombian threads, that fuels her artistry and sets her apart. Shakira's heritage isn't just a footnote in her biography; it's the very foundation upon which her groundbreaking career is built.
Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, the singer's multicultural background has profoundly shaped her identity and artistic expression. Her mother, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, hails from a Colombian family with Catalan and Italian roots, while her father, William Alberto Mebarak Chadid, carries Lebanese heritage. This blend of cultures isn't just a matter of lineage; it's a powerful force that permeates her music, dance, and overall artistic vision. Growing up in Barranquilla, a bustling port city brimming with musicality and cultural fusion, Shakira absorbed Latin American, Arabic, and rock and roll influences, which she then masterfully synthesized into her own signature style. Even during her early school years, she showcased these diverse influences, demonstrating both her innate talent and the impact of her blended heritage. Her belly dancing abilities, a nod to her Lebanese ancestry, were already apparent, hinting at the global phenomenon she would become.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll |
| Birth Date | February 2, 1977 |
| Birth Place | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Producer |
| Years Active | 1990 Present |
| Genres | Latin Pop, Pop, Rock, World Music |
| Languages | Spanish (first language), English, Portuguese, Italian, French, Catalan, Arabic, Japanese |
| Parents | Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado (mother), William Alberto Mebarak Chadid (father) |
| Early Life | Began performing in school; demonstrated Latin American, Arabic, and rock and roll influences; belly dancing abilities. Diagnosed with ADHD during elementary school. |
| First Album | Magia (1991) |
| Breakthrough Album | Pies Descalzos (1996) - Sold over 3 million copies |
| Signature Moves | Belly Dancing |
| Influences | Latin American, Arabic, Rock and Roll |
| Website | Shakira's Official Website |
