Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Shakira has been referred to as the Queen of Latin Music and is noted for her versatility in music. She made her recording debut under Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. Following the commercial failure of her first two albums, Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993), she rose to prominence in Hispanic countries with her next albums, Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). Shakira entered the English-language market with her fifth album, Laundry Service (2001), which sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Buoyed by the international number-one singles 'Whenever, Wherever' and 'Underneath Your Clothes', the album propelled her reputation as a leading crossover artist. The BMI, the largest music rights organization in the United States, described Shakira as a pioneer who extended the global reach of Latino singers.
Member of: White House Initiative On Educational Excellence For Hispanics
Instruments: Guitar • Harmonica • Percussion Instrument • Voice
Genres: Pop Music • Latin Pop • Pop Rock • Latin Rock • Dance Music • Folk Music • World Music • Contemporary R&b • Rock Music
Influenced by: The Pretenders, John Lennon, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, Tom Petty, The Clash, Ramones, Andean music, Fairuz