Shakira has always been close to my heart as a cherished musician, but my appreciation for her grew even more when I studied in Barcelona a few years back. It felt like her music was all around me, echoing through the streets and her captivating presence was inescapable with her songs playing and her face adorning numerous Spanish advertisements and publications.
Shakira was embraced by Spanish society with open arms, not only for her musical talents but also for her impact as a significant figure. I was intrigued by this reverence until I delved into her origins and realized her extraordinary nature. At that moment, it dawned on me that Shakira truly epitomizes the ideal Latina idol.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a multi-talented artist with a unique Latin style. Along with her successful singing career, she is also recognized for her skills as a songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Catalan, she showcases her versatility in multiple languages. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing musical instruments such as the guitar, harmonica, and drums, demonstrating her wide range of talents.
During the early 1990s, she entered the Latin American music scene, but struggled to make a name for herself in the American industry. It wasn’t until she developed her own distinct musical style that she started to gain recognition. Her big break came in 2002 when she released her first English single “Whenever, Wherever,” propelling her to stardom. One of my favorite songs by Shakira is “Hips Don’t Lie,” which was released in 2006. Check out the music video for this infectious track below.
I chose to feature Shakira on my blog not only for her outstanding skills as a singer and performer, but also for her remarkable efforts as a prominent Latino figure dedicated to creating a positive change. Back in 1997, Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation (Barefoot Foundation), a non-profit organization in Colombia that strives to help disadvantaged children access education. Shakira strongly believes that every child deserves the chance to receive a quality education, and she has devoted herself to impacting as many young individuals as she can. The foundation’s influence has now spread to other countries outside of Colombia, including Haiti and South Africa.
Shakira noticed the challenging economic situation in Colombia that caused many children to miss out on school opportunities due to where they lived or their social standing. Audience Scapes data from 2009 shows the different levels of education Colombian kids received depending on their financial situation.
Upon recognizing the concerning lack of education among various economic classes, Shakira took action instead of sitting back. Her dedication to improving Colombian education and uplifting the youth in the nation is truly admirable. Thanks to her foundation, Shakira has successfully instilled optimism for a better tomorrow in Colombia.
Shakira’s story really inspires me because she refused to let her upbringing hold her back. Growing up in a modest background in a developing country, she faced many challenges. However, she didn’t let that stop her from achieving success and giving back to others in need. Her generosity is evident in her efforts to support a charity organization, where she dedicates her time and resources to help those facing similar struggles. It’s amazing to see how Shakira uses her fame to make a positive impact on the world.
I’ve always admired Shakira for her amazing talent, but my appreciation for her grew even more when I learned about her giving and caring personality. She truly stands out as one of the most charitable celebrities I know, being a source of motivation for the Latino community as a whole.
