Shakira’s journey

A Star Born from Struggles

Growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira was an only child from a modest background. Her father lost his business when she was young, and to teach her humility, he took her to a local park where orphaned children lived. That moment deeply impacted her, and she promised herself she would help vulnerable children if she ever became successful.

→ This is what later inspired her to start the Pies Descalzos Foundation.

🎤 2. Rejected for Her Voice

At school, Shakira was banned from the choir because her teachers thought she “sounded like a goat.” Instead of giving up, she focused on songwriting and dancing, developing her now-iconic blend of Arabic and Latin rhythms.

→ Years later, she became one of the most recognizable voices in pop music.

💔 3. Turning Heartbreak Into Power

After her high-profile split with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, Shakira channeled her emotions into powerful music like "BZRP Music Sessions #53", which broke streaming records. She openly spoke about feeling “betrayed” but used the pain as fuel.

→ The 2024 album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" became an anthem of female strength.

🏫 4. Building Schools, Not Just Beats

While touring the world, Shakira quietly built nine schools across Colombia through her Barefoot Foundation, educating thousands of underprivileged kids. She once said:

“A child educated is a child with possibilities, with a future.”

→ Her work earned her honors from the UN and Harvard.

🌍 5. Uniting the World through Music

Her 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", was not only a global hit but also spotlighted African culture and philanthropy. She donated proceeds to youth causes in South Africa.

→ The performance became one of the most viewed music videos in history.

💃 6. Reclaiming Her Art at the Super Bowl

In 2020, Shakira co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show with Jennifer Lopez, performing at her peak—singing, belly dancing, playing guitar and drums. It was a celebration of Latina culture in front of over 100 million viewers.

→ Her tongue-trilling "zaghrouta" became a viral cultural moment!

🧠 7. A Brainy Pop Icon

Shakira is fluent in five languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian), and has an IQ above 140. She even took an online course in ancient philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania during the pandemic.

→ She’s more than just a performer—she’s a lifelong learner.

✨ 8. Statue in Her Hometown

In 2023, her hometown honored her with a bronze statue over 21 feet tall. It shows her dancing in her signature belly-dancing pose, reminding everyone of how a Colombian girl became a global cultural symbol.

Musical Expansion & Global Collaborations (2010–2020)

After the massive success of "Waka Waka" at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Shakira became one of the most streamed Latin artists in the world. She began experimenting with new genres, collaborating with global artists like:

Beyoncé in "Beautiful Liar"

Rihanna in "Can't Remember to Forget You"

Maluma, Carlos Vives, and Black Eyed Peas

Her unique ability to blend Arabic, Colombian, and Western sounds made her a musical bridge between cultures. Albums like "Shakira" (2014) and "El Dorado" (2017) kept her at the top of the charts.

✅ Her album El Dorado won the Best Latin Pop Album Grammy in 2018.

🧒 Motherhood & Personal Life

Shakira balanced global stardom with motherhood. She had two sons with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué:

Milan (born 2013)

Sasha (born 2015)

She often said motherhood gave her a new sense of purpose and patience. However, behind the scenes, she faced emotional challenges in maintaining both her career and family.

💔 Breakup & Public Scrutiny (2022–2023)

In 2022, after over a decade together, Shakira and Piqué separated amid reports of infidelity. The breakup made headlines worldwide. Instead of withdrawing, Shakira turned her pain into raw, empowering songs, such as:

"BZRP Music Sessions #53" – which broke YouTube records

"Monotonía" – expressing heartbreak and betrayal

💬 Shakira said:

“There is a place in hell reserved for women who don’t support other women.”

Her songs sparked conversations about female empowerment, heartbreak, and self-respect.🎤 Return to Stage & Cultural Honor (2023–2024)

In 2023, Shakira was awarded the MTV Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her lifetime contribution to music. She performed a high-energy medley of her biggest hits, reminding the world of her staying power.

That same year, she was honored with a giant bronze statue in her hometown of Barranquilla, a tribute to her global success and pride in her roots.

💿 Comeback Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024)

Shakira’s 2024 album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" (Women Don’t Cry Anymore), marked a powerful return:

Themes: Healing, independence, transformation

Style: A blend of pop, reggaeton, Afrobeat, and Latin rock

It topped global charts and became a voice for many women going through emotional rebirths.

She then launched a world tour in 2025, reuniting with fans across continents.

🎓 Philanthropy & Education Work

Outside music, Shakira remained deeply committed to social causes:

Built schools and feeding programs for over 80,000 children in Colombia through her Pies Descalzos Foundation

Became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Advocated for early childhood education in international forums

Her activism has been recognized by organizations like the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, and Harvard University.

🌟 Legacy Today (2025)

Today, Shakira is not only seen as one of the most successful female artists in history, but also as:

A symbol of Latin American pride

A humanitarian and mother

A woman who turned pain into art, and setbacks into empowerment

📝 Final Words

From being called "too strange" for school choirs to becoming a voice for women worldwide, Shakira’s story is about perseverance, creativity, and heart.