Shakira

The Queen of Latin Music who popularized Hispanophone music globally.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born 2 February 1977) is a Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer. Referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music", she has had a significant impact on the musical landscape of Latin America and has been credited with popularizing Hispanophone music globally. Her accolades include four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards.

Quick Facts

Role: Guest Artist; Dancer
Affiliation: Just Dance franchise (Ubisoft)
Nationality: Colombian
Performance style: Hip-centric choreography
Status: Licensed guest-artist appearance

Lore & Background

Shakira made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at age 14. She rose to prominence with the albums Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). Her first English release, Laundry Service (2001), sold over 13 million copies worldwide. She has written or co-written a vast majority of her music and is regarded as an international phenomenon, known for blending Western and Middle Eastern influences.

Reader's Guide

Shakira served as a coach on two seasons of the American singing competition television series The Voice (2013–2014). She had a voice role in the animated film Zootopia (2016). She executive produced and judged the dance competition series Dancing with Myself (2022). Billboard named her the Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade twice (2000s and 2010s), and she was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026. Involved with the FIFA World Cup at various points since 2006, she has been described as the tournament's artistic, publicity, and humanitarian icon.