Shakira has always held a special place in my heart as a beloved artist, but my admiration for her reached new heights when I spent time studying in Barcelona a couple of years ago. It seemed like her music was echoing everywhere I went, and her vibrant presence was impossible to escape with her songs filling the air and her image gracing countless Spanish billboards and magazines.
Shakira was wholeheartedly welcomed by Spanish culture, not just as a singer but as an influential figure. I was curious about this admiration until I dug into her background and discovered just how remarkable she is. It became clear to me then that Shakira embodies everything a Latina role model should be.
Shakira, known by her full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, was born in 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia, which is also the hometown of Sofia Vergara. In addition to being a renowned singer with a unique Latin flavor, she is also a talented songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. Aside from her professional talents, she is multilingual, fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Catalan. In her free time, she likes to play the guitar, harmonica, and drums, showcasing her impressive array of skills.
In the early 1990s, she made her debut in the Latin American music industry, but faced challenges gaining recognition in the American music scene until she began creating her unique style of music. Her breakthrough into mainstream success came in 2002 with the release of her first English single “Whenever, Wherever,” which catapulted her to superstardom. One of the standout Shakira songs for me is “Hips Don’t Lie,” released in 2006. You can watch the music video for this catchy tune below.
I decided to highlight Shakira on my blog not just for her incredible talents as a singer and performer, but also for her inspiring work as a Latino celebrity dedicated to making a positive impact. In 1997, Shakira established the Pies Descalzos Foundation (Barefoot Foundation), a charity in Colombia that works to support underprivileged children and ensure they have access to education. Shakira firmly believes that every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality education, and she has worked tirelessly to make a difference in as many young lives as possible. The foundation’s reach has since extended to countries beyond Colombia, including Haiti and South Africa.
Shakira observed the less than ideal economic conditions in Colombia which led to a lack of access to schools for many children due to their geographical location or social status. According to data from Audience Scapes, the chart below illustrates the varying levels of education received by Colombian children in 2009 based on their financial circumstances.
Shakira noticed that education rates were alarmingly low across all economic groups and she couldn’t stand idly by. Her decision to focus on investing in Colombian education and the potential of young people in the country is truly commendable. Through her foundation, Shakira has been able to inspire hope for a brighter future in Colombia.
Shakira’s journey truly motivates me as she didn’t let her circumstances define her. Coming from a humble background in the developing world, she didn’t have much growing up. Despite the challenges, she managed to rise above her circumstances and even dedicated her success to helping others facing similar struggles. Her selflessness shines through as she pours her time and resources into a non-profit organization, making a difference in the lives of those in need. It’s truly inspiring to see someone like Shakira using her platform for such a noble cause.
I’ve always been a fan of Shakira’s incredible talent, but my admiration for her skyrocketed when I discovered her generous and compassionate nature. She stands out as one of the most philanthropic celebrities I’ve encountered, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the entire Latino community.
