16 Interesting Shakira Facts: Her Real Name, Mixed Heritage, and More

Shakira is best known as the Colombian-born singer, songwriter, and dancer who dominated both the Latino and English-language music industries. As one of the most influential musicians of all time, Shakira is known for her ability to create songs that make you want to dance.

Are you wondering about some of the more interesting facts about Shakira? Keep reading to learn more.

How Tall is Shakira?

Shakira, who is most known for her songs, “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” stands at only about 5 feet 2 inches tall.

What is Shakira’s Full Name?

Known on stage as only Shakira, this music superstar was born as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. When she began performing professionally, she dropped the rest of her name and became known as only Shakira.

Shakira Speaks Several Languages

Although Shakira only learned to speak English when she chose to cross over to the English-speaking world, she is fluent in several languages. She of course speaks Spanish and English, but also Portuguese, and can converse in both French and Italian. It has also been said that she speaks some Arabic.

Her Career Began at the Age of 10

Most people know that Shakira got her first record deal with Sony Music Colombia at 13. But did you know that she began belly dancing and singing in various compeтιтions when she was only 10?

She Saw Tragedy at a Young Age

Even someone as famous as Shakira is not spared from the tragedies of life. She experienced her first tragedy at the age of two when one of her brothers was killed by a drunk driver.

Shakira Does Not Stick with Just One Genre

Having started in the Latino music genre, Shakira always dreamed of being able to cross over to other areas. She has accomplished this ten-fold, having started with a rock sound before crossing over not just to the English language market but also to a more pop sound. She also has included her Lebanese heritage in many of her songs.

Shakira is Also a Philanthropist

This legendary superstar has made it well-known from the beginning of her successful career that giving back is important to her. She has given quite a bit of money and time to help build schools in Colombia. She even founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation in 1997 to help raise funds and awareness for school children across the country

Shakira is One of Nine Children

Even though Shakira is the only child of her mother, she is the youngest of nine other children from her father.

She Had Help from Learning English from Another Famous Musician

As Shakira began working to make the transition from the Latino music industry to English, she had a little help along the way. Music legend Gloria Estefan stepped in to help Shakira translate her music from Spanish to English.

If you didn’t already know how much Shakira means to her home country, all you have to do is take a trip to her hometown of Barranquilla. Here you will find a statue that stands about 16 feet tall of the music icon.

She Learned to Bellydance from Her Grandmother