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
She has a Mixed Heritage
Shakira has a rich heritage. With a Colombian mother with some Italian ancestry and a Lebanese father, she draws from a mix of backgrounds that often influences her music.
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.
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.
Even though Shakira is the only child of her mother, she is the youngest of nine other children from her father.
