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Shakira: The Global Music Sensation

Introduction

As a performer of stage name Shakira she has been among the most vivacious dancers and singers in the musicshops today. She has enormous hits such as ‘Hips Don’t Lie’, ‘Waka Waka’, and ‘Whenever, Wherever’, and has employed appealing vocal ability and performance as well as has seemingly, good music versatility. This paper is an attempt to explore the story of this Colombian singer, from her roots in small town, to her international fame.

Early Life and Background

Shakira is a nickname for the full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll and she was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla in Colombia. She was raised in a very diverse home, Lebanese on her father’s side and Colombian on her mother’s side. From childhood, Shakira was keen on music as well as writing. Thus at the age of eight she had put down her first song and sang it for her family and her close friends.

Her father had a profound influence on her by introducing to Arabic music which crept into her music mix later in her career. In her childhood she also had some problems: her family was rather poor, and one day her half brother died; she also experienced violence However, music became a kind of reaction for her. The freedom to experience different sounds growing up paved way to the versatility of Shakira’s music.

The Rise to Fame

In 1991 she got her first record deal with Nashville label at the age of 13. She started her career making Magia and Peligro her first official albums in Latin America but they were not successfully received. It was on her album Pies Descalzos, released in 1995, that she became popular. her flow of artistic lyrics fused with Latin pop and rock album made her famous and noted to be a promising singer.

The latter part of 1997 in particular saw her coming of age with her fifth album ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones? Epidemic tracks included Ciega, Sordomuda and Ojos Así. With this she fused Latin, Rock, Middle Eastern sounds that gradually brought her international acclaim and thereby making her a top ranking Latin star of that period.

Breakthrough in English Market

Eager to spread her music in the entire world Shakira released her first full English album Laundry Service in 2001. The album was very successful and consisted of songs such as “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.” I believe that Shakira was one of the most expressive female artists during the icon’s performance, which is apparent from the Shakira’s powerful voice matched with her belly dancing.

The success of Laundry Service also expanded the audience for Shakira, and thus made her famous. This was evident by her performance in Portland where she switched from English songs to Spanish songs something that opened her up to a larger market.

Continued Success and Chart-Topping Hits

Such albums as Oral Fixation Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation Vol 2 in the year 2005 paved way for the bumpy ride of Shakira. These albums were such classic albums to include; “La Tortura” and “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean. This song “Hips Don’t Lie” is arguably one of the biggest hits of all times and broke records across the globe thereby propelling her to yet another level.

The following album She Wolf was released in 2009 which also depicted the electronic and dance music addition to other pop music. And yes, songs like “She Wolf” and “Did It Again” again demonstrated that born pop diva was able to test a new direction while retaining her style.

Her song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), released in celebration of 2010 World Cup tournaments across the world hit the chart. Thus, the song’s non-stop beat and the message of hope brought millions of fans worldwide, which only reinforces Shakira’s authority and popularity among the populace.

Shakira’s Social Media

Social media has been a key component of Shakira and her interaction with the fans all across the world. Having over millions of followers on Instagram, twitter and even face book, she occurs to post real life incidences, music products, and performances among others.

There are a lot of maternity-related posts, which are credible and as close to the ordinary life as possible, and lively, that made her friends with fans. Shakira also posts regularly to Instagram, singing in both English and Spanish while frequently citing that she is proud to be from Colombia.

Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work

Apart from music, Shakira is probably most famous for her philanthropic work. In the year 1997 she established the Pies Descalzos Foundation and this CMW works for the education of the needy children in Colombia. With her own foundation, she has constructed schools and raised communities to help thousands of children get education that they deserve.

Shakira’s effort in education and social causes has immensely paid off she has been awarded many honorary doctorate and humanitarian awards among them being UNICEF ambassador. She goes on influencing the society positively thus making her not only but a music legend but the whole world’s role model.

Performances and Global Influence

Awards: Shakira is famous for her live shows, when she sings, she dances at the same time. Her performance includes the usually unavailable mix between the classic and exotic belly dancing and more of today’s contemporary choreography.

Shakira has enthralled audiences with her performances, both live, with global tours and on stage starting from World Tour selling out tickets to her recently mind-blowing Super bowl Halftime show with Jennifer Lopez. Her music does not have a language and cultural bound thus making her one of the most popular music artist all over the world.

Challenges and Growth

As it is with most international music artists, Shakira has had her equitable measure of ordeals in her career. At times she may fail to manage between fame and family, and even personal challenges; but she has displayed uttermost hard work to remain relevant in producing the music people have taken time to listen to as they keep on inspiring them.

Starting from coping with the changes in the genre of music, to overcoming personal struggles, Shakira’s story is entrepreneurial. She has continued to shoot raw and unadulterated videos by using new and fresh ideas and concepts that reflect an ever-evolving market.

Legacy

This paper is an attempt to show how Shakira has impacted the music industry and other spheres. Millions of records sold worldwide and received numerous awards, millions of passionate fans – she has finally created an undeniable impact on pop culture . This cultural diplomat due to her music, dances and words has become an international artist.

Apart from the music, Shakira’s concern and contributions to humanitarian issues create a positive impact on the society; thus she is also a humanitarian. Her rise from a young girl from Barranquilla to an international pop icon remains a great inspiration to anyone who wants to be an artist.

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