Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to a Lebanese father and Colombian mother. She began writing songs at age eight and signed with Sony Music Colombia at 13, releasing her debut albums Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993). Her breakthrough came with Pies Descalzos (1995), which sold over five million copies and topped charts in eight countries, followed by Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998). The 2001 English-language album Laundry Service sold over 13 million copies worldwide, marking her crossover to international audiences with hits like 'Whenever, Wherever.' She has released albums blending Latin pop, rock, and Arabic influences, earning multiple Grammy Awards, including for MTV Unplugged (2000) and later works up to 2025. Shakira is known for her distinctive belly dancing and energetic live performances, as seen in tours like Tour Pies Descalzos (1995-1997, 118 shows) and Tour of the Mongoose (2002-2003, worldwide). Her career includes live releases such as Live & off the Record (2004), which sold three million copies.