Shakira's Pets

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Often referred to as the “Queen of Latin Music”, Shakira was born and raised in Barranquilla. She began her music career at the young age of 13, and made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia. Her first two albums Magia (1991) and Peligro (1993) failed to reach a wider audience, she saw later success on her albums Pies Descalzos (1995) and Dónde Están los Ladrones? (1998) in Hispanic countries. Shakira entered the English-language market with her fifth album, Laundry Service (2001), which sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Buoyed by the international number-one singles “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes”, the album propelled her reputation as a leading crossover artist. The BMI, the largest music rights organization in the United States, described Shakira as a pioneer who extended the global reach of Latino singers. Shakira is also known for her relationship with former pro footballer Gerard Pique, which lasted from 2011 until 2022 and they had two children together.