Born in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll had a colorful and diverse upbringing that greatly influenced her artistic talents. Coming from a mixed Lebanese-Colombian background, she was exposed to a variety of cultural influences that would later shape her music and dance style. Showing a natural flair for singing and dancing from a young age, Shakira often wowed her loved ones with her performances. Growing up in a city renowned for its cultural richness, she absorbed a wide range of musical genres, from traditional Colombian folk to Middle Eastern rhythms and American pop, all of which would play a key role in shaping her unique and eclectic sound.
Born on February 2, 1977 in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, she came into the world as the beloved and only child of Nidado, a Colombian of Italian descent, and William Mebarak Chadid, whose roots traced back to Lebanon and America.
Shakira has 8 half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage. The name Shakira actually means thankful in Arabic.
Shakira, a native of Barranquilla who grew up in the city, penned her initial verse, entitled The Crystal Rose, when she was just four years old.
After receiving a typewriter as a gift, young Shakira continued to pen down her thoughts in the form of poems, eventually transforming them into mesmerizing songs.
Shakira, who experienced the loss of her brother when she was just eight years old, honored his memory by creating her first song titled Tus Gafas Oscuras.
Shakira strumming on the guitar
Pictures of a young Shakira
Baby pictures of Shakira.
Picture of Shakira as a toddler
pictures of Shakira
Shakira’s youthful snaps from her early days
Shakira’s Early Years: A Glance into the Past
Learn about Shakira’s upbringing through her childhood biography and interesting facts. Browse through images, photos, and pictures capturing memorable moments from Shakira’s early years.