Shakira Kworb
Shakira is a multi-talented pop singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer and businesswoman renowned for her success as well as being an avid philanthropist.
She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation to advance education in Colombia, and served as a judge on popular singing competition show The Voice.
Kworb has recently conducted an estimate of how much some of the most-streamed artists on Spotify have earned through streaming revenues.
Early Life and Education
Shakira was born in Barranquilla, Colombia on 2 February 1977 of Lebanese and Spanish descent. Both her father William Mebarak Chadid (owner of a furniture store) and mother Nidia Ripoll Torrado were singers.
Although her first two albums did not garner the success she anticipated, her third effort Pies Descalzos (meaning Bare Feet), featuring her unique blend of Latin, rock and Arabic music became an instant classic in Latino circles. Emilio Estefan from Miami Sound Machine fame helped produce this record as well.
She studied English with Estefan to produce her debut English album Whenever, Wherever, which was released in 2001. The record showcased heavy Andean influences by including instruments such as the charango and panpipes on it.
Achievement and Honors
Shakira has earned numerous accolades and holds several world records as one of the best-selling female Latin artists ever.
She has released over two dozen albums and fifty singles during her career, appearing in movies and television shows as well as working alongside such artists as Bizarrap, Lil Wayne and Black Eyed Peas.
Her song ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first Latin artist ever to accomplish this feat. Additionally, it topped charts in more countries than any other Latin artist before her.
She recently set 14 Guinness world records with her latest album, “Music Sessions Vol 53.” It featured lyrics criticizing former flame Gerard Pique.
Personal Life
Shakira realized her calling at seven when she enthusiastically participated in a belly dance performance taking place that evening at a Middle Eastern restaurant where her family were dining. That moment marked the momentous discovery that performance would become her calling.
At age 10, she began performing at local events. Monica Ariza, a theater producer noticed her talent and energy and invited Shakira to audition with Sony Music Colombia where she recorded her debut album Magia.
Shakira made her television debut as a coach on The Voice US Season 4. Additionally, she hosted numerous worldwide tours.
Net Worth
Shakira has sold over 125 million albums worldwide and won numerous awards – three Grammys and thirteen Latin Grammys among them. Additionally, she holds second place as Latin American artist of all time on Billboard’s Latin Album charts and boasts a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Shakira listed her minimalist Miami mansion for sale for an asking price of $11.6 million in 2022, citing its spectacular water views and swimming pool as major draws for potential buyers. Situated near Miami beach with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay.
Shakira was listed in the Paradise Papers as someone who failed to pay her Spanish taxes between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors claimed she owed $13.9 million, in addition to paying $2.8 million herself during that year. Shakira has served as coach on two seasons of The Voice singing competition television show.