Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known globally as Shakira, is the Queen of Latin Music and a multi-dimensional, award-winning artist. She has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the Latin American and United States music markets, a time when Latin music was still seen as a niche genre.
With her unique voice, captivating stage presence, and genre-blending sound, Shakira has mesmerized audiences across the globe. From her early days as a Latin pop sensation to achieving global superstardom, the Colombian icon has gifted the world with timeless tracks that transcend borders, languages, and generations.
Shakira’s music, whether it’s her sultry blend of rock and pop, infectious dance beats, or deeply emotional ballads, has a unique way of making listeners move both physically and emotionally. Throughout her career, she has topped charts, garnered numerous awards, and left an indelible mark on pop culture with her distinctive sound and powerful lyrics.
After achieving success with four Spanish-language albums, Shakira broke into the American market with her hit single “Whenever, Wherever” in 2001, which showcased her crossover potential. Her first English-language album, “Laundry Service”, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and went on to earn triple platinum certification.
Shakira has sustained a successful career for over twenty years, thanks to her adaptability and versatility. She seamlessly evolves her musical style to align with contemporary trends without losing her authenticity, all while supporting emerging artists in the industry. She has performed on the biggest stages throughout the world and Shakira tickets always sell out for her events and she’s a hugely popular performer.
Today, few performers can match Shakira’s ability to deliver powerful vocals alongside expertly choreographed dance routines.
Here’s a preview of seven of Shakira’s biggest hits.
“Whenever Wherever”
Shakira achieved global recognition in 2001 with the release of “Whenever, Wherever,” a track that mesmerized audiences through its daring blend of Latin folk, rock, and pop elements.
Incorporating the distinctive sound of Andean panpipes, the song delved into themes of love and destiny, delivering a rhythm both captivating and unique. With its compelling beat and Shakira’s unmistakable voice, the single distinguished her from her peers and launched her into worldwide fame.
“Whenever, Wherever” lyrically captures a carefree yet intense expression of love, celebrating a bond that surpasses the boundaries of time and space. Its infectious appeal quickly turned it into a radio favourite and one of 2001’s best-selling singles. Shakira’s dynamic vocal performance, seamlessly balancing vulnerability and strength, struck a chord with audiences globally. The accompanying music video, set against rugged natural backdrops, became a defining visual, highlighting Shakira’s athleticism and captivating dance moves, perfectly complementing the song’s essence.
“Whenever, Wherever” transcended mere commercial success, igniting a musical revolution. It shattered cultural barriers, introducing millions to Shakira’s unique artistry and seamlessly merging Latin rhythms with global pop appeal. The track signalled the start of her ascent to global stardom, cementing her status as an international icon. To this day, it stands as a timeless anthem of love, adventure, and individuality.
“Loca”
Released in 2010, “Loca” burst onto the scene as a lively and energetic anthem embodying the carefree essence of summer. Its dynamic blend of merengue, Latin pop, and dance music celebrated rhythm while spotlighting Shakira’s vibrant and charismatic persona. Featuring British rapper Dizzee Rascal in the English version, the track became a major hit across Latin America and Europe, striking a chord with audiences seeking a high-energy soundtrack for their summer adventures.
With its irresistible rhythm and Shakira’s unmistakable vocal delivery, “Loca” compels listeners to move to its beat. The lyrics exude playfulness and a carefree attitude, embodying a sense of spontaneous joy that perfectly complements the track’s vibrant energy. Unlike many of her love-themed hits, “Loca” focuses on embracing the moment and letting loose. Shakira’s magnetic charm radiates throughout the song, offering a jubilant escape and a refreshing break from life’s daily demands.
“Beautiful Liar” ft Beyoncé
Shakira’s gift for creating compelling love songs reached new heights with her 2014 single, “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” featuring Rihanna. Featured on Shakira’s self-titled tenth studio album, the song explores the lingering memories of a former lover that two women struggle to forget. Infused with ska and pop-rock elements, the lively track became a standout in both artists’ discographies, offering an addictive melody that made it an instant replay-worthy success.
“Beautiful Liar” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2007, while its Spanish version received a Latin Grammy nod for Record of the Year during the same event. The following year, it secured an Ivor Novello Award for Best-Selling British Song.
The track enjoyed immense commercial success, climbing to number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieving the biggest upward leap on the chart until 2008. Additionally, “Beautiful Liar” topped the charts in numerous European countries, including France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
“Girl Like Me” ft The Black Eyed Peas
Shakira’s 2020 collaboration with The Black Eyed Peas brought a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of early 2000s hits, featuring an infectious beat and an irresistible chorus that invites listeners to move. Included on The Black Eyed Peas album “Translation”, the track pays homage to the allure and charm that Shakira represents as a Latina icon.
The song achieved notable success, securing the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart. It also entered the top ten in twelve countries and was awarded Diamond certification in France. Moreover, it earned Platinum or higher certifications in eight other nations, including Poland, Peru, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, and several Central American regions.
“Underneath Your Clothes”
“Underneath Your Clothes,” featured on Shakira’s landmark 2001 album “Laundry Service”, revealed a softer, more introspective facet of her artistry. This poignant ballad merges pop and Latin elements, pairing a soothing melody with Shakira’s impassioned, expressive vocals. Its lyrics celebrate profound, unconditional love, portraying a connection that goes beyond external appearances and resonates deeply. The track’s heartfelt declaration of vulnerability offers a gentle counterpoint to the dynamic energy typically associated with Shakira’s work.
The heartfelt essence of “Underneath Your Clothes” deeply resonated with audiences worldwide. Shakira’s evocative and impassioned vocal delivery took center stage, amplified by the song’s understated orchestration. A commercial triumph, it climbed the international charts, reinforcing Shakira’s gift for creating both vibrant anthems and soulful ballads. The track highlighted her artistic versatility, showcasing her talent for channelling both high-energy dynamism and profound emotion with genuine authenticity.
“Waka Waka” (This Time for Africa) ft Freshlyground
Shakira’s collaboration with South African band Freshlyground resulted in one of the most iconic FIFA World Cup anthems ever. Released on May 7, 2010, “Waka Waka (Esto es África)” became the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The song, which samples the Cameroonian makossa track “Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)” by Golden Sounds, carries an energetic beat and empowering lyrics that urge players to chase their dreams with the determination of soldiers on a battlefield. Its infectious rhythm and inspiring message made it a global sensation.
“Waka Waka” became a global phenomenon, topping record charts worldwide and earning the title of the most successful song of 2010 in seven different countries. In the United States, it reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA for selling over one million units. The single achieved multiplatinum status across several nations, with diamond certifications in Brazil, France, Germany, and Sweden. By 2019, “Waka Waka” had sold 15 million downloads worldwide, cementing its place as one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“Ojos Asi”
Released in 1999 as part of “¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones?”, “Ojos Así” became a defining moment in Shakira’s early career. The song blends Arabic and Latin music, creating a rich, exotic sound that sets her apart from her contemporaries. With its hypnotic rhythm and Shakira’s passionate vocals, the track transports listeners to a world where cultural boundaries fade, showcasing her ability to fuse diverse global influences into something truly unique.
The song’s lyrics, depicting a powerful and all-consuming love, are matched with a rhythm that amplifies the intensity of the emotions conveyed. Shakira’s voice blends yearning and longing with a sense of strength and independence in her delivery. “Ojos Así” was a massive success across Latin America and beyond, solidifying Shakira’s reputation as an artist capable of blending genres, languages, and cultures in ways few could.
“Hips Don’t Lie” ft Wyclef Jean
“Hips Don’t Lie” quickly became a global sensation, topping charts in over 50 countries and earning recognition as one of the best-selling singles of all time. The track blends reggaeton, Latin pop, and worldbeat music while showcasing Shakira’s signature belly dancing. It marked her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks in April 2006.
The collaboration with Wyclef Jean propelled Shakira to new heights, earning her the Billboard Latin Music Award for “Hot Latin Song” vocal collaboration of the year. With its infectious chorus and playful lyrics, the song has cemented its place as a classic and continues to enjoy global popularity. Additionally, it received several prestigious award nominations, including a Grammy.
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