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I would like to tell you about
my favorite singer. I have many favorite singers, for example: Witney Huston,
Madonna, Liza Minnelli and many others. But I want to
tell you about Shakira, because she is extraordinary and she is close to me.
Life and Career
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in
Barranquilla, Colombia. With a Lebanese father and Colombian mother, Shakira
honors both her Latino and Arabic heritage in her music. She wrote her first
song at the age of 8 and signed her first record deal at 13.
After her first two albums flopped, Shakira took the reins of her third
album, becoming involved in every aspect of its production. Released in 1996, Pies
Descalzos, meaning "bare feet," sold more than 3 million copies.
The album featured her trademark sound, a blend of Latin, rock and Arabic
musical styles. Her follow-up record Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (1998),
which translates as "Where are the thieves?" reached the top of
Billboard's Latin charts. Not long after, Shakira won her first Grammy Award
(best Latin pop album) for Shakira: MTV Unplugged (2000).
With the success of her albums, Shakira became a music superstar in the
Spanish-language markets, known for her strong vocals and incredible
hip-shaking belly dance moves.
Life
Outside of her busy career, Shakira created the Pies Descalzos Foundation
to help children in her native Colombia. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill
Ambassador, and was honored by the United Nations' International Labor
Organization for her philanthrophic efforts in 2010.
Shakira is in relationship with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. The
couple welcomed their first child together on January 22, 2013. They named
their son Milan, which means "dear, loving and gracious" in Slavic;
"eager and laborious" in Ancient Roman; and "unification"
in Sanskrit, according to a statement on Shakira's website.
Shakira lives with her husband and son in Barcelona, Spain.
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