Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known professionally as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira rose to fame in the Latin American music scene in the early 1990s and later achieved global success with her unique blend of pop, rock, and Latin influences.
Shakira’s music is characterized by her distinctive voice, which spans genres from pop and rock to Latin and world music. She gained international recognition with albums like *Pies Descalzos* (1995), *¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?* (1998), and *Laundry Service* (2001), which featured her breakthrough hit “Whenever, Wherever.”
Known for her energetic performances and belly dancing skills, Shakira has continued to evolve her musical style over the years, incorporating elements of reggaeton, dance-pop, and electronic music into her later albums. Her hit songs include “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” and “She Wolf,” among others.
Beyond music, Shakira is also involved in humanitarian work, particularly through her Barefoot Foundation, which focuses on providing education and nutrition to children in impoverished communities.
Shakira’s influence extends across the globe, making her one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time and a cultural icon known for her music, philanthropy, and advocacy for children’s rights.
1. Try Everything
“Try Everything” is a song performed by Shakira for the 2016 animated film *Zootopia*, where she voices the character Gazelle. The song serves as Gazelle’s anthem of perseverance and encouragement, reflecting the film’s themes of overcoming challenges and embracing diversity.
Lyrically, “Try Everything” encourages resilience and determination in the face of setbacks. It emphasizes the importance of staying positive, taking risks, and learning from experiences, echoing the film’s message of perseverance and optimism.
Musically, the song features an upbeat pop sound with a catchy melody and Shakira’s distinctive vocals. It blends elements of pop rock and dance-pop, creating an uplifting and energetic atmosphere that resonates with audiences of all ages.
“Try Everything” became a commercial success and received positive reviews for its empowering message and Shakira’s spirited performance. The song’s inclusion in *Zootopia* helped it reach a wide audience and solidify its status as a motivational anthem associated with the film’s themes of courage and determination.
2. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” is a song by Shakira, released in 2010 as the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. The song features a blend of pop and African influences, incorporating traditional African rhythms and instrumentation.
Lyrically, “Waka Waka” celebrates unity, perseverance, and the spirit of the World Cup, with lyrics in both English and a South African language, Zulu. The song’s chorus includes the famous chant “Waka Waka,” which means “do it” or “take action” in Zulu, reflecting the theme of coming together through music and sport.
Musically, “Waka Waka” is upbeat and energetic, driven by Shakira’s dynamic vocals and infectious rhythms. The song’s production includes African drums, electric guitars, and a catchy melody that encourages listeners to dance and celebrate.
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became a global phenomenon, topping charts in numerous countries and achieving commercial success worldwide. The song’s uplifting message and vibrant energy resonated with audiences, making it a memorable anthem for the FIFA World Cup and showcasing Shakira’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into her pop repertoire.
3. Whenever, Wherever
“Whenever, Wherever” is a song by Shakira, released in 2001 as the lead single from her album “Laundry Service.” The song is a blend of pop and Latin influences, featuring Shakira’s distinctive vocals and energetic delivery.
Lyrically, “Whenever, Wherever” explores themes of love, freedom, and spontaneity. The lyrics express a sense of wanderlust and a desire for adventure, with Shakira singing about following her heart and embracing life’s unpredictable moments.
Musically, “Whenever, Wherever” incorporates elements of Latin pop, rock, and world music. The song’s production includes acoustic guitar, pan flute, and rhythmic percussion, creating a catchy and infectious rhythm. Shakira’s powerful vocals and passionate delivery add to the song’s energetic and uplifting vibe.
“Whenever, Wherever” was a commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Shakira’s signature songs. Its memorable chorus, infectious melody, and Shakira’s charismatic performance contributed to its popularity and solidified her reputation as a global pop icon. The song’s music video, featuring Shakira dancing in various natural landscapes, further enhanced its appeal and cemented its status as a standout track from the “Laundry Service” album.
4. Perro Fiel
“Perro Fiel” is a song by Shakira featuring Nicky Jam, released in 2017 as part of Shakira’s album “El Dorado.” The song is a reggaeton and Latin pop track that showcases Shakira’s collaboration with Nicky Jam, a prominent figure in the reggaeton genre.
Lyrically, “Perro Fiel” explores themes of loyalty and devotion in a romantic relationship. The title “Perro Fiel” translates to “faithful dog” in English, metaphorically describing the unwavering commitment and loyalty of a partner. Shakira and Nicky Jam’s vocals complement each other, with Shakira’s emotive delivery and Nicky Jam’s smooth rap verses adding to the song’s dynamic and rhythmic appeal.
Musically, “Perro Fiel” features a catchy reggaeton beat, pulsating rhythms, and infectious melodies. The song’s production includes elements of Latin percussion, electronic synths, and a danceable groove that reflects the vibrant energy of the reggaeton genre.
“Perro Fiel” was well-received by fans and critics, becoming a commercial success and charting in various countries. Its blend of Shakira’s pop sensibilities with Nicky Jam’s reggaeton influence showcased Shakira’s versatility as an artist and further solidified her presence in the Latin music scene.
5. Clandestino
“Clandestino” is a song by Shakira and Maluma, released in 2018 as a single. It’s a reggaeton and Latin pop track that explores themes of secret love and clandestine meetings.
Lyrically, “Clandestino” tells the story of a forbidden romance, where the protagonists meet in secret to pursue their love despite obstacles. The lyrics reflect on the passion and intensity of the relationship, with Shakira and Maluma’s vocals conveying emotion and desire.
Musically, “Clandestino” features a catchy reggaeton beat, rhythmic guitar riffs, and a sultry melody. The song’s production includes elements of Latin percussion and electronic synths, creating a sensual and atmospheric vibe that complements the song’s theme.
“Clandestino” was well-received by fans and critics alike, becoming a commercial success and charting in various countries. The collaboration between Shakira and Maluma showcased their chemistry and musical talents, contributing to the song’s popularity and solidifying its place in the Latin pop and reggaeton genres.
6. La Tortura
“La Tortura” is a song by Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz, released in 2005 as a single from Shakira’s album *Fijación Oral, Vol. 1*. The song became a major hit worldwide and is known for its passionate lyrics and Latin pop sound.
Lyrically, “La Tortura” (which translates to “The Torture” in English) explores themes of heartbreak and betrayal in a relationship. The lyrics depict the pain and emotional turmoil caused by infidelity, with Shakira expressing both vulnerability and strength in her vocals.
Musically, “La Tortura” blends pop with elements of reggaeton and Latin rhythms, featuring a catchy melody and a danceable beat. The song showcases Shakira’s powerful vocals and her ability to infuse emotion into her performances. Alejandro Sanz’s collaboration adds a soulful touch, complementing Shakira’s dynamic presence.
The music video for “La Tortura” was widely praised for its visual storytelling and Shakira’s energetic dance choreography. The song topped charts in multiple countries and received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, passionate vocals, and infectious rhythm. “La Tortura” remains one of Shakira’s most successful and beloved songs, solidifying her status as a global pop icon with a distinctive Latin flair.
7. Chantaje
“Chantaje” is a song by Shakira featuring Maluma, released in 2016 as a single from Shakira’s eleventh studio album, *El Dorado*. The song is a reggaeton-pop track that blends infectious rhythms with catchy melodies and sensual lyrics.
Lyrically, “Chantaje” (which translates to “Blackmail” in English) explores themes of seduction and playful flirtation. The lyrics depict a playful back-and-forth between Shakira and Maluma, with both artists teasing and enticing each other in a game of seduction.
Musically, “Chantaje” features a vibrant reggaeton beat layered with electronic and pop influences. The song’s production highlights Shakira’s distinctive vocals and Maluma’s smooth delivery, creating a dynamic and engaging duet that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The music video for “Chantaje” garnered attention for its stylish visuals and choreography, showcasing Shakira and Maluma in various glamorous settings. The song became a commercial success, topping charts in numerous countries and solidifying Shakira and Maluma’s status as prominent figures in Latin music.
“Chantaje” received positive reviews for its infectious melody, energetic production, and the chemistry between Shakira and Maluma. It further cemented Shakira’s reputation for blending Latin rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities, continuing her legacy as a versatile and influential artist in the music industry.
8. Hips Don’t Lie
“Hips Don’t Lie” is a song by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean, released in 2006 as the lead single from Shakira’s album “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.” The song is a vibrant blend of pop, reggaeton, and Latin influences, known for its infectious beat and Shakira’s distinctive vocals.
Lyrically, “Hips Don’t Lie” celebrates dance, rhythm, and the physical expression of music. The lyrics emphasize the power and allure of Shakira’s hips as she sings and dances, with Wyclef Jean adding a dynamic rap verse that complements the song’s energetic vibe.
Musically, “Hips Don’t Lie” features a catchy reggaeton beat, Latin percussion, and a horn section that gives the song its signature sound. Shakira’s passionate vocals and Wyclef Jean’s rhythmic delivery create a lively and celebratory atmosphere that encourages listeners to dance along.
“Hips Don’t Lie” was a commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Shakira’s most successful singles. The song’s memorable chorus, infectious rhythm, and Shakira’s dynamic performance contributed to its popularity and cemented its status as a dance anthem. The accompanying music video, featuring Shakira’s iconic dance moves and vibrant visuals, further enhanced the song’s global appeal and solidified its place in pop culture.
9. She Wolf
“She Wolf” is a song by Shakira, released as the lead single from her eighth studio album of the same name in 2009. The song is known for its unique blend of electropop and dance-pop elements, combined with Shakira’s distinctive vocals and lyrical themes.
Lyrically, “She Wolf” explores themes of female liberation and empowerment. The lyrics depict a woman embracing her primal instincts and freedom, likening herself to a “she wolf” who is unapologetic about her desires and individuality. The song’s lyrics playfully reference animalistic behavior and the metaphorical transformation of a woman embracing her inner strength.
Musically, “She Wolf” features a pulsating electronic beat, synthesized hooks, and Shakira’s expressive vocal delivery. The song’s production incorporates catchy melodies and a danceable rhythm that contributed to its commercial success and popularity on dance floors worldwide.
The music video for “She Wolf” showcases Shakira’s choreography and visually captures the song’s themes of freedom and sensuality. The song received positive reviews for its innovative production and Shakira’s charismatic performance, solidifying her reputation as an artist willing to experiment with different musical styles.
“She Wolf” became a chart-topping hit in many countries and further established Shakira as a global pop icon known for her distinctive voice, artistic creativity, and ability to push boundaries in popular music.
10. Can’t Remember to Forget You
“Can’t Remember to Forget You” is a song by Shakira featuring Rihanna, released in 2014 as the lead single from Shakira’s self-titled album. The song is a blend of pop rock and reggae influences, featuring the distinctive vocals of both Shakira and Rihanna.
Lyrically, “Can’t Remember to Forget You” explores themes of love, passion, and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics convey the difficulty of forgetting someone despite the desire to move forward, with Shakira and Rihanna’s vocals expressing vulnerability and emotional depth.
Musically, “Can’t Remember to Forget You” features a catchy guitar riff, upbeat reggae-inspired rhythm, and infectious melodies. The song’s production includes elements of rock and pop, creating a dynamic and energetic sound that showcases Shakira and Rihanna’s vocal chemistry.
“Can’t Remember to Forget You” was well-received by critics and fans, becoming a commercial success and charting in various countries. The collaboration between Shakira and Rihanna brought together their distinct styles and voices, creating a memorable and impactful song that highlighted their artistic strengths. The accompanying music video, featuring Shakira and Rihanna in playful and sultry scenes, further enhanced the song’s popularity and solidified its status as a standout track from Shakira’s album.