21 things you did not know about Shakira
Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold between 50 and 60 million records.
She has released countless albums and was the first musical act to perform three times at the FIFA World Cup, but to this day, Shakira still fascinates many of us. We bring you interesting facts about the star that you might have not known.
Shakira's family:
Shakira, full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, was born to parents William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Her name, Shakira, means grateful.
The multi-award winning star has eight half-siblings from her father's first marriage.
She learned the art of Arabian Belly Dancing from her grandmother.
She lost her half-brother when she was only two-years-old. The death inspired her to write the song 'Tus Gafas Oscuras' (Your Dark Glasses), where she sings about her father's grief over his son.
Shakira the mom
Speaking about how she views herself as a mother, Shakira told Made For Moms she enjoys teaching her son and loves giving her children lots of love.
"I have like a little teacher in me and I really love and enjoy reading to my kids and they like learning too. It's a good relationship because Milan at least very eager to learn. He loves letters, he loves numbers, and I think every kid does if you present it to them as a game, if you present it with joy."
Some of Shakira's favourite things:
Shakira loves painting and her favourite thing to paint is fried eggs.
Her favourite dish is seafood and she also loves indulging in chocolates.
Her favourite hobbies are playing golf, tennis, basketball and swimming.
She loves her three dogs; Coquito, Chan and Gordita.
Sunflowers and daisies are her favourite flowers.
Black is her favourite colour.
Things she does not like:
Although Shakira is a big fan of chocolates, she does not like candy.
She is not big on jewelry.
She also isn't keen on drinking alcohol or smoking.
Other amazing facts about her:
She shares a birthday with her partner Gerard Pique, who is ten years her junior.
She has an IQ of 140 and is fluent in Portuguese, Italian, English, Spanish and Arabic.
Rising to fame:
In her teen years, Shakira, was chosen to represent Colombia at the Festival Vina del Mar and earned the third place. She sang her own song, "Eres."
Her first album was recorded when she was just 13 years old.
The album "Laundry Service", which was her first English album was certified 4 times platinum.
She has won over 400 awards including 10 Latin Grammy Awards.