Shakira (1977–)

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Shakira (1977–)

Colombian pop singer. Name variations: Shakira Mebarak. Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, Feb 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia; dau. of William Mebarak (of Lebanese descent) and Nidia Ripoll de Mebarak (a native Colombian).

Singing in Spanish and Portuguese, became the preeminent female superstar of Latin America; released 1st album, Magia, at 13 (1991), followed by Peligro; recorded the international smash hit "Pies Descalzos"; hit US charts with 1st English-language CD, Laundry Service (2001), which included the hit "Underneath Your Clothes"; won the Best Latin Pop Album Grammy for her MTV Unplugged (2001); became engaged to Antonio de la Rúa, a Buenos Aires lawyer and the son of the president of Argentina (2002).

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