Shakira is a Colombian singer and songwriter known for her hit songs “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever”. She is part Lebanese and part Colombian, which she recognizes through her music. In an interview, Shakira says about herself, “I am a fusion. That’s my persona. I’m a fusion between black and white, between pop and rock, between cultures—between my Lebanese father and my mother’s Spanish blood, the Colombian folklore and Arab dance I love and American music.” At the 2020 Super Bowl, Shakira performed alongside Jennifer Lopez as they integrated Latin, Arab, and African culture into their performance. One of the most viral homages Shakira made was her “tongue-wagging” (known as zaghrouta), which was a symbol of her Lebanese heritage, exemplifying joy and happiness.
Shakira’s success has brought her multiple Grammy, Latin Grammy, and American Music Awards. She is the highest-selling Colombian artist and has sold an estimated 70 million albums globally.
At the age of 18, Shakira founded Barefoot Foundation, a Colombian charity that aims to help disadvantaged children through education and development. Since then, Barefoot Foundation has opened a total of 6 schools and benefitted 30,000 children and their families. Despite this success, there are continuous plans for the Barefoot Foundation to grow.
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