Shakira

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SHAKIRA

Born: Shakira Mebarak; Barranquilla, Colombia, 2 February 1977

Genre: Rock, Latin

Best-selling album since 1990: Laundry Service (2001)

Hit songs since 1990: "Estoy Aquí," "Ciega, Sordamuda," "Wherever, Whenever"

Talented, alluring, and authentic, the Colombian singer/songwriter Shakira became ubiquitous on MTV, on the radio, and on magazine covers after 2000. Though she was a child prodigy, Shakira still had to overcome record-label resistance, machismo, and culture shock to reach the ultimate crossover success with her multiplatinum English debut, Laundry Service.

Born to a father of Lebanese descent and a Colombian mother, Shakira grew up among two cultures whose influences were woven into her unique rock fusion. Shakira learned to appreciate the beauty of Colombian, Arabic, and Anglo-American music, from vallenato and cumbias to reggae and rock. A gifted early reader, she picked up on her father's love for writing. She also seemed to have an instinctive knack for belly dancing, which she attributes to "genetic memory."

She wrote her first song at the age of eight, "Tus Gafas Oscuras," about her father's sunglasses. At eleven she began winning regional and national talent contests. Shakira's first album, Magia (1991), is made up of original tunes she wrote between the ages of eight and thirteen, including "Tus Gafas Oscuras." However, that album and the 1993 follow-up, Peligro, sold poorly and were never released in the United States. Saying she feels embarrassed by their "immaturity," she has blocked their re-release.

In 1994–1995 Shakira appeared on the Colombian soap El Oasis but soon reaffirmed her real dream of becoming a singer/songwriter. Released in 1996, the album Pies Descalzos was a critical breakthrough, establishing her as a rising star. This release was a major risk because she had overruled label advice to set aside her love of rock in favor of something more stereotypically commercial like ballads or salsa. Shakira agonized over losing her record contract and returning to modeling. But the first single, "Estoy Aqui," was a smash hit and was followed by four more Top 10 singles. She became the first international Colombian female rocker.

The title track of 1998 CD Dónde Estan Los Ladrones criticizes corruption in politics and the clergy. It was another risk because Colombia is the kidnapping capital of the world and labels don't like controversy. The CD also contains the intriguing "Ciega, Sordamuda," a rock-flamenco-mariachi fusion that was a radio and dance-club favorite.

In 1998, Shakira moved to Miami, signing a management deal with the Latin music mogul Emilio Estefan, who encouraged her to record in English. Shakira then took on her biggest challenge, the ultimate pop crossover. It was a tough task. She had to sing and write in a new language. Shakira's thirteen-track CD, Laundry Service, was released to great fanfare in November 2001, with the thundering "Wherever, Whenever," quickly climbing the Top 40. Her new manager, Freddy DeMann, the star maker who helmed the careers of Madonna and Michael Jackson, was making her as ubiquitous as Britney Spears and *NSYNC.

Although Shakira's undulating dance moves and revealing outfits made her one of Latin and pop music's biggest sex symbols, she created a strong bond with her female fans thanks to lyrics that tackle insecurities, body image, and jealousy. With a voice that can go from plaintive wails to gaspy, girlish whoops, she has drawn comparisons to Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morissette, and the Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan.

SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY:

Magia (Sony Colombia, 1991); Pies Descalzos (Sony Latin, 1996); Dónde Están los Ladrones? (Sony Latin, 1998); MTV Unplugged (Sony Latin, 2000); Laundry Service (Sony/Epic, 2001).