The talented Latin pop singer Shakira was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 2, 1977, as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. Being the youngest daughter in the family, she inherits an exotic look with the mixture of Lebanese-Colombian blood from her parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado.

Shakira began singing for her classmates at school, but her unique voice kept her out of the school choir. Upon entering her teen years, she was introduced to Monica Ariza, a producer who set up an audition with Sony. The studio wasn't impressed, but a second audition won them over and Shakira signed a three-album contract. Unfortunately, her first two albums, 1991's Magia and 1993's Peligro, were met with mixed reviews and disappointing results, so Shakira focused on high school instead.

Shakira signed a ten-year contract with Live Nation in 2008, prompting Forbes to deem her the fourth top-earning female musician in history. She also worked heavily on another album, traveling to multiple cities while collaborating with such producers as RedOne, Wyclef Jean, and Luis F. Ochoa. She Wolf was completed in 2009 and readied for release in October, marking her third English-language album. Steve Huey, All Music Guide

Sexiness

At just under 5' tall, Shakira is a firecracker of mixed Colombian and Lebanese genes. If you've seen her live or in a music videos, it's easy to get caught up in her sexy dance moves. It might seem like Shakira is just trying to seductively show off her body -- not that anyone's complaining -- but Shakira says it's all due to her love of belly dancing.  

Shakira's beauty has caught the attention of many in the media, and even Mattel. The toymaker released a Barbie line, inspired by Shakira's look, which is notable since she openly dislikes jewelry and prefers being healthy over being dangerously skinny. In the media, Shakira's been recognized by twice by Maxim and FHM on their respective Hot 100 lists. VH1 and Stuff have also given her similar recognition. On a personal level, Shakira's ways did capture the heart of fiancé Antonio de la Rúa, best-known as the son of Argentina's former president.

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