Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, born on February 2, 1977, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, she is the only child of William Mebarak Chadid, a writer of Lebanese descent, and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. From an early age, Shakira displayed exceptional artistic talent, writing her first song at eight and signing her first recording contract with Sony Music Colombia at just 13 years old.