Shakira [1] has been killing the game for over 20 years [2], and we love getting to know more and more about her as time goes on. From collaborating with icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna [3] to being a judge on The Voice, Shakira is a woman after our own hearts. She likes to remain very tight-lipped about her personal life, and we totally get it, but we also can't help being fascinated by all of her hidden talents. Keep scrolling to find out 11 things you need to know about the sexy Shakira [4].
She has multiple names.
Her full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. In Arabic, her name means "thankful." [6]
Her family is a melting pot.
Shakira [7]'s father is Lebanese, and her mother is Spanish-Italian.
She owes those dancing skills to an important family member.
Shakira [9] learned how to Arabian belly dance thanks to her Lebanese grandmother.
She was already a boss at 13.
Shakira [10] recorded her first full album at 13.
She's a humanitarian.
Shakira [11] received a humanitarian award [12] at the World Economic Forum for all of the work her foundation, Pies Descalzos, has done to help children in Colombia get an education.
She is fluent in how many languages?!
Shakira [13] speaks at least five languages fluently: Portuguese, Italian, English, Spanish, and Arabic.
She is on top.
Shakira has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide [14], making her Colombia's highest-selling artist of all time, according to Forbes.
She can act, too.
Shakira [15] has made cameos on Ugly Betty and Wizards of Waverly Place.
She and Gerard Piqué were meant to be.
Her man is exactly 10 years her junior. The two were born on Feb. 2.
The two mixed business and pleasure.
Shakira [16] and Gerard met on the set of her music video "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)."