The world's top-selling Latin American singer and belly dancer Shakira has been immortalised in her Caribbean hometown, where the singer grew as it unveiled a 6.5-meter-tall bronze statue to honour the artist in the city she grew up in. A towering bronze and aluminum statue, standing proud at 6.5 meters, now graces the banks of the Magdalena River, paying homage to the undeniable charisma and talent of the Colombian superstar.
The city's mayor, Jaime Pumarejo, unveiled the sculpture of the singer in her heavily popular belly dance pose from her record-breaking song Hips Don't Lie in a park at the waterfront of the Magdalena River while the singer posed with her parents and brother in front of the honory statue.
A Heartfelt Ode to Shakira
On Tuesday, in the Colombian city of Barranquilla, the hometown of the Grammy Award-winning singer Shakira, the mayor of the city, Jaime Pumarejo, unveiled a huge bronze 6.5-meter (21-foot) tall statue of Caribbean artist Shakira in her hometown as a tribute to her accomplished career in the industry.
The Mayor recalled how he used to watch Shakira perform at local children's concerts and revealed the statue artist to be Yino Marquez, sharing that the statue is an encouragement and a motto for the young girls of the city that they can pursue their dreams and achieve anything they wish for.
The statue shows the three-time Latin Grammy Award-winning singer in her popular Hips Don't Lie pose with a sheer red skirt and curly hair, also showcasing the Colombian culture and dance form praised by the whole world. Thanks to Shakira for making it so popular worldwide.
The Artistry Behind the Statue
Yino Márquez, the sculptor behind this masterpiece, has brilliantly captured Shakira's essence. From the intricate details of her maroon outfit to the dynamic pose of her famous belly dance, every nuance speaks to the artist's deep understanding of his subject. The use of aluminum for her skirt symbolizes the waves of the Caribbean Sea and the Magdalena River, creating a visual spectacle that harmonizes with Barranquilla's coastal charm.
FIFA 2010 official song singer, Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) singer, Shakira attended the opening ceremony of her statue with her parents, William Mebarak and Nidia Ripoll, and shared the pictures in a hearty Instagram post as she expressed her gratitude, mentioning the ceremony took place on her mother's birthday and also thanked the statue artist, Yino Marquez, and his students.
In the Instagram post of the singer the plaque under the statue can also be seen praising the Latin American sensation as it reads "hips that do not lie, a unique talent, a voice that moves masses" and also mentions her charity work with the foundation "Pies descalzos," Spanish for "bare feet," promoting early childhood development.
An icon of Latina girl power, she has sold over 80 million albums worldwide and clinched three Grammy awards. Her renowned track, "Hips Don't Lie," remains an anthem, encapsulating the spirit of her artistry.
Shakira In 2023
Yet, fame has its shadows. Recent headlines have focused on Shakira's legal battles, from tax investigations in Spain to multi-million-euro settlements
She released her song about her ex-partner, footballer Gerard Piqué, who allegedly cheated on the singer, as her song broke YouTube records in Latin America. The singer was also found guilty in a tax fraud case in Spain and paid a fine of €7.5 million, making headlines worldwide.
Amidst legal challenges, Shakira's creative spirit remains unbroken. A recent collaboration with Argentinian DJ Bizarrap yielded a viral hit, amassing over 666 million views on YouTube.
Along with Barbie, Shakira was also the top most searched name on Google in 2023 and bagged three Latin Grammy Awards this year, sharing one with fellow Colombian artist Karol G, making 2023 a successful year.
This monumental endeavor not only adds to the city's allure but also reinforces Shakira's legacy as a symbol of Barranquilla's vibrancy and global influence.
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