Shakira Unveils 21-Foot Bronze Statue in Her Colombian Birthplace: A 21-foot statue honoring Shakira now stands in Barranquilla, Colombia, her birthplace.
Revealed on Tuesday, the statue captures the essence of the renowned singer, known for her numerous Grammy and Latin Grammy accolades. It showcases her in a signature belly dancing attire, with a pose reminiscent of her memorable 2006 music video, “Hips Don’t Lie,” where she collaborated with Wyclef Jean.
Shakira, alongside her family, marked this significant occasion, capturing moments with the bronze statue, which she later posted on her Instagram.
I’m delighted to dedicate this to my parents, particularly to my mother on her special day,” the vocalist expressed.
During the statue’s unveiling ceremony, Mayor Jaime Pumarejo Heins highlighted its significance, stating, “This statue serves as an inspiration, demonstrating to countless young girls that their aspirations are attainable.” This information was reported by Reuters.
The inscription beneath the statue reads: “On February 2, 1977, Barranquilla saw the emergence of a soulful composer, authentic hips, a captivating voice that resonates with many, and bare feet dedicated to championing children and humanity.”
“I’m deeply touched by this heartfelt gesture,” Shakira expressed in her Instagram post.
Situated along the Magdalena River’s newly constructed promenade in her birthplace, Shakira’s bronze statue joins another tribute in Barranquilla. Back in 2006, the town inaugurated a statue of the artist from her early career days, showcasing her strumming an acoustic guitar in jeans and boots. This earlier monument is positioned close to the local soccer stadium’s entrance.
Acknowledging the recent sculpture, Shakira credited sculptor Yino Marquez and the students from Barranquilla’s public art academy in a message on X. She emphasized the “remarkable talent” present among the residents of Barranquilla.
A decade following the ascent of “Hips Don’t Lie” to the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100, Shakira reflected on how a song that was “close to not seeing the light of day” ultimately became her most prominent track.
Discussing the song with Billboard in 2016, Shakira emphasized its unique blend of elements that not only introduced fresh sounds to the pop landscape but also allowed her to delve into genres like cumbia and traditional Colombian folk rhythms. She shared, “These elements were not only innovative but deeply personal, including nods to my hometown of Barranquilla.”
She further remarked, “The song’s triumph affirmed that I didn’t need to compromise any aspect of my uniqueness to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
In November, the singer finalized a late-stage agreement to sidestep potential imprisonment stemming from her tax evasion trial in Barcelona. Throughout the nearly five-year-long case, she consistently asserted her innocence.
As part of the agreement, Shakira faced a suspended three-year sentence and a monetary penalty of 7 million euros ($7.6 million). Earlier in July, prosecutors had indicated their intention to pursue an eight-year and two-month prison term along with a fine of 24 million euros ($26 million) for the artist.
“In the best interest of my children, who wish not to witness their mother endure further strain, I’ve chosen to settle this matter,” Shakira expressed in a statement. “It’s essential for me to transition beyond the emotional and mental challenges of recent years and concentrate on what truly matters: my children and the promising avenues ahead in my career.”
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