- Shakira is a national treasure in Colombia
- She has been honored with a new statue
- THIS is how the big reveal went down
Barranquilla's very own pop sensation, Shakira who recently turned 46, has just been honored in the most spectacular way imaginable! The "Hips Don't Lie" hitmaker's iconic dance moves have been cast in bronze and erected in her Colombian hometown, and the internet is absolutely buzzing with excitement!
Shakira is a Latin icon in more ways than one
On a sunny Tuesday, Shakira took to Instagram to share the unveiling of a 21-foot-tall bronze statue, crafted by the talented artist Yino Márques. The statue captures the essence of Shakira's legendary dance from her 2005 smash hit music video. Fans and family gathered around the new landmark, snapping photos and basking in the glow of Shakira's bronzed likeness.
It was big moment for the songstress who got a little emotional by the gravity of it all!
The celebration was doubly special as it coincided with the birthday of Shakira's mother. The singer's heartfelt Instagram caption revealed her joy at sharing this moment with her beloved parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado.
"It makes me happy to share this with my parents and especially my mother on her birthday," Shakira gushed. She also shared a shot of her parents and brothers with Mayor Jaime Alberto, as well as a photo of the statue and a plaque dedicated to her. "This is too much for my little heart," she wrote.
In her following Instagram post, the Grammy winner also shared a video of the statue, writing: "I’m very excited about this tribute to Colombian woman [sic] and the Barranquilleras inside and outside my land!"
The imposing bronze and aluminium sculpture portrays the singer in a bikini top, bare midriff, and a flowing skirt, capturing one of her characteristic dance moves with hands clasped over her head and one hip jutting out.
The inscription at the base reads, "Hips that do not lie, a unique talent, a voice that moves masses," referencing one of Shakira's award-winning songs titled "Hips Don't Lie."
"Excellent. A nice monument. It is a good representation of Shakira for our country. Very proud of her," commented Juan Francisco Peña, a tourist that attended the event according to Canal Uno.
"It's great, and I think it's important to highlight the people from cities like Barranquilla and give more importance to those who go out of the country to represent Colombia," added Milena Garzon, a tourist from Bogotá.
The unveiling ceremony took place on the banks of the Magdalena River and was by those closest to the singer. The dedication ceremony was nothing short of emotional, with Shakira expressing her overwhelmed feelings. The dedication plaque itself is a tribute to Shakira's incredible impact on music and humanity, praising her heart, talent, and philanthropic strides.
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In the wake of her new statue, Spotify has declared September 29 as Shakira Day, following a viral fan campaign, #ShakiraDeservesADay. The Colombian superstar acknowledged the immense role her fans have played in her career, stating, "They’ve known how to understand me better than anybody."
Shakira, who dazzled at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, has always drawn inspiration from her Colombian roots. She describes her homeland as an "immeasurable" source of inspiration, from its vibrant culture to its rich folklore.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, an icon of Latina girl power, boasts a global legacy with around 80 million albums sold worldwide and three Grammy Awards to her name, and has yet another big moment to add to her memory banks.
