Ever since I learned Spanish I have had a crush on Shakira. I am not ashamed to admit that, and there is no reason that I should be. Obviously she is very attractive, and she knows that. Obviously she can move very well, and she knows that. She may not have the best voice in the world, but she has a unique voice and she uses it well. The songs she chooses are very entertaining. She has a pleasing personality as well. Those are some of the reasons that she is such a great entertainer and is so famous.

Shakira was born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, into a poor family. Her mother was a native Colombian, and her father was of Lebanese descent. She grew up listening to music from both cultures. She wrote her first song at age eight, began entering and winning competitions at age ten. She learned the guitar at age 11, and at age 13 she moved to Bogotá to pursue a career in modeling. She wound up signing a record deal with Sony’s Colombian division instead while she was there. And thus began her ascent to fame.

Shakira has written or co-written most of her songs. She has always wanted to maintain a control over her songs. When she received an offer from Gloria Estefan to translate her hit song “Ojos Asi” into English, she decided that she would learn English well enough that she would write her own songs in English as well. She has made it huge in English and Spanish because of her unique poetic imagery.

Shakira is a great example of learning a second language. She has learned English very well. She had a goal and she dedicated herself to that goal, and look what she has done. Her success is very public because she just happens to be a huge celebrity now. You will experience your own successes should you choose to learn Spanish. I recommend that you listen to some of Shakira’s music in the process. Grab her lyrics and try to sing along. You’ll notice that she sings very fast and that her music can mesmerize you. Beware.