Shakira’s Legacy Enshrined: Hometown Erects Massive Statue in Honor of the Pop Star

Colombian pop icon Shakira was honored in Barranquilla with a striking presentation of a massive bronze statue, celebrating her musical legacy and influence in her hometown.

Standing tall at six meters (20 feet), the monument captures the essence of the multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, depicting her iconic dance moves and magnetic stage presence.

Adorned in one of her legendary belly dancing attires, the statue showcases Shakira gracefully swaying her hips to the right, while her arms elegantly extend toward the sky.

A commemorative plaque beneath the statue encapsulates Shakira’s impact, describing her birth on February 2, 1977, as the emergence of a heart that composes, hips that mesmerize, a voice that resonates with masses, and bare feet dedicated to the welfare of children and humanity.

The unveiling ceremony, held on a newly constructed promenade along the Magdalena River, saw the presence of Shakira’s parents alongside Barranquilla’s Mayor, Jaime Pumarejo, marking a momentous occasion for the city.

Shakira’s Ongoing Legacy in Barranquilla

While this latest statue adorning Barranquilla’s riverside is an emblem of Shakira’s global stature, it isn’t the town’s first tribute to its beloved icon. In 2006, another statue was unveiled near the local soccer stadium, portraying Shakira in her early days with an acoustic guitar, clad in jeans and boots.

Expressing her gratitude on social media platform X, Shakira credited sculptor Yino Marquez and the students from Barranquilla’s public art academy for their remarkable craftsmanship, highlighting the city’s immense talent.

The unveiling comes amidst a flurry of accomplishments for the Colombian superstar, who clinched three Latin Grammys earlier in the year. 

In January, Shakira garnered significant attention and acclaim with an unprecedented rap song that set records, using her music to delve into and illuminate details about her previous romantic involvement.

Additionally, she settled a tax fraud case in Spain with a substantial payment of $7.5 million and recently relocated to Miami with her two children, marking yet another chapter in her illustrious career and personal life.