6.5 Metre Shakira Statue Unveiled in Colombia to Honour Singer

In the heart of Barranquilla, the home city of multiple award-winning Colombian singer Shakira, is a giant bronze statue of the belly dancer.

The 6.5-metre incredible sculpture captures Shakira in a bikini top, flowing skirt, and hands raised in her famous dance moves – hips swaying side to side.

The unveiling of this honorary figure was done in the presence of Shakira’s parents William Mebarak and Nadia Ripoll in a park along the banks of the Magdalena River on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, by the city’s Mayor, Jaime Pumarejo.

Jaime Pumarejo shared with Reuters that it was necessary to honour Shakira with the statue to empower other young girls to believe that can take over the world too wherever they are.

“(It) shows millions of girls that they can, that they can pursue their dreams and any of them can achieve what they want,” said Pumarejo, noting that he used to see Shakira sing at local children’s concerts.

The statue by artist Yino Marquez displays inscriptions that amplify the achievements of the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer including her charity “Pies descalzos,” Spanish for “bare feet,” for early childhood development.

“A heart that composes, hips that do not lie, an unmatched talent, a voice that moves masses and feet that march for the good of children and humanity,” the inscription reads.

In a post on X to acknowledge the statue, Shakira thanked sculptor Yino Marquez and his students at Barranquilla’s public art academy as she extolled the many talents in her hometown.

Shakira is a Colombian singer and songwriter who debuted at age 13. She is best described as the queen of Latin music. She was born on February 2, 1977, and raised in Barranquilla. She is currently based in Miami.