With more than 60 million records sold around the world - and nearly 10 million in the U.S. - and her reign as the only artist from South America to have a number one song in the U.S., Shakira is an international pop star who continues to bring a new flavor to the music scene while helping those in need in her homeland, as well as around the world. Shakira, who was born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 2, 1977, has been singing and performing on the international stage since 1990. Shakira first started her career in Colombia, where she successfully built her reputation. It wasn't until 2001 when she first broke through the international music scene with her English single, "Wherever, Whenever." Since then she has inspired fans around the world and today, continues to live her life as a leading Latin pop princess. Fans love her ability to bring international flavors to her songs and performances while maintaining an approachable personality, which comes through on her personal posts for her fans as well as in her media interviews.