Cultural impact of Shakira

Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira has had a considerable impact on the musical landscape of Latin America and further afield. Further to this, her career has seen longevity and cultural reach that has enabled Shakira to be a socially, culturally, and politically influential figure across the world. This has culminated in her receiving the honorific nickname of the Queen of Latin Music. She is considered the most recognisable face of Latin music around the world.^[1] With 100 millions of records sold, she is the best-selling Latin female artist of all time.^[2][3][4][5]

As of 2018, according to Forbes, Shakira was the most commercially successful woman in Latin music through her album sales, thus making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.^[6] Vogue writer Carla Ramirez referred to Shakira as the greatest Latin female icon in history^[7] and journalist Queralt Uceda from La Vanguardia credits Shakira for being largely responsible for the popularity of Spanish language music on a global level,^[8] while others credit her for being the pioneer, popularizing Spanish music and paving way for other artists such as Bad Bunny and Karol G who enjoy worldwide popularity today. She is credited with opening the doors of the international market for a new generation of Latin artists.^[9][10][11] The journalist Leila Cobo from Billboard said that Shakira "put Latin music on the map" also added that her is "has been the top of Latin music".^[12]

Her impact is felt not only through her popularisation of Spanish Music, but also through introducing the culture, rhythms, and musical heritage of the Latin community on a global stage. Throughout her career Shakira has been noted for introducing musical genres, instruments, and techniques from across Latin America, The Middle East, and other regions to a wider audience.^[13] Various media describe Shakira as an artist who makes Latin American culture visible in across the world and credit her for opening the doors of the international industry to Latinos.^[14]

Her legacy and impact have transcended language barriers, popularizing Latin music internationally, and being credited with catapulting Latin music to the international market.^[15][16][17] Various media outlets agree with popular opinion by naming Shakira as "The Greatest Female Latin Artist of All Time,"^[18] highlighting her 30-year career and various achievements.^[19][20][21] She is considered a very influential artist for various artists from various communities. Due to her heritage as a Colombian of Lebanese descent, she is perceived as particularly influential for Latino and Middle-Eastern musicians. Shakira has also been credited as a very influential visual artist, music videos specifically have been named as a point of inspiration for various artists.^[22]

Forbes magazine has noted that Shakira's influence "knows no boundaries", whether in the fields of music or philanthropy.^[23] This is in reference to her work in early childhood education and advocacy for education as a birthright for all children. This work Shakira began at the age of 18 with the simultaneous release of her album Pies Descalzos and charity of the same name, the Barefoot Foundation in English. Her philanthropic efforts have projected her out of the realm of celebrity and into the space of a real influencer of change, working with various organisations and contributing to a number of initiatives to enact positive social change.

Shakira is one of the most influential musicians in the world and a keystone artist of the genres she has helped to popularize.^[24][25] The Guardian describes Shakira as "the most successful female Latin artist of all time".^[26] Shakira has achieved influence that transcends music and has wielded immense social and cultural impact. In 2021, Shakira was named by Kiss FM as one of the most influential female artists of the 21st century, highlighting her achievements in the international market without forgetting her Latin roots.^[27] In 2012, she was the youngest figure featured in literature covering "The 100 Greatest and Most Iconic Hispanic Artists of All Time".^[28]