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Monday's Connector of the Day – Shakira
Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
Famous for her hit record ‘Hips Don’t Lie’, (a collaboration with Wyclef Jean) –it was the most-played pop song in a single week in American radio history, with 9,637 broadcasts.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/12/03/shakira.art.jpg caption="Shakira's famous dance moves help raise awareness for children's charities"]
Growing up in Barranquilla, on the Colombian Caribbean coast, when she was eight years old, Shakira's father declared bankruptcy. Losing most of their possessions, the young Shakira thought the world had ended, until her father took her to a local park where she witnessed the sight of orphans living there, taking drugs and sniffing glue.
At that moment Shakira made a vow to herself that one day she would become a famous artist and help these kids.
Like her hips, she didn’t lie: she became a stratospheric hit worldwide – acording to Forbes Magazine, the 4th highest-earning woman in music for 2008 – and she did not forget her promise to the children.
At just 18 years old, she founded The Pies Descalzos Foundation – named after her 3rd album – which helps deprived children get access to good education. Their work is based close to Shakira’s birthplace. Otherwise known as the the Barefoot Foundation – the charity is named after her distinctive belly dancing stance.
Not stopping there, as UNICEF Goodwill ambassador, Shakira has taken her humanitarian work worldwide.
A belly-dancing Latin bombshell, and philanthropist raising millions for children’s charities – Shakira is our connector of the day.
Send your questions for Shakira and we’ll put the best of them to her on Monday’s show.
On Twitter
How have u been coping with musical industry
What about sexual health education among these children?
1. Rolling Stones or Beetles?
2. What music is in your ipod?
Pies descalzos means Barefoot, them the Pies Descalzos foundation and the Barefoot foundation are the same. The way the article is written made they look to be different foundations.
I salute this great women.She must be having a very big heart. God bless her.
Since u had that kind of misery past (bankrupcy), did you ever get lost (doing bad behavior)? How did you pull through?
what is your plan to help other less fortunate children who do not necessarily come from your birth place ( Colombia) i.e. from Africa where ther are many children who suffer a lot? What criteria do you follow in determining the children who benefit from your charity? Thank you and god bless you.
Your popularity is enourmous across Latin America, why do you choose to sing in English? How important do you find USA market for an international music career?
I admire your achievements and I love your voice. To my knowledge, you have Lebanese roots; so, if a Lebanese needs your help, would you be willing to provide it? I would appreciate receiving your reply by e-mail. God bless you.
Will you go on like the Rolling Stones until you are a grandma, or do you see a graceful exit followed by a life helping street children after your music career?
Wow. Great article. I always liked her rhythm and, yes, looks, and knew she was quite philanthropic, but now I see how deep it goes. Right on, Shakira!
What can educators do connect our students to charities like yours?
How do you feel your style has changed since Hips Don't Lie, and now with She Wolf?
Well done baby !
I cant explain How happy am I for your goodwill gestures for the most deserved ones.
You really an ambassador.
Keep it up and god bless you !
Best Regards.
Jay
from Srilanka
Hi Shakira,
Do you consider yourself Lebanese?
Thank you,
Karim
Dear Shakira, I love your voice, your music, your efforts to help children, and I love your country. How do you see the future of Colombia? Do you think one day visitors could roam throughout the country without fear? Do you see an improvement in the standard of living of children living in poverty?
Being an Arab, I'm interested in knowing if its true, are you half Lebanese?
A real gigantic super-star. Beautiful. Sexy. Extremely talented.
We all like her so much. The way she sings, she dance everything. But it's not the matter of race or nationality and we also like what she is doing currently like her foundation. So shakira keep it up on what u r doing. I hope that you will have the chance to visit Ethiopia too. Bless you.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
Shakira,
I am an American living in Bucaramanga Colombia. I understand that you have taken up golf. My wife and I have a Foundation to bring golf and its values to kids and families in what otherwise is considered an elitist sport. Following health, education and nutrition, do you think breaking social barriers through sport can play a positive role in the lives of young Colombians?
P.S. It's no secret that you are very much loved down here.
What would you say is the 1-2 biggest differences between your public persona versus "you" in your private life?
As an important role model for Latin American women, what are your views on abortion in Latin America?
In my 49 years, I have not appreciated / commented any singer, however I take this opportunity and say that hats off to you Shakira, your good work will help the poor orphans, but my advise is do not prolong any more in marrying yourself with your boyfriend , your four year love should end in marriage very soon, please do not wear transparent attire / costume , this will not only hurt your boyfriend, it also hurts me, you have earned enough name and fame worldwide , there is no need for you now to wear transparent clothes, for god sake, for the sake of your boy friend please do consider .
Shakira, you are beautiful and a wonderful person.
What is the name Shakira derived from?
Does it mean shake up the world with dance & love?
You are truly a different kind of bombshell.
May God bless these children. Very sad.
Shakira is a real ambassador of our Colombian Country. Thank you for helping educational programs for children no only in Colombia but also in Latin American.
God bless you and your family
Do you wish to have children? How many?
As a previous blogger wrote, Pies Descalzados means Barefoot. The Foundation's name is a metaphor used to describe the deprived children it represents. The article is misleading when it says that the Barefoot Foundation was named after her "distinctive belly dancing stance".
Shakira, there really is more to you than meets the eye. It appears that you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. Keep up the good work. If I am honest I haven´t bought any of your albums to date, but have listened to your music on the music channels, and am very impressed, but from here on out I think its safe for you to assume that you have a new fan that will buy all of your music, and help support your causes through my companies as well. Just need to know where to go to do that...
p.s.
as for what Chandra said, do what feels right for you, its none of our business what you do in your personal life anyway...
Hey Shakira....when is ur next album coming.....and do you plan some more future contribution to the needy ones...especially to those living below poverty line....i mean in African Nations?
Dear Shakira, I love you and your musik, where in Spanish or English, I hope and wish your success continues for many years... and i wish that you will always be such a decent, beautiful woman with a soft, kind and caring heart... may God Bless your life with joy and peace within....
I live and work with the urban poor in Bogota. This is a country where girls are taught to relate sexually to men from a very early age, much of the damage they suffer in this culture comes from early (11 and 12 years old) sexual involvement with young and older men who have no intentions of caring for them or providing for the children they produce. These young women have been abandoned by their fathers (child support here is only about US$40 a month, no one pays it anyway) and will spend the rest of their lives looking for attention and affection. Shakira would do us all a favor if she would leave off promoting herself as a one-dimensional, over sexed, highly flirtatious young woman. She is the kind of role model who perpetuates machismo.
wasup can u make one more tour to east african countries
Shakira
When can we see you in Sri Lanka ? Those hips dont lie FOR SURE !!!
what is the most memorable moment in your life?
i wish every woman was lovely like you x x x
I heard different quotes about the way you react to Israelis:
a. Do you hate us and would raher : " preform in front of a pig than an Israeli" or are you okay with us?
b. As a goodwill ambassador will you discriminate our country and go against it or treat us fairly?
Good evening Miss Shakira, it's a bit hard, but could you explain how are the feelings, sensations and thoughts that keeps you going on thw road to become more famous and powerful to help all these people!?
Do you encourage other artists to look at Africa with a deserving eye?.,
You have done great, there are millions of men and women in a better position than you, but altogether they have not done half of your goods. Keep it up and God bless.
Hi shakira, i like the humanitarian activites you are doing in latin Amerian. It is good to see celebrities like you helping the society where you grew up from instead sending excess money on buying expensive clothes. I hope you will visit Nigeria! Chidinma from Nigeria.
Hi shakira, i like the humanitarian activites you are doing in latin Amerian. It is good to see celebrities like you helping the society where you grew up from instead sending excess money on buying expensive clothes.African is always on the news when it comes to seeing poor children on the streets.It is good to findout that poor chidren are also on the streets of Columbia and Latin America. I hope you will visit Nigeria! Chidinma from Nigeria.
Hi shakira, i like the humanitarian activites you are doing in latin Amerian. It is good to see celebrities like you helping the society where you grew up from. African is always on the news when it comes to seeing poor children on the streets.It is good to findout that poor chidren are also on the streets of Columbia and Latin America. I hope you will visit Nigeria! Chidinma from Nigeria.
Hi Shakira,
How can I help in your development work?
I don't have money, but I got very nice collection of skills and values, and some time to spend....
Patrick
Shakira.
We appreciate (in Mexico) all what you are and mean to the world.
Please take a look of what can be done for the Children with Cancer.
There are simple steps that can make a huge difference for the sick ones.
I hope you are interested on this matter.
Let us know.
1. Are you sure that your hips don't lie?
2. Do you have your barefoot yet?
3. I loved you, when you was younger, now, I like you. whatever: would you marry with me?
Hello Shakira.
My question is below but here is an introduction.
I am 55 years old, and in 1996 we hosted a student from Medellin (who is now doing very well in Canada). Her downstairs neighbor's family was lost to the narcoterrorism of that time, but she introduced us to YOU and we have been completely astounded at your accomplishments and philanthropy ever since. We believe we are very unusual Americans with a very good understanding of the homeless children in Bogota and the poor neighborhoods in the northern hillsides of Medellin. To us, you are a true hero.
Rather than focus on the past or now, please imagine yourself 10 years from now and tell us what you see.
All we hope is that you are personally happy and that you achieve what you want, because that obviously includes the children of your country. We hope you are the face of UNICEF like Audrey Hepburn was to be, before her untimely passing.
Very best to you!
–tom
Will you ever dye your hair back to black?
your name shakira sounds arabic, do you have arabian ancestry?
The way this article is written, it sounds like you work for charitable purposes. I'm curious, of all the money your enterprise(s) take in, what is the percentage that goes to your charitable efforts compared to your personal income?
You have collaborated with many people over the years. Who has been the most exciting to work with? Also, do you plan to do anything with Gustavo Cerati anytime soon?
Shakira,
Just like previous entries, will you help others besides poor Columbians? What about Africa? If you are part Lebanese, what about Lebanon? Or Russia? Or Inner Mongolia? How about Iceland? People, give it up! Shakira has money and clout, but even Bill Gates can't help everyone. If Shakira decides to help only poor kids from Barranquilla, so be it. As far as I know, she is human, which means she eats food, breathes air, and has limits like everyone else. Bless you for whatever help you provide.
The world need people like who can help who can help and changing people life. what you are doing right now is to fulfill other peoples dreams and I wish I can be like that one day
Hello shakira,most famous women artists are vagrants they don't usually have family life(having husband and children) but I don't want to extrapolate,what about you?
Hi, Shakira, Love your voice! You will be amazed if you found out how many fans you have in Afghanistan.
Singing:"" Shakira, Shakira"".....
Thanks for returning so, so much to the world our children are living in.... great example you are!!
Shakira,
Your biggest hit was written together with Wyclef Jean from Haiti. As you have done in Colombia, would you be willing to help the poor children from Cite Soleil, Haiti, the poorest slum of the western hemisphere. They also need education and health.
If you never thought of being a performer, or weren't successful, what would you be doing now?
Are you laying emphacies on sex education
SHAKIRA, WE ARE AWARE ON YOUR SERVICE TO VOLUNTEERISM.
WE ARE PROPOSING A SHOW OF PEACE IN COTE 'D IVOIRE THAT WILL TAKE US TO 5 REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY TO ENLIGHTING THE POPULACE ON AIDS PROGRAM, UNIVERSAL ADULT SULFRAGE PROGRAMS ETC.....
WE NEED REPLY TO START ARRANGEMENT WORTH CHARITY DONS 2.8 MILLIONS STARS USD .CONVERSION IN FCFA.
THANKS , LANTRADE PARTNERS /UN VOLUNTEER CONSULATANT AND I.REPORT MEMBER.
KIM SMITH MALIKI
THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATIONS ON MODERATIONS ,WELL DIRECTED .GOOD NEWS AWAIT ALL.
how long d u practice per day?
Do you consider yourself Lebanese?
La felicito por su labor con los niños y niñas.
Dicho con todo respeto, no le parece que la globalización de su música ha acarreado que bajara la calidad de la misma? Se lo digo como admiradora desde sus primeros discos tan cercanos, tan provocadores...
Sería agradable algún album con ese estilo, aunque sea solo para América Latina.
Hello Shakira,
I think you're very amazing person in this Earth. You have a wonderful voice and your heart. I think you have a good oppourinty to helping for poor children. Im proud that you're from Colombian and I know you can do it. I would like to see you to voice to the world that Colombia is very beautiful country and they should see Colombia. Colombia have alot beautiful history and everywhere. God blessing you!
Shakira i need u in my life, pls be my wife. My mobil number +2348068027701.
Shakira,
I appreciate what you have done for the children. Keep up the good work !
I love you a lot, because your lovely isn't skin-deep.Therefor, you broaden your kind-heart to universal who need the help.
YES, how inspiring, keep on shakin' you're going in the right direction.
Jane
Colombia is a country with ongoing war for many decades, some children in the country don't have other options than joining the paramilitary forces or are brain-washed to fight for them.
What do you think is the solution for this situation and how do you contribute to avoid this?
from the first time I listened to her song i have come to love her and i still do . keep up the good work cos it's the best ever.
Hi Shakira
You desrve to be the UNICEF Goodwill ambassador – because of the sad childhood story of yours and the determination and achinevements you made but RETURNING THOSE VALUABLE THINGS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN LIFE to those needy childrens!!
GOOD LUCK SHAKIRA AND KEEP SHAKING THE WUSIC LOVERS AND YOUR GREAT FANS LIKE ME!!
Hi Shakira,
I am about 29 years old from Cambodia. And I am a fan of you, I like the way you dance and your natural body and beauty. I really appreciated with what you have done withe the kids and your foundation.
Hopefully, you will maintain your shape and rock the world with your music and keep up your good work with the kids. I wish I could do more to help the poor kids.
Please take care, and I am very proud of you:)))))))
Hi Shakira,
You have never forgotten your roots. Gods had a purpose and plan for your life long before you knew it.Your love and generosity touches many lives as much as you beautiful music. May you have a wonderful married life and
raise many Shakiras........Your Fan.....
Hola Shakira,
I am from Uruguay and work for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome. As you may know, WFP does a great amount of work for hungry children world-wide.
Good luck with your role as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
Saludos,
Alejandro
hi Shakira am a big fun of u and i just want to ask how u do that sexy moves in music
please come to Indonesia
God bless you Shakira for your work with the children.
My wife is Colombian and at her 30th birthday she asked all the guest not to bring gifts, but to donate money to the Pies Descalzos foundation instead. I urge everyone to do the same. The greatest gift is to help others in need.
When I first look at the dance routine, I was amazed to see the beauty and talent of Shakira. Now you are the one who is helping millions of poor childrens using your influence. It is your golden touch and keep up with this good job. All of us envy your dance and certainly your good work of kindness.
What inspired you to come in the singing and what you name your special style of dancing?
You were selected as a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum two years ago, but declined to accept participation. How might participation in this group allow you to connect better to find other global best practices and economies of scale to acellerate the impact of your programs? How might this affinity group help you discover your own blind spots and inspire you to new heights? Further, how might your participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos bring greater awareness and support for your endeavors?
Q: Do you think it's important for people to connect through language? You've inspired me to learn Spanish.
Many children dream of becoming a famous artist (or a famous something else),, and some manage to fulfill this dream. When you were a child and wished – or decided – that you would become a famous singer, what did you actually tell yourself throughout the years in order to find the inspiration to follow your dream, and eventually fulfill this goal?
Thank you for your wonderful work with your Barefoot Foundation! My question is, now that Hugo Chavez, has accused Colombia, for allowing possible U.S. military sites in Colombia, and Presidente Chavez obvious dislike of the situation, does that impede your work, in Colombia.? And, if so, what would you perfer to see in the new emerging Anti- U.S. sentiments in America Latina? Personally, after growing up in America Central, from 1959-1972, as the daughter of a WHO specialist in communicable diseases, it was my belief, that the constant "changing of the guard", from oligarical states, and dictatorships, to the abrubt swing to socialism, which is obviously better then the latter, has left the poor in a quandry, obviously still manipulated by both sides, to make a choice, or else!
Thank you, and Congratulations on all your Humanitarian work, with the accompaning beauty of your music. Thank you, Deborah Garrick
It's very kind of you to dedicate yourself to such a cause. The world lacks people like you helping and giving a bit of themselves without expecting to get anything in return, only wanting to ease children lives across the world.
Only one of your famous Colgate smile would suffice to warm up the heart of thousands… wondering you might also be a solution against global warming :-). Thank you Shakira.
I am so very proud of you! Too many successful people forget that there is a world out there in need. For those of us who are bless with much, giving back is a wonderful way to fill your heart while helping others to reach their potential.
I don't need to listen to your music to know your heart and it is big and full.
Bless you and I wish you continued success.
what is the greatest inspiration you have received from working with these kids who are mere little 'angels'
Hello Shakira,
Although I do not listen to your music, I appreciate that you are willing to use your celebrity status for improving the lives of children in your country and around the world simultaneously. Does this work include the abuses of militaries using Child Soldiers? Please consider this if it is not already being addressed. Thank you for your giving back to your community and the world.
I think I got to know you after all this years of being a number one fan of yours, I belive your music is an open book of who you are, but this last album seems to me very different and far away from your own and unique style. From the music to your look and music videos you're getting close and close to the typical "Blonde American pop star". Two questions;
1- Are you changing your style to fit better within the American market?
2-If so why? if your very unique style is what get you where you're in the first place.
Love you Shaki, you're the best Colombian image we have and I thank you for that,
Una Paisana.
Why did you attended a History of Western Civilization class in UCLA ?
Shakira is a great lady ever lived,very charitable and philanthropic.
We need more shakiras for asustaineable world where all the inhabitants,poor or rich are proud of their current stutas.Long live shakira.....we all love/adore you and your legacies are worth remembering.
BARRANQUILLA IS LIKE YOU...REALLY BEAUTIFULL!!!!
hi shakira i wanna tell you that after reading this i loved you more than before and i really appreciate and respect you even more. not many people keep their promises after gaining fame and money. i wanna know what do you think of israel and the conflicts in the middle east and i ask you to pay attention to the children in africa and the middle east who also need help.finally you are an amazing person keep the good work up:)
Is there any other reason your opinion should matter other than you sing and dance? My 10 year old sister can do that.
**SHAKIRA**
Im 27, married, 2 babies and I have developed a close friendship with you through your music for years.
***As a friend, tell me please what would you say to our youth about the importance of having values and faith in God?
Shakira se fuerte y bondadosa
From what influences do you draw, to so wonderfully combine both Latin American and Middle Eastern cultures?
Does she say everything for money?
How do you handle your celebrity status in your home back in Colombia
Shakira-I have read about your giving back to the unfortunate before and you are taken it to the great level Good Job, I hope you don't forget the poor Children in Tibet, young girls from remote villages and towns in Tibet are being sold into prostitution in China. Since no media is allowed in Tibet, its very hard to get the story out of Tibet. There are thousands poor children in Tibet, who have no access to education especially in Central Tibet. As Tibet is under Chinese Occupation there so much hard ship for the world to reach to poor children, due to political red tape.
Is your musical carrer anything like what you expected? Good, bad? If not, what's different?
i adore you.....
please try to visit philippines too....we'd love to see you here performing....
P.S. underneath your clothes is my favorite.
How do you reconcile the sultry,blatantly sensual persona with the subdued almost shy person you seem to be when you are offstage;and how much does this paradox impact your music and your humanitarian work?
Shakira, you are really the sister to bring the issues of hope, to the unprivileged or to those who are hopeless. That is what Jesus did to the his people, give them hope to survive . Keep on the spirit sister.
Mohamed hashi ( Canada)
Shakira , I loved your answers to a question posed by a journalist on how you decide to stop the adoption of children from becoming child soldiers the Colombia rebels. . You said the only weapon is “Education” Education brings stability, freedom, self -confidence, dignity, and decreases poverty and on.
The purpose of my email to explains the similarity between the children of Colombia and children of Liberia, my birth country. The children of Liberia, from ages 5 – 15 became child soldier during the Liberian brutal civil war which lasted more than 10 years Today child soldiers other children whose parents died in the war, are now struggling for survival without education as a result many of them turned to criminal activities, roaming the villages towns and urban areas committing all kinds of atrocities. They do not have the means to seek for an education.
Based on this ugly situation, I decided to build an elementary and a Junior high school on a large plot of Land I bought recently, through our organization, the National Association for civil advancement. . I really want your organization, the Connect Shakira to assist with funds for the construct ion of the school for the children of Liberia who are in the same condition like the children of Colombia. The Junior high school will be named, The Shakira Elementary and Junior High School to continue your dream of turning children from the idea of child soldier through education.
I am using this forum because I do not know how to contact you directly. Please feel free to contact me at 317-702-8065. My e-mail is mnteah@iupui.edu.
Thanks
Shakira me as kenyan I love listening to your music and have bought some of your albums.AS a kenyan what plan do you have for Kenyan need children who are languishing in povert? Would love if you could extend you donation to this parties.
shakira, u wnt to try my hips but opps, cnt move them like u did. great voice and courage.job well done, well done gel.
Shakira ar u engaged? Or stil singl
Shakira, firstly congratulations on your successful career. Who or what is your biggest inspiration for your music?
Shakira, when u grow old and are about to die, what would u say (given the chance) u would want to be remembered by?
Dear Shakira:
You are a huge dancer and singer at a time. Your habilities come out from your soul. Keep on doing what you know to do. You do not need to take advantage of body overexposure to be famous. Those things are for marketeable girls.That is not your case. Please continue to be a suggestive girl only as lovely as ever.
Would you build businesses (like for example farming in Colombia), with the purpose to provide a job placement rather then just give money to the charities?
At what age you started dancing? and were you self taugh? we love you here in Trinidad & Tobago.
At what age you started dancing? and were you self taught? we love you here in Trinidad & Tobago.
Shakira is pretty