Chasing Dreams: Immigrants in Sports and Entertainment

Chasing Dreams: Immigrants in Sports and Entertainment is a series dedicated to highlighting the remarkable stories of athletes, creatives, and performers who have come to the United States in pursuit of their dreams. Through their journeys, we celebrate the resilience, passion, and determination that drive success across various industries. ​

​This week, we spotlight Shakira, the Colombian-born singer, songwriter, and global icon whose groundbreaking career has redefined Latin representation in popular music—and highlighted the power of immigrant voices in shaping global culture.

Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1977, Shakira grew up in a vibrant, multicultural household.  Her father, a Lebanese immigrant, was a jeweler and writer, while her mother came from a Colombian background with Spanish and Italian roots.  From a young age, Shakira showed an extraordinary talent for music and poetry.  By the age of eight, she was already composing songs, blending the sounds of her diverse heritage into a style all her own.

Like many immigrants, Shakira would eventually leave her home country in pursuit of broader opportunities.  As her success in Latin America grew during the 1990s, she looked to the United States to expand her career.  This transition likely involved an employment-based visa for extraordinary ability in the arts—an immigration pathway often used by internationally recognized performers.  Her move was born of ambition, vision, and the desire to connect across cultures through her music.

From Barranquilla to Global Charts

Shakira's first major breakthroughs came with her Spanish-language albums Pies Descalzos and ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?—critically acclaimed records that established her as a rising star across Latin America.  
With a distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and an ability to fuse rock, Latin, and Middle Eastern sounds, Shakira brought something entirely new to the global music scene.

Determined to reach English-speaking audiences, she taught herself English and co-wrote every track on her crossover album Laundry Service in 2001.  The album was a massive success, featuring hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.”  It marked not only her emergence as a global artist but also a significant moment for Latin representation in mainstream American pop music.

Shakira’s performances were more than concerts—they were cultural showcases.  Her signature belly dancing paid homage to her Lebanese roots, while her Spanish-language songs remained a consistent part of her identity.  She did not adapt to fit the mainstream—she expanded it to include her.

Championing Education and Culture Beyond the Stage

As Shakira rose to fame, she also took on the role of global advocate.  At eighteen, she founded the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos), dedicated to providing education, nutrition, and support for children in Colombia’s poorest communities.  Her humanitarian work earned her recognition from international organizations, and she became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003.

In the United States, Shakira continued to break barriers.  She joined the cast of The Voice, connecting with American audiences beyond her music.  In 2020, she co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show—one of the most visible stages in entertainment—bringing Latin rhythms, bilingual lyrics, and cultural pride to a global audience of millions.  For many immigrants and Latinx viewers, it was a defining moment of recognition and celebration.

A Lasting Impact on Representation and Global Artistry

Shakira’s legacy is not defined only by awards or album sales, but by the cultural bridges she built.  She showed that immigrant artists could lead, innovate, and reshape the global entertainment industry without leaving their roots behind.  She challenged the idea that success in the United States required assimilation—instead, she proved that authenticity could be a superpower.

Like many immigrants, Shakira faced challenges:  navigating cultural stereotypes, overcoming industry doubts, and balancing identity in a world eager to define her.  But through it all, she remained steadfast—allowing her voice, heritage, and purpose to guide her.

Why We Celebrate Shakira

We celebrate Shakira not only for her musical genius but for the way she has used her platform to uplift others, bridge cultures, and redefine what it means to be an immigrant artist in the United States.  Her story is one of courage, creativity, and contribution--proof that the American cultural landscape is strongest when it includes voices from every corner of the world.
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At Stommes Immigration, we believe every immigrant brings with them a unique vision capable of transforming industries.  Shakira’s journey reminds us that the American Dream is not only about reaching success—it is about reshaping what success looks like for generations to come.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].