A 6.5m tall bronze statue of Colombian singer, Shakira, has been unveiled in her hometown, Barranquilla, on Tuesday, 26th December, 2023, to honor the singer.
The statue shows the singer swivelling her hips in the dance move which featured in her popular “Hips Don’t Lie” video.
Shakira took to her Instagram page to share the huge news and photos of her parents in front of the statue, and to also show her appreciation.
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On a plaque located at the base of the statue, the artist is praised for having “hips that do not lie, a unique talent, a voice that moves masses”.
It also relates to her charitable endeavours via the “Pies Descalzos” foundation, which she founded and which supports early childhood development. The word “Pies Descalzos” is Spanish for “Bare Feet”.
The unveiling of the statue was attended by Shakira’s parents, the mayor of Barranquilla, Jamie Pumarejo, William Mebarak and Nidia Ripoll.
Shakira made headlines this year a few times before the new monument was unveiled. Most notably, she smashed Latin American YouTube records with a song she published about her ex-partner, former football player Gerard Piqué.
And once again when she paid a €7.5 million (£6.5 million) fine to resolve a tax fraud lawsuit that was launched against her in Spain.
The singer had a successful year in 2023, winning three Latin Grammy awards, one of which he shared with fellow Colombian musician Karol G.
Story: Asma’u Sani