The vibrant coastal city of Barranquilla in Colombia has unveiled a colossal 21.3-foot (6.5 meters) bronze statue immortalizing the iconic music artist Shakira.
Legend has it that “The Queen of Latin Music” began showcasing her trademark hip-shaking dance moves on a table at a Lebanese restaurant in Barranquilla at the tender age of four. Now, a monumental bronze rendering captures the essence of the “Hips Don’t Lie” artist.
The bronze sculpture captures Shakira in her element, with long, curly hair and a sheer skirt adorned with shiny aluminum decorations.
A plaque accompanying the statue commends the singer for her remarkable achievements, including three Latin Grammy Awards in 2023 and her charitable endeavors, particularly the “Pies descalzos” foundation dedicated to early childhood development.
The inscription on the plaque reads,
A heart that composes, hips that do not lie, an unmatched talent, a voice that moves masses, and feet that march for the good of children and humanity.
Shakira took to her Instagram to share glimpses of the statue, featuring her signature hip swivel, expressing her excitement for the homage to Colombian women, especially those from Barranquilla.
In another post, Shakira shared images of her parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, standing proudly in front of the monumental bronze figure. “This is too much for my little heart,” she wrote, overwhelmed by the emotional significance of the occasion.
The awe-inspiring statue was crafted by the talented artist Yino Márquez, whose work embodies the spirit of Barranquilla and pays tribute to Shakira’s extraordinary journey. In a statement, the singer expressed her gratitude to Márquez and his students for their “enormous artistic talent” in creating the monumental bronze masterpiece.
Mayor Jaime Pumarejo highlighted the statue’s symbolic significance, stating, “The statue by artist Yino Marquez shows millions of girls that they can, that they can pursue their dreams and any of them can achieve what they want.”
Pumarejo reminisced about seeing Shakira perform at local children’s concerts, emphasizing the inspiration she provides to young aspiring talents.
Despite residing in Miami, Shakira expressed deep gratitude in a statement from the mayor’s office, stating that she is honored by the statue and affirming that Barranquilla will always hold a special place in her heart as her home.
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