Shakira honoured with 21-foot bronze statue in Colombian hometown
PTC News Desk: Barranquilla, Colombia, unveils a towering 21-foot bronze statue of Shakira, the hometown pop sensation. The statue captures her iconic "Hips Don't Lie" pose, celebrating her Grammy-winning achievements.
The monumental tribute, resembling her famous music video stance, is adorned with a heartfelt plaque recognising her talents and humanitarian contributions. The dedication overwhelmed Shakira, who expressed gratitude for her parents' presence on her mother's birthday. She praised sculptor Yino Marquez and local art students for showcasing the immense talent of her homeland.
Google's statistics revealed Shakira as one of the most searched names, capturing significant attention. Ahead of the statue unveiling, Shakira made headlines, notably with a song dedicated to her former partner, ex-footballer Gerard Piqué, breaking YouTube records across Latin America.
Another significant event was her resolution of a tax fraud case in Spain, involving a substantial €7.5m (£6.5m) fine. The unveiling of her statue witnessed the presence of Shakira's parents, William Mebarak and Nidia Ripoll, along with the mayor of Barranquilla, marking a significant moment for the Colombian pop sensation. Marquez, the sculptor, revealed that over 30 people dedicated five months to crafting the statue. The intricate design, with her dress transforming into symbolic waves made of aluminum, embodies Shakira as Barranquilla's river and sea.
Mayor Jaime Pumarejo highlighted the statue's significance, portraying Shakira's journey as an inspiration for the city's youth. He emphasized that her success illustrates the potential of dreaming big and achieving greatness, particularly for girls and teenagers in the Caribbean.
While Shakira's musical accomplishments shine brightly, she recently faced legal challenges. A deal was struck last month during her tax fraud trial in Barcelona, allowing her to avoid imprisonment by agreeing to a suspended three-year sentence and a substantial fine. This legal episode hasn't dimmed her ongoing impact as a revered figure in music and her hometown.
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