When was Shakira discovered?

The Colombian chanteuse became the world's biggest Latin crossover artist with her hit album Laundry Service in 2001.

Born to parents of Colombian and Lebanese decent, Shakira Mebarak discovered her love of music at an early age. Penning her first song aged 8, she thrived on a healthy mix of both world music and bands as diverse as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Nirvana. One of her first songs was called 'Tus Gafas Oscuras' (Your Dark Glasses), about her father's grief at the loss of his son in a car accident.

A regular on the local Colombian talent show circuit, Shakira got her lucky break after moving to Bogotá, initially with hopes of pursuing a career in modelling. Thanks to local theatre producer Monica Ariza, the talented young star-to-be was thrust under the nose of Sony Colombia executive, Ciro Vargas. Following a successful live showcase, Shakira was signed to the label and went on to release her first album, 'Magia' in 1991.