On December 26, the internationally acclaimed singer Shakira received a heartfelt tribute in her hometown, Barranquilla, Colombia.

The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a stunning bronze statue, immortalizing her iconic dance move of shaking her hips—a signature that has defined her illustrious career.

Sharing the joyous moment on Instagram, Shakira expressed her delight in commemorating this significant event with her parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado.

Notably, December 26 held an added significance as it coincided with her mother's birthday, making the celebration even more special.

Capturing the essence of the occasion, a photo showcased Shakira's parents standing proudly in front of the towering 21-foot-tall statue. In her caption, Shakira conveyed her happiness, stating, "It makes me happy to share this with my parents and especially my mother on her birthday.

The bronze masterpiece not only captures Shakira's dynamic persona but also features a plaque at its base, paying tribute to the 46-year-old singer. The dedication reads, "A heart that composes, hips that do not lie, an unmatched talent, a voice that moves masses, and bare feet that march for the good of childhood and humanity."

Overwhelmed by the gesture from her hometown, Shakira, accompanied by her parents and brothers, stood alongside the mayor of Barranquilla.

Expressing her emotions, she wrote, "This is too much for my little heart."

This recognition adds to a series of accolades Shakira has received in 2023, following Spotify's declaration of "Shakira Day" on September 29, commemorating the 25th anniversary of her album, Dónde Están Los Ladrones?

In a recent interview, Shakira attributed her success to her dedicated fan base, emphasizing their crucial role in her journey. She stated, "The role that my fans have played in my career is impossible to quantify. They’ve known how to understand me better than anybody, and they’ve carried me to where I am today with their unwavering support."

Shakira's deep connection to her Colombian roots is evident as she credits her home country for being an endless source of inspiration. She shared, "The way Colombia has served as inspiration for my career as an artist is immeasurable," acknowledging the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped her artistic endeavors.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Shakira has been actively involved in philanthropy. At the age of 18, she founded the Barefoot Foundation, dedicated to providing education and nutrition to impoverished children in Colombia and beyond. Her commitment to educational equity led her to establish the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in 2006, operating in over 30 states in the U.S. as well as locations in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

In an interview from October 2010, Shakira shared her philanthropic vision, stating, "The goal of my philanthropic work has always been to make sure that every child has a chance to live up to his or her potential." Her commitment to ensuring access to quality education underscores her enduring dedication to creating positive change in the world.