In Colombia, education is sometimes considered a luxury, not a human right. And it's not a priority in the agendas of many leaders.

— Shakira

I never made it to the school choir because the music teacher didn't like my voice. I was pretty sad. But he was probably right; I did have a voice a bit like a goat, but my dad told me to never give up and to keep going, and it's paid off.

— Shakira

I remember the first time I saw the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video. I will never forget that day. Furthermore, I just wanted to see Kurt Cobain's face. Furthermore, I had a feeling he was very cute. But, I couldn't see his face. When I finally did see him, he was even cuter than I imagined!

— Shakira

I thank God that I'm a product of my parents. That they infected me with their intelligence and energy for life, with their thirst for knowledge and their love. I'm grateful that I know where I come from.

— Shakira

I think my dad is the only Arabic descendant who is an unsuccessful businessman.

— Shakira

It's very difficult to think that you're with someone that you know, and all of a sudden you don't know them: it turns out that they betray you. It's painful, but it's best to turn the page.

— Shakira

I want to stay an eternal girlfriend. I want to have my boyfriend's children, but I don't think we need a piece of paper to regulate the game, and we don't have to go through the whole stress of a wedding and suffering to throw a good party.

— Shakira

I was five years old; I got addicted to being on stage. I felt like it was the most wonderful place on Earth, performing in front of an audience, who in this case were a bunch of classmates, kids my age.

— Shakira

My dad is a writer, and to see him always in front of a typewriter gave me the inspiration to write. He was my idol, my hero. I wanted to be just like him.

— Shakira

My team and I have reunited two elements that coexist with difficulty: respect and affection, because when they love you they don't respect you and when they respect you they don't love you.

— Shakira