The city of Barranquilla in Colombia is preparing to honor its global superstar, Shakira, with a towering tribute. A six-meter-tall statue, a creation of Yino Márquez, is being erected in the city in collaboration with the Mayor’s office. The sculpture is currently being set up at the Gran Malecón, an area being developed for recreational activities, and is expected to be open for public visits by the end of the month.
Shakira: A Symbol of Cultural Influence
Shakira, with her 58 million monthly listeners on Spotify, is celebrated for her international fame and contribution to music. Besides, she has been a prominent figure promoting the Barranquilla Carnival, symbolizing her cultural influence. The statue, capturing Shakira with a guitar in her hands, encapsulates her essence as an artist.
Project Supported by Mayor’s Office
The initiative to honor Shakira comes from a project supported by the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla. The statue will be situated in a stretch of the Gran Malecón covering 650 linear meters and three hectares of public space. The statue is largely concealed by scaffolding now; however, Shakira’s golden hands are visible, indicating the artist’s Midas touch in the music industry.
Shakira’s Connection with Barranquilla
This statue is not the first tribute to Shakira in Barranquilla. Another one, over four meters tall by German artist Diatter Patt, stands outside the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez. The unveiling of the new statue is highly anticipated and is expected to attract visitors from around the world, further bolstering Shakira’s connection with her home city.
