The mid-90s marked the birth of "Shakira fever" as she transitioned from a teen idol to a respected singer-songwriter with a "bohemian rockera" persona.
Shakira’s recording career began at age 13 with Sony Music Colombia. Her first two studio albums were local projects that, while demonstrating her songwriting potential, failed to achieve commercial success: Shakira Discography Albums Studio 1991-2017
: Her second effort saw better production but left Shakira dissatisfied due to a lack of creative control. After its lukewarm reception, she took a hiatus to finish high school, a move that likely saved her career from being cut short by her label. The Latin Breakthrough (1995–1998) The mid-90s marked the birth of "Shakira fever"