Shakira Owns Her Own $16M Island in the Bahamas
Lifestyles of the rich and famous — we love to hear all about them. Particularly, what do they do with all of their money? Some buy new wardrobes, new cars, and new homes, but what about when you’re beyond all of that? Buy an island, like Shakira. The 12-time Latin Grammy Awards winner reportedly purchased an island in the Bahamas for $16 million back in 2011. We’ve got all the details.
How did Shakira make all of her money?
Shakira has been in the music scene since 1990. She released her first album “Magia” when she was only 13.
The Colombian-born singer broke out in the Latin music scene when she was 17, with her first hit single “¿Dónde Estás Corazón?” which made it up to #5 on the U.S. Latin chart and was followed by her breakthrough album, Pies Descalzos. The success of this album led to an international tour, opening the gateway for her future albums.
Her first English crossover album, Laundry Service, was released in 2001 with it’s first hit “Whenever, Wherever” reaching #6 on the Hot 100 in the U.S., as well as garnering huge success internationally. Shakira continued her steady rise to fame around the world, getting to #1 with “Hips Don’t Lie” in 2006, moving on to earn three Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards.
Most recently, she performed alongside Jennifer Lopez in the Super Bowl LIV halftime show. She’s one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, selling more than 75 million records during her career thus far.
In 2011, Shakira bought an island in the Bahamas
With an estimated net worth of $300 million, it’s understandable that Shakira has started finding creative ways to spend her money.
In 2011, Shakira and Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters bought an island together in the Bahamas. The island, named Bonds Cay, spans 550 acres and is part of the Berry Islands in the Caribbean. Shakira and Waters reportedly spent $16 million on the purchase of Bonds Cay.
Bonds Cay has five beaches, multiple waterfalls, three bays, and a number of lagoons throughout the island. It has some elevation, allowing for beautiful views from higher up. The island is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise water, filled with reefs and fish, making it perfect for snorkeling and fishing.
What were they planning to do with the island?
The famous investment partners purchased Bonds Cay with the intention of turning it into a getaway for artists. Part of the island would be developed into luxury resort homes and hotels for the super-rich, complete with private beaches.
Another part of the island would be turned into an artists’ retreat. This was to include studio space, art galleries, and even programs where artists could take semester-long sabbaticals. Waters and Shakira shared a dream of “reinventing the concept of tourism” and focus more on art and culture than gimmicks like golf courses and water parks.
Shortly after the purchase of Bonds Cay, Shakira was sued by her ex-boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, for $100 million. De la Rua was reportedly involved in the sale of Bonds Cay, as well, but it’s unknown in what regard and if he had any claim to the property.
The lawsuit was dismissed in 2013, but Bonds Cay is now up for sale. Shakira and Waters never began their development of the island and have not commented on it publicly since they made the original purchase. While we know everyone has started a project they haven’t finished, a $16 million private island is a pretty big-ticket item to let go of.
