Different rumors kept circulating regarding the surprise visit of Colombian-Lebanese international pop star Shakira Mubarak and her parents to Lebanon. Their short trip to Lebanon kept everyone busy with coming up with different reasons behind why Shakira would so suddenly visit Lebanon.
According to the London based Al Hayat, one of the main reasons behind their visit turned out to be the family inheritance of Shakira’s father. Upon their arrival to the town of Zahla, where Shakira’s family is from, her father visited the municipality department of Zahla to inquire after his family inheritance.
It was revealed that a 70 year-old servant, Jan Ba’kalini , who worked her grandparents will also share the inheritance of Shakira’s family and it was added that the servant had bought around 75 percent of her grandparents’ assets. Shakira’s family accused the servant of fraud and said that he is a thief.
When the servant heard of the news he had refused to welcome Shakira and her parents to his home which is originally the home of her grandparents. Jan had revealed that at first he had been waiting for the return of Shakira’s father for over 40 years, but now he does not wish to see him.
Jan had sent out a message to Shakira and her family that he wishes to buy out the rest of the estate that belongs to them for the mere fact that he has been taking care of it for decades, and does not wish to see the land fall into the hands of those who wont make time for it. Jan’s nephew stressed that they have legal documents that state that 75 percent of the land is rightfully theirs and any court will surely rule in their favor.
Jan’s nephew added that his uncle was planning to give Shakira her grandfather’s house as a gift but under the condition that it remains as is. Shakira’s father in turn said that he does not wish to have any assets in Lebanon and is in the country to sell his inheritance and make a fortune out of it not wanting to have anything tie him to land. It was added that Shakira’s father will sue Jan for fraud.
On June 11, 2003 Shakira arrived in Beirut airport in an unexpected visit that kept everyone in shock. The singer arrived on Air France with her parents in an attempt to get to know Lebanon. Shakira’s visit is focused mainly on visiting Zahla, to meet relatives and become better acquainted with her roots. It was revealed that her stay in Lebanon is strictly for leisure and she will not be holding any performances.
Multicultural Shakira is one of a growing number of Latin American singers making a splash on the US pop charts. Her latest album, "Laundry Service," has sales approaching 10 million albums worldwide. Her music combines rock, pop, Latin and Arabic sounds. Shakira also plays guitar and writes most of her songs, which allows her to control its content and style, something she is very keen on. – Albawaba.com
