Shakira’s Wax Figure Unveiled in Mexico’s ‘Museo de Cera’ Looks More Like Her Impersonator

A wax figure meant to honor Shakira’s global impact on music and pop culture now finds itself at the center of a far more unexpected conversation. At the Museo de Cera in Veracruz, where regional legends and icons line the halls, the Colombian star’s likeness was unveiled to commemorate a career that shaped Latin pop for decades. Yet from the moment the statue emerged from behind the curtain, the public response shifted from admiration to ridicule.

The figure stands among other Latin American personalities, with Shakira’s signature curly hair and a sparkling stage outfit echoing her early 2000s style. Visitors expecting a tribute to one of Colombia’s most influential artists instead found themselves comparing the statue to someone else entirely. “That’s not Shakira,” read one of the many social media posts. “That’s Shakibecca.”

The reference points to Venezuelan performer Rebeca Maiellano, whose resemblance to Shakira has made her a fixture at tribute shows and TV programs across Latin America. Known artistically as Shakibecca, Maiellano mimics both the look and movements of the pop star with uncanny precision. The comparison is not baseless. Even Shakira once took notice. During a 2018 tour stop in Mexico, the two met backstage. “Incredible talent,” said Shakira at the time, commending Maiellano’s ability to match her stage presence with near-perfect accuracy.

Did the ‘Museo de Cera’ Drop the Ball?

The Veracruz museum’s decision to place the figure in the section dedicated to Latin American celebrities may have been meant as a gesture of pride. But the backlash suggests the execution missed the intended reverence. Online reactions ranged from amused disbelief to calls for a full redesign. Much of the criticism focuses on the facial structure, which many argue aligns more closely with Shakibecca than with the woman who once sang on the world’s biggest stages.

Neither the museum nor the artists behind the sculpture have issued statements in response. Maiellano has remained equally silent, even as her name continues trending across platforms. As the debate ripples through media, what began as a local tribute has become part of a larger pattern.

Not the First Time a Tribute Stirs Debate

Shakira’s statues have long generated mixed reactions. In December 2023, a 6.4-meter bronze sculpture of her dancing silhouette was unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla. The artist, Yino Márquez, faced scrutiny for the figure’s facial expression and a spelling error on the commemorative plaque, which incorrectly listed the sculptor’s own last name.

In both cases, the intentions seem clear — to enshrine a cultural force whose music moved across continents. The results, however, have once again turned that tribute into public spectacle.