Shakira is one of the most successful and influential artists of all time, with a career that spans over three decades and multiple genres.
She is known for her distinctive voice, catchy songs, and impressive dance moves.
But who are the people behind her rise to fame and fortune?
Who are Shakira’s parents, and how did they shape her musical journey?
In this article, we will explore the family background of the Colombian superstar, and reveal some interesting facts about her parents.
Where are Shakira’s parents from?
Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
She is the only child of Nidia Ripoll Torrado and William Mebarak Chadid.
Her mother is a native Colombian with Catalan and Italian ancestry, while her father is a Lebanese-American who was born in New York City.
Shakira inherited both her parents’ cultures and languages, as she grew up speaking Spanish, English, and Arabic.
She also learned French and Portuguese later in life.
Her father’s Lebanese heritage influenced her musical style, as she incorporated elements of Arabic music and belly dancing into her songs and performances.
Shakira’s parents were supportive of her artistic talents from an early age.
They encouraged her to write songs, play guitar, and participate in talent shows.
They also helped her land a record deal with Sony Music Colombia when she was 13 years old after a local theater producer arranged an audition for her.
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What happened to Shakira’s dad?
Shakira’s dad, William Mebarak Chadid, is a retired professor and journalist who also wrote books and sang in his spare time.
He was very close to his daughter and often accompanied her on her tours and events.
He also defended her right to compete as a woman in the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, after some critics accused her of having an unfair advantage over other female performers due to her previous exposure to testosterone as a male.
However, William Mebarak Chadid faced some health challenges in recent years.
In May 2022, he suffered a bad fall that caused him a head injury and required hospitalization.
Shakira revealed the news on Twitter after fans expressed concern when they saw her riding in an ambulance in Barcelona.
She later thanked them for their support and wished her dad a happy 91st birthday.
What happened to Shakira’s mom?
Shakira’s mom, Nidia Ripoll Torrado, is a homemaker who dedicated herself to raising her daughter and supporting her career.
She also has a passion for jewelry making and often designs pieces for Shakira to wear on stage or in photoshoots.
She has a close bond with her daughter and often travels with her around the world.
Nidia Ripoll Torrado also faced some difficulties in her personal life.
In June 2022, she had to deal with the news of Shakira’s separation from Gerard Piqué, the Spanish soccer player who had been her partner for 11 years and the father of her two sons, Milan and Sasha.
According to some reports, Nidia Ripoll Torrado was devastated by the breakup and blamed Piqué for hurting her daughter.
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She also allegedly had a confrontation with Piqué’s mom, Montserrat Bernabeu, who knew about his affair with another woman and helped him hide it from Shakira.
Conclusion
Shakira is not only a talented and successful singer, but also a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and mother.
She comes from a diverse and supportive family that has influenced and inspired her throughout her life.
Her parents are Nidia Ripoll Torrado and William Mebarak Chadid, who are both Colombian-Americans with different ethnic backgrounds.
They have faced some challenges and controversies in their personal lives, but they have always stood by their daughter and cheered for her achievements.
Shakira’s parents are the story behind the Queen of Latin Music’s family.
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