Meet William Mebarak Chadid, the proud father of the iconic “Queen of Latin Music,” Shakira. With a lifetime spanning over nine decades, he has been an unwavering source of inspiration and support to his children, including the globally renowned entertainer, Shakira.

This article delves into the life of a remarkable man whose love and guidance have shaped the extraordinary journey of one of the music industry’s brightest stars. Likewise, discover the man behind the scenes, whose impact on his family’s success remains immeasurable.

How Old Is William Mebarak Chadid? His Age, Parents, Early Life

William Mebarak Chadid, the father of music sensation Shakira, celebrates his 91st birthday on 6th September 2023. Born in New York City, New York, United States, he is of Lebanese descent, with parents Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer.

His family moved to Colombia when William was just five years old. A guiding force in his children’s lives, he continues to inspire as the proud patriarch of the Mebarak family.

William Mebarak Chadid Wife

Lucia Mebarak (First Wife)

William Mebarak Chadid was first married to Lucia Mebarak, and they had nine children together. Tragically, William lost his first son before Shakira was born, which undoubtedly had a profound impact on the family.

Likewise, after several years of marriage, William and Lucia divorced, but the specific dates and reasons for their divorce have not been made public.

Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado (Second Wife)

Before he met Shakira’s mother, William was already a divorcee with Nine children from his previous marriage. He had a successful career as a professional jeweler and was also known as a vocational writer.

William Mebarak Chadid’s second wife, Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado. William has found happiness in his relationship with Nidia.

Nidia is a painter by profession, and they have one child together which is Shakira, adding to William’s family and making him the father of ten children in total.

William Mebarak Chadid with his wife and daughter Shakira.
William Mebarak Chadid with his wife and daughter Shakira. Source: Instagram/@shakira

Shakira grew up with her parents alone, and even though her older siblings had moved out, they maintained a close bond and would spend time with her during her childhood.

As for the details of William’s divorce from his first wife, he has not publicly disclosed the reasons behind it. However, he has expressed contentment and happiness in his current relationship with Nidia, who now takes care of their home and family as a dedicated housewife.

He Is the Father Of Ten

William has a total of ten children from his two marriages. With his first wife, Lucila Mebarak, he welcomed nine children: Edward, Ana, Lucy, José Antonio, Alberto, Tonino, Patricia, Moises, and Robin. Tragically, his eldest son lost his life in a motorcycle accident when he was 19 years old, which had a profound impact on the family.

William Mebarak Chadid with his grandchildren.
William Mebarak Chadid with his grandchildren. Source: Instagram/@shakira

With his current wife, Nidia, William has one child, the globally renowned superstar Shakira, born in February 1977. Shakira’s talent and success have made her a household name worldwide, and she has two sons of her own, Sasha Piqué Mebarak and Milan Piqué Mebarak, making William a proud grandfather.

The strong bond and support within the Mebarak family, despite facing hardships, have contributed to Shakira’s growth and artistic journey, inspiring some of her songs like “Tus Gafas Oscuras,” which she composed at the young age of nine, as a tribute to her late brother.

Net Worth

As a multi-talented individual who has been involved in various successful professions and businesses, William Mebarak Chadid has accumulated an estimated net worth of $500,000.

In comparison, his daughter Shakira, the internationally renowned pop star, has achieved extraordinary success in the music industry. With a net worth of $300 million, she stands as one of the most successful female singers of all time.

Shakira’s impressive career includes selling more than 125 million albums and singles worldwide, making her an iconic figure in the music world. Also, know about another Lating singer Becky G.

While William’s net worth is substantial, Shakira’s remarkable accomplishments and massive global success have undoubtedly contributed to her significantly higher net worth. Both father and daughter have left their mark in their respective fields, showcasing their talent and dedication to their crafts.

Career- What Does He Do For A Living?

William Mebarak Chadid’s career has been a journey of versatility and creativity. He began as a radio announcer and journalist, captivating audiences with his storytelling. He was also a professional jeweler.

Navigating financial matters, William served as an insurance agent. On his 90th birthday in 2021, his daughter revealed in an Instagram post that he is a writer and a creative person.

Embracing academia, he shared his love for literature as a respected literature professor and showcased his writing talent through the book “Al Viento y Al Azar” in 2013.

As a biographer, he captured the essence of his daughter Shakira’s journey, adding to his impressive literary accomplishments. His diverse experiences stand as a testament to his boundless talents and creative spirit. Also, know about another Colombian artist Leidy Mazo.

William Mebarak Chadid – A Guiding Light in Shakira’s Creative Journey

William Mebarak Chadid’s influence on Shakira’s life and work has been profound. As her father, he played a significant role in shaping her upbringing and instilling values that have guided her throughout her career. His passion for literature, intellectual pursuits, and the artistic aspects of life exposed Shakira to a world of creativity from a young age.

Shakira is hugely influenced by her father.
Shakira is hugely influenced by her father. Source: Instagram/@shakira

Being her inspiration and accomplice, Shakira looked up to her father, wanting to be like him as a little girl. She would imitate his gestures, and once she learned to write, she started composing poems that she would recite for her parents.

William’s love for big dark glasses also left a lasting impact on Shakira, but it also gave her a fear of them. To overcome this fear, she channeled her emotions into creativity and wrote her first poem, titled “Tus gafas oscuras” or “Your dark glasses.” This poem would later evolve into a song, which found its place in her debut album “Magia.”

What Happened To Shakira’s Father

After celebrating his 90th birthday, William Mebarak Chadid faced a health setback when he had a fall that led to hospitalization. The loving support of his children and grandchildren surrounded him during this challenging time. Spending some time at the Barcelona hospital, William eventually returned home to the care of his devoted family.

Shakira with her father William Mebarak Chadid.
Shakira with her father William Mebarak Chadid. Source: Instagram/@shakira

“Waka Waka” singer Shakira, his famous last daughter, took an active role in helping her father restore his cognitive abilities after the trauma.

Through a heartwarming Twitter post, she expressed

“With my dad discharged, already at home and on the way up, helping him with his cognitive stimulation after the trauma. Thank you all for wrapping us up with your immense love. ❣️”

In a touching video, Shakira was seen holding large cards with Spanish words in red for her father to read aloud, demonstrating her dedication to his recovery.

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