Who Is William Mebarak Chadid? The Story of Shakira’s Father

Have you ever wondered who raised one of the biggest stars in the world? Behind every superstar, there’s often someone who helped shape their journey. For Shakira, that person is her father, William Mebarak Chadid.

He’s not just “Shakira’s dad”. William is a writer, a teacher, and a man full of stories, wisdom, and love. He’s been by her side through every high and low, and their bond is something truly special. In this article, we’ll explore who William Mebarak Chadid really is, his background, his work, and how he helped his daughter become the global icon she is today.

Let’s get to know the amazing man behind the Queen of Latin Music.

William Mebarak Chadid Quick Bio

Who Is William Mebarak Chadid?

William Mebarak Chadid is most famous for being the father of pop superstar Shakira. But he is also much more than that. He’s a man with a long and meaningful life story of his own.

He is a proud father, a published author, and a man who once worked as a teacher, journalist, and even a jeweler. Today, many people know him from Shakira’s posts and interviews, where she talks about how much he means to her.

In her words, he is her “hero,” her “best friend,” and her biggest inspiration.

Early Life and Lebanese Roots

William was born on September 6, 1931, in New York City, in the United States. His parents, Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer, were of Lebanese background. So, William comes from a rich cultural heritage that blends the Middle East with Latin America.

When he was about five years old, William and his family moved from the U.S. to Colombia, where he spent most of his life. This move helped him grow up in a Spanish-speaking world while still holding on to his Lebanese roots.

His early life gave him a deep love for language, storytelling, and family values — things he later passed on to his daughter Shakira.

Career Journey of William Mebarak Chadid

William didn’t have just one job. Over the years, he wore many hats. He worked as a journalist, a radio announcer, and a literature professor. He was also a jeweler and an insurance agent at different points in his life.

But one thing stayed the same — his love for words and ideas. He always enjoyed writing, thinking deeply, and helping others learn. These interests played a big role in how he raised Shakira and helped her develop her own talents.

In fact, many people say that Shakira got her artistic and creative side from her father. He showed her the beauty of stories, songs, and self-expression from a very young age.

Shakira’s Father as a Published Author

One of William’s proudest achievements is becoming a published writer. In 2011, he released a Spanish-language book called “Al Viento y al Azar”, which means “In the Wind and at Random.”

The book is a mix of love stories, memories, and personal essays. It shows his unique view of the world, his emotions, and his deep thoughts about life. Shakira herself helped edit the book and said she was amazed by her father’s honesty and fearless writing style.

She once shared, “In this book, I was captivated by everything – the rebellious spirit, the way it flows without rules, and the truth in every word.”

His book may not be known worldwide, but it gave readers a glimpse into his heart and mind. It also showed how creative and thoughtful he truly is.

His Marriage, Family, and 10 Children

William Mebarak Chadid has had a big and loving family. He was first married to Lucila Mebarak, and they had nine children together. After their divorce, William married Nidia Ripoll, a Colombian woman with Catalonian and Italian roots. Together, they had one daughter — Shakira.

In total, William is the father of ten children. Sadly, he lost his eldest son in a tragic motorcycle accident when the boy was just 19 years old. This heartbreaking moment deeply affected him and later inspired Shakira’s early songwriting.

Some of his other children have done very well in life:

• Lucy is a neurosurgeon in Colombia.

• Alberto is a lawyer.

• José Antonio is a businessman in Miami.

• Patricia works as a special education teacher.

• Moisés teaches psychology at a Colombian university.

• Tonino, one of Shakira’s closest siblings, works as her road manager.

Even though Shakira is the only child from his second marriage, she has always been close to her half-siblings, and they’ve supported her through her entire career.

The Special Bond Between Shakira and Her Father

If you’ve ever seen interviews or photos of Shakira with her father, you’ll notice one thing right away — they are incredibly close.

Shakira often shares sweet messages and old pictures with her dad on social media. For his 91st birthday, she posted, “You’ve had Covid, two surgeries, and two falls this year… and you’re still teaching me about love and strength.”

She also calls him her “soft spot”, her guide, and her constant support.

When Shakira was honored at the Latin Grammys in 2011, her dad even came on stage and sang to her — a lullaby called “Mi Niña Bonita” (My Pretty Girl), which he used to sing when she was little. It was one of the most emotional moments of the night.

Their love is real, deep, and very inspiring.

How William Inspired Shakira’s Music

William Mebarak Chadid didn’t just raise Shakira — he helped shape her music too. His ideas, his style, and even his sunglasses made their way into her songs.

One of her earliest songs, “Tus Gafas Oscuras” (Your Dark Glasses), was written when she was just nine years old. It was inspired by the big, dark sunglasses her father used to wear. As a little girl, those glasses made her feel nervous because she couldn’t see his eyes. So, she turned those feelings into a song.

In 2012, for his 80th birthday, Shakira and her father recorded a special duet called “Hay Amores” (There Are Loves). It was a sweet and emotional moment. In the music video, Shakira gently guides her dad through the recording, asking him to sing “a tone and a half higher.” Their love and teamwork shine in every second.

Shakira has also said that her song “Ojos Así”, which includes Arabic lyrics, was inspired by her father’s Lebanese background. His stories, culture, and kindness helped her create music that feels personal and powerful.

Health Struggles and Family Support

As William Mebarak Chadid grew older, he faced some health problems. In recent years, he has been through a lot. He had two falls, a minor stroke, Covid, and was recently hospitalized in 2024 with pneumonia.

But through all of it, his family — especially Shakira — stayed close. She has been very open about his health journey. In one video, she shared how she was helping her dad recover by doing cognitive exercises with him. She held up flashcards with Spanish words and encouraged him to read them out loud. It was a simple but loving way to help him heal.

After one of his hospital stays, she posted, “With my dad discharged, already at home and on the way up… Thank you all for your love.” Moments like this show just how deep their bond truly is.

Even at 94 years old, William’s strength and spirit continue to shine — and his family is always there to support him.

Shakira’s Public Love and Tributes

Shakira has never been shy about showing love for her father. On Instagram, she often posts sweet birthday messages, old family photos, and heartfelt notes about what he means to her.

For example, in 2023, she posted a collage of childhood pictures and wrote, “Your smile is my weakness.” She also shared videos of them talking, singing, or just enjoying quiet moments together.

In 2011, when Shakira was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy, William took the stage in Las Vegas to sing “Mi Niña Bonita” (My Pretty Girl) — a lullaby he used to sing to her as a child. Many in the audience were moved to tears.

These public moments remind us that their connection is not just real — it’s beautiful.

William Mebarak Chadid’s Religion and Values

William Mebarak Chadid is a Catholic Christian, and his faith has always been a big part of his life. He believes in kindness, love, and staying strong through hard times. These values helped shape how he raised his children, especially Shakira.

He taught her to care for others, to stay grounded, and to never forget where she came from. Even with all her fame, Shakira has stayed humble — something she often credits to her father’s guidance.

William’s love for books, music, and culture also gave Shakira the space to grow as an artist. He never pushed her, but he always supported her.

Where Is He Now? Life in 2025

As of 2025, William Mebarak Chadid is living a quiet life with his family. After his health scares, he spends most of his time resting and enjoying time with loved ones.

It’s not clear if he’s still in Colombia or living closer to Shakira in Miami, where she moved with her sons Milan and Sasha in 2023. Either way, one thing is certain — he is surrounded by love.

Even though he stays out of the spotlight, fans around the world care about him. Every time Shakira shares an update, people send warm wishes and support. That’s the kind of love he has inspired, just by being himself.

Final Thoughts

So, why does the story of William Mebarak Chadid matter?

Because he’s not just Shakira’s dad — he’s a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and helped raise one of the world’s most famous artists. His story reminds us that behind every star is someone who helped light the way.

His strength, his creativity, and his quiet support helped shape Shakira’s path. And even now, at 94 years old, he continues to be her rock.

William Mebarak Chadid’s life is full of love, wisdom, and inspiration — and that makes his story worth telling.