Have you ever wondered who helped raise one of the biggest music stars in the world? Behind every famous person, there is often someone who gave them love, support, and guidance. For Shakira, that person is her father, William Mebarak Chadid.
But here’s the thing—William Mebarak Chadid is not just known as “Shakira’s dad.” He is a writer, a teacher, and a man full of life stories. He has lived a long life filled with learning, hard work, and deep family values.
In this article, we will explore everything about William Mebarak Chadid. We will look at his early life, his career, his family, and his strong bond with Shakira. By the end, you will clearly see why he is such an important part of her success.
William Mebarak Chadid Quick Bio
| Full Name | William Mebarak Chadid |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1931 |
| Age (2026) | 94 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | Colombian-American |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese |
| Religion | Catholic Christian |
| Profession | Author, journalist, professor |
| Known For | Shakira’s father |
| First Wife | Lucila Mebarak |
| Current Wife | Nidia Ripoll |
| Children | Around 10 (Shakira is youngest) |
| Parents | Alberto Mebarak & Isabel Chadid |
| Book | Al Viento y al Azar |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million |
| Current Life | Living quietly with family |
Early Life of William Mebarak Chadid
William Mebarak Chadid was born on September 6, 1931, in New York City. His parents were from Lebanon, which means he grew up with strong Middle Eastern roots.
When he was about five years old, his family moved to Colombia. This move changed his life completely. He grew up in a Spanish-speaking country, but he never lost his Lebanese culture.
Imagine growing up with two cultures at once. You learn different traditions, foods, and ways of thinking. This is exactly what shaped William into a thoughtful and open-minded person.
William Mebarak Chadid’s Family Background
Family has always been very important in the life of William Mebarak Chadid. His parents, Alberto Mebarak and Isabel Chadid, passed down strong values to him.
They taught him to respect others, stay humble, and work hard. These lessons stayed with him for life. Even when he became older, he followed the same simple values.
His Lebanese background also played a big role. It gave him a deep love for culture, storytelling, and connection. Later, these same things became part of Shakira’s life too.
William Mebarak Chadid Career Journey
The career of William Mebarak Chadid is very interesting because he did not stick to just one job. He tried many different roles in his life.
He worked as a journalist and a radio announcer. He also became a literature professor. On top of that, he worked as a jeweler and even an insurance agent.
You might wonder, why so many jobs? The answer is simple—he loved learning and trying new things. He believed in growth and experience. This mindset later inspired Shakira to follow her passion without fear.
William Mebarak Chadid as a Writer
One of the most special parts of William Mebarak Chadid’s life is his love for writing. He always enjoyed sharing his thoughts and ideas through words.
In the early 2010s, he published a book called “Al Viento y al Azar.” The book is full of personal stories, emotions, and life lessons. It shows how deeply he thinks about life.
Shakira even helped him with the book. She once said she was amazed by his honesty and creativity. This shows how strong their connection is, not just as father and daughter, but also as creative minds.
William Mebarak Chadid Marriage and Relationships
The personal life of William Mebarak Chadid is also very meaningful. He has been married twice in his life.
His first wife was Lucila Mebarak, and together they had several children. After their separation, he married Nidia Ripoll, who later became Shakira’s mother.
Their marriage created a strong and loving home. Even with a big family, William always made sure to stay connected with his children.
William Mebarak Chadid Children and Big Family
William Mebarak Chadid is the father of a large family. He has around ten children from his two marriages.
Shakira is the youngest, but she grew up close to her older siblings. Even though many of them lived private lives, they stayed connected as a family.
Sadly, the family also went through a painful moment. William lost his eldest son in a tragic accident at a young age. This loss deeply affected him and even inspired Shakira to write one of her early songs.
This mix of joy and pain made the family bond even stronger.
William Mebarak Chadid and Shakira’s Bond
The bond between William Mebarak Chadid and Shakira is truly special. It is not just a normal father and daughter relationship. It is full of love, respect, and deep understanding.
From a young age, Shakira looked up to her father. She saw him as a wise and kind man. He always listened to her and supported her ideas. This made her feel confident and safe.
Even today, Shakira often shares sweet moments with him. She calls him her “hero” and her “best friend.” Have you ever had someone who always believes in you? That is exactly what William has been for her.
How William Mebarak Chadid Inspired Shakira
William Mebarak Chadid played a big role in shaping Shakira’s music and creativity. He did not push her, but he gently guided her.
When Shakira was just a child, she loved writing poems. This came from her father’s love for words. He showed her how powerful stories and music can be.
One of her first songs, “Tus Gafas Oscuras,” was inspired by him. She wrote it when she was only nine years old. The song was about the dark glasses her father wore to hide his sadness after losing his son.
Later, his Lebanese roots also inspired her music. Songs like “Ojos Así” include Arabic sounds and style. This shows how his culture became part of her global success.
William Mebarak Chadid Health and Tough Times
In recent years, William Mebarak Chadid has faced some health problems. As he got older, his body became weaker, which is natural at his age.
He went through several difficult moments. These included falls, Covid, and even a small stroke. He was also hospitalized a few times between 2022 and 2024.
But he was not alone. Shakira stayed by his side and helped him recover. In one touching moment, she helped him practice reading words using cards. It was simple, but full of love.
These moments show how strong their bond really is.
William Mebarak Chadid Religion and Values
William Mebarak Chadid believes in simple but strong values. He follows the Catholic Christian faith and believes in kindness and love.
He always taught his children to stay humble. He believed that success means nothing without good character. These lessons shaped Shakira into the person she is today.
He also valued family time. Sitting together, talking, and sharing meals were very important to him. This is something Shakira still follows in her own life with her children.
Where Is William Mebarak Chadid Now?
As of 2026, William Mebarak Chadid is living a quiet and peaceful life. After his health issues, he now spends most of his time resting.
He is often surrounded by family members who care for him deeply. Whether he is in Colombia or closer to Shakira in Miami, he is never alone.
Even though he stays away from the spotlight, people still care about him. Fans always send love when Shakira shares updates about her father.
Final Thoughts
The legacy of William Mebarak Chadid is powerful, even if he is not a celebrity himself. His biggest achievement is the way he raised his children.
He gave them love, support, and strong values. Through Shakira, his influence has reached millions of people around the world.
His culture, his writing, and his life lessons all helped shape her music. This is why his story is so important. It shows that behind every star, there is someone who helped them shine.
(FAQs)
Who was William Mebarak Chadid’s first wife?
His first wife was Lucila Mebarak, and they had many children together before he later married Shakira’s mother, Nidia Ripoll.
What is William Mebarak Chadid’s nationality?
He is Colombian-American. He was born in New York but grew up and lived most of his life in Colombia.
Who are William Mebarak Chadid’s parents?
His parents were Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer, both of Lebanese origin, which strongly shaped his culture and family values.
How many children does William Mebarak Chadid have?
He has around 10 children, including Shakira. Many people are surprised to learn she has a large number of half-siblings.
How old is William Mebarak Chadid and when is his birthday?
He was born on September 6, 1931, which makes him 94 years old in 2026—a long life full of stories and experiences.
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