Shakira, the internationally renowned singer and songwriter, was born to a culturally diverse family that played a significant role in shaping her musical talents. Her parents, Nidia Ripoll Torrado and William Mebarak Chadid, come from various backgrounds, contributing to Shakira’s unique blend of musical influences and styles.
Nidia Ripoll, Shakira’s mother, is a native Colombian with Catalan and Italian ancestry. In contrast, William Mebarak is a Lebanese-American born in New York City. William’s family emigrated to Colombia when he was just five years old, bringing their rich cultural heritage with them. This blend of cultures in Shakira’s family contributed significantly to her linguistic diversity, as she grew up speaking Spanish, English, and Arabic, later learning French and Portuguese.
Despite being the only child of Nidia and William, Shakira has eight half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage. The Colombian-Lebanese family influenced Shakira’s music and allowed her to create a sound that resonates with people across the globe.
Early Life in Colombia
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is the only child of her parents, Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid. Her mother, Nidia, is a native Colombian with Catalan and Italian ancestry, while her father, William, has Lebanese roots. He was born in New York City and later moved to Colombia with his family when he was five years old.
Growing up in a multicultural family, Shakira was exposed to both Spanish and Arabic cultures, which have influenced her music and performances throughout her career. Being raised in Barranquilla, a city known for its rich musical culture and vibrant festivals, Shakira was naturally drawn to music and dancing from a young age. Her parents recognized her talent and supported her passion, which helped her develop her unique style and eventually become one of the world’s most successful Latin American artists.
The city of Barranquilla and its diverse populace played an essential role in shaping Shakira’s identity and worldview. She embraced her diverse heritage and used it to craft her own distinctive sound, blending elements of Colombian, Lebanese, and Spanish music. This versatility of influences is showcased in her work, making her stand out among her contemporaries and resonating with audiences worldwide.
Shakira’s strong family ties and her upbringing in Barranquilla, Colombia, have had a lasting impact on her life and career. The support and encouragement from her parents, coupled with the rich cultural influences of her background, prepared her for the incredible success she would ultimately achieve as a global superstar.
Family Background
Shakira’s family background is a rich tapestry that has shaped her as a global music icon. Born to parents Nidia Ripoll Torrado and William Mebarak Chadid, Shakira inherited a unique blend of cultures from her mother and father. Nidia, a native Colombian, has Catalan and Italian ancestry, while William, a Lebanese-American, was born in New York City and moved to Colombia at the age of 5. This cultural mix would later inspire Shakira to learn multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Arabic, French, and Portuguese.
Though Shakira is the only child of Nidia and William, she has eight half-siblings from her father’s previous relationships, namely Ana, Tonino, Alberto, Lucy, and Patricia. Being the youngest in her large family, Shakira is the proud aunt to several nieces and nephews, as well as having a close-knit relationship with her elder siblings.
Shakira’s own family has grown since she began a relationship with Spanish football player Gerard Piqué in 2011. Together, they have two sons, Milan and Sasha Piqué Mebarak, who are already showing a keen interest in their parents’ passions for music and sports.
In summary, the rich cultural background of Shakira’s parents, Nidia and William, have played a significant role in her upbringing and musical career. Additionally, her large family of siblings and her own children with Gerard Piqué have helped shape the confident, knowledgeable, and versatile artist we know today.
Shakira’s Family Today
Shakira, the renowned Colombian singer, leads a happy life with her close-knit family. Born to parents Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarack, she is their only child. However, Shakira shares a connection with nine half-siblings from her father’s side.
In her personal life, Shakira found love with Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Milan and Sasha Piqué Mebarak.
Her mother, Nidia Ripoll, comes from a Colombian background. Born and raised in Colombia, she has worked as a teacher and provided necessary support for Shakira’s early career as a singer. Nidia is also fluent in both English and Spanish.
Shakira’s father, William Mebarack, adds diversity to their family with his Lebanese-American background. William was born in New York City and later moved to Colombia, where he met Nidia and started a family together. He is a man of many talents, contributing to the family as a lawyer, writer, and businessman.
Over the years, Shakira and her family have maintained strong bonds. Specifically, she shares an excellent relationship with her two sons Milan and Sasha. Shakira and her partner Gerard Piqué ensure that their children experience the best of both their Colombian and Spanish heritages.
William recently authored the biography of his daughter Shakira, offering valuable insights and parenting tips on how to nurture and develop children’s talents. This book strengthens the bond between the father-daughter duo and gives us a glimpse into their close-knit family life.
Among Shakira’s nine half-siblings, Edward and Moises have gained some attention. While their lives remain relatively private, these connections bring further depth to Shakira’s family dynamics.
In summary, Shakira’s family today consists of her loving partner Gerard Piqué, their two sons Milan and Sasha, her supportive mother and father Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarack, and her nine half-siblings. Together, they showcase a strong bond that spans different backgrounds and cultures, while remaining united by love and support for one another.
Musical Career
Shakira, a Colombian singer and songwriter, began her career at an early age. Born and raised in Barranquilla, she started belly dancing and writing songs at the age of 10. By 13, she made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia.
Shakira’s first two albums, Magia (1990) and Peligro (1993), brought attention to her potential as an artist. However, it was with her third album, Pies Descalzos (1995), that she gained international fame. Embracing a unique blend of rock and Latin rhythms, the album produced multiple hit singles, including “Estoy Aquí” and “Antología.”
In 1998, Shakira released Dónde Están Los Ladrones?, an album that brought her critical acclaim and commercial success. This success carried over to her first English-language album, Laundry Service (2001), with the smash-hit single, “Whenever, Wherever.” The album went on to sell over 13 million copies worldwide.
Shakira’s evolution as an artist continued with her two-part project, Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005) in Spanish and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005) in English. These albums saw a shift in her musical style, touching upon themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. “La Tortura,” a duet with Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, became a chart-topping single, while “Hips Don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean, became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Over the years, Shakira has explored various genres and collaborated with international artists. In 2009, she released She Wolf, showcasing an electro-pop sound and her seductive side. The title track and “Loca” became international hits. She continued to showcase her versatility with Sale El Sol (2010), an album with a mixture of pop, rock, and Latin influences. Its infectious lead single, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” served as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Colombian singer achieved further success with her album El Dorado (2017), which included the hit single “Chantaje” featuring Colombian reggaeton singer Maluma. Over her career, Shakira has received numerous accolades, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards and other prestigious recognitions.
Shakira’s journey as an artist demonstrates her adaptability, ability to captivate audiences, and her deep love for music. From her early beginnings with Sony Music Colombia to smashing global records, this Colombian singer has undoubtedly made her mark on the music industry and left a lasting legacy.
International Fame and Achievements
Shakira, known as the Queen of Latin Music, initially gained fame in Latin America before expanding her success to the global stage. As a talented singer, songwriter, and performer, she has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards.
Her first song at the age of 13 marked the beginning of her journey as a singer. Shakira embarked on international success with her English-Language album “Laundry Service,” which featured hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” Her distinct musical style is evident in her critically acclaimed albums, such as “Fijación Oral Vol. 1,” which won the Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album in 2006.
One of her most popular performances took place during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, in which she exhibited her signature Belly Dancing moves and showcased her skills as a dancer. She also showcased her live performance prowess during her world tours, like the Oral Fixation Tour and the Dorado World Tour.
Shakira’s skills extended beyond music as she took on the role of a coach on the popular talent show, “The Voice.” Through that role, she used her expertise to mentor and guide aspiring talent. Besides, she has made a notable impact on social media as one of the most influential Latin American artists on platforms like Twitter.
This Colombian superstar has not only been recognized for her achievements on the music charts but also for her philanthropic endeavors. Shakira was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using her influence to promote education and social change.
The international achievements and accolades Shakira has acquired during her career demonstrate her prowess and versatility as an artist, solidifying her place as one of the most impactful artists in the Latin and global music industry.
Public Image and Influence
Shakira’s parents, Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak, have played a significant role in shaping her public image and influence in the entertainment industry. As a Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer, Shakira has become one of the most prominent figures in Latin music, appealing to a wide range of audiences worldwide.
Her mother, Nidia Ripoll, is of Colombian origin with Catalan and Italian ancestry, while her father, William Mebarak, is a Lebanese-American born in New York City. Their diverse cultural backgrounds have enriched Shakira’s music style, contributing to her unique blend of Latin, Lebanese, and contemporary American sounds.
Shakira’s strong bond with her son, Milan, and her song “Tus Gafas Oscuras” inspired by her father, demonstrate the deep connection she shares with her family. This familial influence can be seen throughout her career choices and personal life, making her an inspiration to many fans.
Being active on social media, including Instagram, has allowed Shakira to stay connected with her audience and showcase more intimate glimpses into her life. She often shares moments with her family, giving fans a window into her personal world, thus humanizing her public persona.
Shakira has collaborated with various celebrities throughout her career, including Christina Aguilera. These collaborations have not only expanded her musical horizons but also cemented her status as a global icon in the music industry. The influence of her parents, coupled with her exceptional work ethic and commitment to her craft, has undoubtedly played a role in her success in the world of Latin music and beyond.
Philanthropic Efforts
Shakira, a renowned singer and songwriter, is also known for her dedication to philanthropy. She has long focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children through education, nutrition, and health initiatives. One of her most significant efforts is the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which she established in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, in the late 90s. At the age of 18, Shakira took on the social duty of addressing the needs of underprivileged children and has since expanded the foundation’s reach and impact.
The Pies Descalzos Foundation is at the heart of Shakira’s charitable work. It was established with the aim of providing comprehensive support to vulnerable children in Colombia, focusing on areas such as education, nutrition, and health services. Over the years, the foundation has built and operated several schools, reaching thousands of students and providing them with quality education and resources to help alleviate poverty.
Shakira’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond her foundation. In 2003, UNICEF named her a Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of her work with Pies Descalzos. In this role, Shakira has used her global platform to advocate for children’s rights and education, highlighting the importance of investing in the younger generations to create a brighter future. Additionally, she has supported numerous other charitable causes and organizations, further displaying her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Through her philanthropy, Shakira has touched the lives of numerous individuals and communities, proving that her dedication to improving the world goes beyond the stage. Her efforts consistently demonstrate her passion for addressing pressing issues.
Trivia
Shakira’s father, William Mebarak Chadid, has Lebanese roots and was born in New York City. This diverse cultural background has influenced Shakira’s music style, combining Latin and Arabic elements. While living in the United States, her father experienced a motorcycle accident, which impacted him greatly.
Nidia Ripoll Torrado, Shakira’s mother, is of Colombian and Catalan descent. Her mother’s linguistic abilities, specifically the knowledge of French, have been passed down to Shakira. The pop star also has a broad understanding of various languages like English, Portuguese, and Italian.
Although Shakira is the only child of her parents, she has eight half-siblings from her father’s previous relationships. It is said that one of her half-siblings, Tia, unfortunately passed away at a young age, which resulted in deep sadness for the entire family.
Shakira’s global career has led her to various countries for both personal and professional reasons. One notable instance was when she visited South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The singer captivated audiences worldwide with her performance of “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the tournament’s official song.
Throughout her life and career, Shakira has maintained a strong connection to her roots. Despite her international fame, she continues to show immense pride in her Colombian origins and the cultural influences of her Lebanese father.
