William Mebarak Chadid is an American-born writer, journalist, businessman, and the father of Colombian music superstar Shakira. Although he is widely recognized through his daughter’s international success, his personal story extends far beyond his relationship with the famous singer. From his Lebanese family roots and childhood in Colombia to his literary achievements and influence on Shakira’s musical development, he has lived a remarkable life shaped by creativity, family, and determination.
Born on September 6, 1931, in New York City, William developed an interest in literature, communication, and artistic expression. Throughout his life, he pursued several professions while staying passionate about writing. His close relationship with Shakira has drawn public attention, especially because the singer often acknowledges his emotional support and influence on her career.
This article explores William Mebarak Chadid’s early life, Lebanese heritage, professional achievements, marriage, children, relationship with Shakira, and recent health challenges.
Quick Bio
William Mebarak Chadid was born on September 6, 1931, in New York City, United States. He is an American-born, Colombian-based writer, journalist, and businessman of Lebanese descent. He is married to Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado and is best known as the father of internationally acclaimed singer Shakira. His literary work includes Al Viento y al Azar, a 2011 collection. As of October 2026, he is 95.
Early Life and Family Background
William Mebarak Chadid was born into a family with strong Lebanese cultural roots. His parents, Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer, were part of the Lebanese immigrant community. Although William was born in the United States, his childhood and personal development became closely associated with Colombia, where his family established a new home.
When he was about five years old, his family moved to Barranquilla, Colombia, a Caribbean coastal city known for its multicultural traditions, music, literature, and vibrant social life. Growing up in Barranquilla introduced William to a mixture of Colombian and Middle Eastern cultural influences. This combination would later become an important part of his family’s identity and Shakira’s artistic background.
His upbringing encouraged an appreciation for education, culture, and communication. William developed an interest in reading and writing in his youth, eventually turning these interests into professional and creative pursuits. His family background also gave him a lasting connection to Lebanese traditions, which remained meaningful as he built his life in Colombia.
Education and Personal Development
William’s early intellectual interests helped shape his personality. He was particularly attracted to literature, philosophy, and the written word. As a young man, he explored different ambitions and considered several possible professional directions before developing a career that combined business activities with communication and writing.
In a published interview, William recalled that he had once considered entering religious life before his interests changed. He also spoke about his youthful ambitions to become a writer or doctor. These experiences illustrate the variety of interests that influenced his personal development.
Rather than following a single professional path, he gained experience in different industries. This broad background helped him develop practical knowledge of business, public communication, and human relationships. His experiences eventually provided material for the reflections and stories that appeared in his literary work.
Professional Career as a Journalist and Businessman
Before becoming internationally recognized as Shakira’s father, William Mebarak Chadid built a varied career in several fields, including journalism, radio broadcasting, jewelry, insurance, commerce, and medical sales. He also taught literature, showing that his professional interests extended beyond conventional business activities.
His work in journalism and radio allowed him to develop communication skills and express ideas to different audiences. Writing was especially important because it let him explore personal experiences, social observations, and questions about everyday life.
At different stages of his career, William also worked as a businessman and commercial representative. These roles gave him practical experience while allowing him to support his family. His ability to move between different professions reflected both adaptability and a willingness to pursue new opportunities.
Despite having a demanding working life, he maintained his enthusiasm for literature. His commitment to writing ultimately became one of the most influential elements in his relationship with Shakira, who grew up watching him work with words and stories.
William Mebarak Chadid’s Writing Career and Published Book
One of William’s most notable literary achievements is his book Al Viento y al Azar, which was publicly launched in 2011. The Spanish-language work brings together personal reflections, stories, and observations that reveal his perspective on human experiences.
The book became particularly meaningful because Shakira helped shape its editorial development and wrote the introduction. The collaboration gave readers a chance to understand the creative connection between father and daughter.
Shakira has explained that watching her father write during her childhood sparked her interest in songwriting. The sound of his typewriter and his dedication to expressing ideas through language left a lasting impression on her imagination.
His literary career therefore holds significance beyond a single publication. It illustrates how a parent’s creative interests can influence the next generation, especially when those interests become part of everyday family life.
Marriage to Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
William Mebarak Chadid is married to Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, Shakira’s mother. Nidia comes from a Colombian family with European ancestral connections, and the couple built their family life in Barranquilla.
Their relationship brought together different cultural backgrounds. William’s Lebanese heritage and Nidia’s Colombian upbringing created an environment where their daughter experienced a mix of traditions, languages, and artistic influences.
Shakira, born on February 2, 1977, is their only child. Both parents played important roles in her upbringing, supporting her interests in music, poetry, and performance from an early age.
Although William later attracted attention through his daughter’s fame, he and Nidia generally maintained a quieter public profile. Family photographs, interviews, and special appearances have nevertheless offered occasional glimpses into their relationship and shared family experiences.
Children and Extended Family
William had children from a previous marriage before marrying Nidia. In a 2013 interview, he described having eight children from his first marriage, including a son who died in a road accident. As a result, Shakira grew up as the youngest in a larger family with older half-siblings.
His family history includes both joyful experiences and painful losses. William has spoken publicly about the death of his son and the lasting emotional impact of that tragedy.
Becoming a father also influenced his personal priorities. He described parenthood as a turning point that pushed him to take family responsibilities and his professional life more seriously.
As his family expanded, William also became a grandfather. His relationship with his children and grandchildren remains an important part of his public story, even though most extended family members prefer to keep their privacy.
The Special Relationship Between William Mebarak Chadid and Shakira
The relationship between William and Shakira is one of the most widely recognized aspects of his life. The internationally successful singer has repeatedly described her father as an important source of love, guidance, creativity, and emotional strength.
During Shakira’s childhood, William encouraged her interest in language and storytelling. His literary activities provided an example of how feelings and experiences could be transformed into meaningful written expression.
As Shakira began pursuing a professional music career, her father remained involved in her development. He supported her early artistic ambitions and has been described as one of her first professional representatives.
Their connection continued after Shakira achieved international fame. She frequently acknowledged her father’s influence during interviews, celebrations, and important personal milestones.
Their relationship is especially notable because it extends beyond parental encouragement. They have shared creative experiences, public performances, and literary projects, demonstrating a bond built around both family affection and artistic expression.
How William Influenced Shakira’s Musical Career
William’s influence on Shakira can be recognized in several important moments from her early musical development. One particularly memorable example is Gafas Oscuras, a song associated with her debut album Magia, released in 1991.
The song was inspired by her father’s distinctive dark sunglasses. What might have seemed like an ordinary childhood observation became creative material for one of her earliest compositions.
William’s Lebanese background also shaped the cultural environment that influenced Shakira’s musical identity. Her music frequently incorporates different international influences, including Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies.
One notable example is Ojos Así, a song from her 1998 album Dónde Están los Ladrones?. Its Arabic-language elements and Middle Eastern musical influences reflect the multicultural artistic world that became central to Shakira’s style.
Although Shakira developed her own distinctive musical approach, her father’s heritage and encouragement helped create the environment in which that creativity flourished.
Memorable Public Appearances With Shakira
William has occasionally appeared alongside Shakira at important public events. One memorable occasion took place in 2011, when Shakira received the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year recognition.
During the celebration, William performed Mi Niña Bonita, a sentimental song that reflected the affection he showed his daughter throughout her childhood.
The performance demonstrated his love of music and provided an emotional moment during one of Shakira’s major professional celebrations.
The two also recorded a version of Hay Amores, showcasing their shared appreciation for music. Their appearances together have given audiences a more personal look at the family relationships behind Shakira’s internationally successful career.
Health Challenges and Recent Updates
In recent years, William Mebarak Chadid’s health has attracted considerable attention. His advanced age and several medical complications have led to hospital treatment and periods of recovery.
In 2022, William fell and required medical attention. Subsequent health difficulties included further treatment and medical procedures. Shakira publicly expressed concern for her father and praised his resilience during these challenging experiences.
In June 2024, he was hospitalized in Barranquilla with pneumonia and respiratory complications. After approximately 17 days of hospital treatment, he was discharged to continue recovering at home.
In May 2026, Colombian media reported another health emergency involving an ischemic episode. Reports indicated that he received medical care and subsequently returned home under medical supervision. Later that month, additional reports described another hospital admission, although the exact medical circumstances were not publicly confirmed.
Shakira has spoken about the emotional difficulty of performing while concerned about her father’s health. Nevertheless, she has continued expressing admiration for his perseverance.
His medical history remains a private family matter, and publicly available information does not establish every detail of his current condition.
Lebanese Heritage and Cultural Identity
William’s Lebanese ancestry is an important part of his family history. His parents’ background connected him to Middle Eastern culture, while his upbringing in Colombia introduced him to Latin American traditions.
Together, these influences shaped the multicultural environment in which Shakira was raised. Her artistic identity later became internationally recognized for incorporating Latin pop, rock, dance, and Middle Eastern musical elements.
William’s cultural background therefore represents more than a personal genealogical detail. It forms part of the broader story of how family heritage can shape artistic expression across generations.
His life also reflects the experiences of immigrant families who establish new roots while maintaining connections to their ancestral cultures.
Personal Values and Lasting Influence
Beyond his professional accomplishments, William is known for his interest in literature, family relationships, and personal integrity. In interviews, he has emphasized the importance of education, honesty, and choosing meaningful goals.
His approach to life reflects someone who explored many professional interests while maintaining strong creative ambitions.
Shakira’s public appreciation for him has also introduced his personal story to international audiences. Through her memories and artistic achievements, his influence has become part of a much larger cultural narrative.
His legacy is not limited to being the father of a successful musician. It also includes his literary work, varied career, and contribution to a family environment that encouraged imagination and self-expression.
Conclusion
William Mebarak Chadid has lived a life shaped by cultural heritage, professional versatility, literature, and family devotion. Born in New York and raised in Colombia, he built a career in journalism, business, broadcasting, and writing before becoming internationally recognized as Shakira’s father.
His creative interests and encouragement played a meaningful role in his daughter’s development as a songwriter and performer. Their close relationship has remained visible through public appearances, collaborations, and Shakira’s affectionate tributes.
Despite significant health challenges later in life, William’s story continues to represent resilience, artistic inspiration, and the enduring influence of family. His achievements and personal experiences offer a fuller picture of the man behind one of the world’s most celebrated singers.
(FAQs)
Who is William Mebarak Chadid?
William Mebarak Chadid is an American-born writer, journalist, and businessman of Lebanese descent. He is widely known as Shakira’s father.
How old is William Mebarak Chadid?
William Mebarak Chadid was born on September 6, 1931. As of October 2026, he is 95.
Who is William Mebarak Chadid’s wife?
His wife is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, Shakira’s mother. The couple raised their daughter in Barranquilla, Colombia.
What book did William Mebarak Chadid write?
He wrote Al Viento y al Azar, a Spanish-language collection of reflections and literary pieces, which was publicly launched in 2011 with editorial involvement from Shakira.
How did William Mebarak Chadid influence Shakira?
He encouraged Shakira’s interest in writing, creativity, and music. His Lebanese cultural background and lifelong passion for literature influenced her early artistic development.
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