William Mebarak Chadid is best known as the father of global music star Shakira, but his life story goes far beyond that title. He is a man of strong cultural roots, deep family values, and wide life experience. From Lebanese heritage to Colombian life, his journey explains many parts of Shakira’s identity, music, and worldview. This article gives a complete and easy-to-read explanation of his life, background, and influence.
Quick Bio Table of William Mebarak Chadid
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Mebarak Chadid |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1931 |
| Age | 92–93 years (2026) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American (born), Colombian (residence) |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese |
| Parents | Alberto Mebarak Spath & Isabel Chadid Baizer |
| First Wife | Lucila Otero |
| Second Wife | Nidia Ripoll Torrado |
| Children | 10 (including Shakira) |
| Profession | Author, Journalist, Radio announcer, Lecturer |
| Notable Works | “Al Viento y al Azar” |
| Religion | Catholic |
Early Life and Birth
William Mebarak Chadid was born on September 6, 1931, in New York City, USA. His parents were Lebanese immigrants who moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. When he was still a child, his family decided to move again, this time to Barranquilla, Colombia, a city that later became very important in his life.
Growing up in Colombia gave him a mixed cultural identity. He learned to balance Arab traditions with Latin American customs. This blend of cultures later became a strong influence in his family life and in the way he raised his children.
Nationality and Origin
The nationality of William Mebarak Chadid is often discussed online. He was born in the United States, so he is American by birth. However, he spent most of his life in Colombia, and he is also deeply connected to Colombian culture.
His ethnicity is Lebanese, and his family roots trace back to the Middle East. This Lebanese origin is something he has always valued and shared with his daughter. Many fans believe this heritage helped shape Shakira’s unique music style.
Parents and Family Background
The parents of William Mebarak Chadid were Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer. Both came from Lebanese families and carried strong traditions with them. They taught their children the importance of education, discipline, and cultural pride.
Because of this upbringing, William developed a love for reading, storytelling, and learning. These interests stayed with him throughout his life and later influenced his career and personal projects.
Young Years and Joven Life
When William Mebarak Chadid was young, or joven as many Spanish sources say, he was curious and ambitious. Life was not always easy, especially as part of an immigrant family. Still, he worked hard and explored many paths.
He tried different jobs in his early years, which helped him understand people and society better. These experiences shaped his character and made him a strong guide for his children later in life.
Education and Personal Interests
Although exact details about his formal education are limited, William Mebarak Chadid is known as a well-read and thoughtful man. He has always loved literature, history, and philosophy.
He encouraged open thinking and creativity at home. Shakira has often spoken about how her father told her stories and shared wisdom, helping her develop imagination and emotional depth from a young age.
Profession and Career Life
The profession of William Mebarak Chadid was not limited to one field. Over the years, he worked in many roles, including journalist, radio announcer, insurance agent, and lecturer. This variety shows his flexible nature and wide interests.
He was never focused on fame. Instead, he valued learning, conversation, and meaningful work. His professional life helped him build strong communication skills, which he later used in writing and teaching.
Books and Writing Career
One important achievement of William Mebarak Chadid is his work as an author. He wrote a book called “Al Viento y al Azar”, which means “In the Wind and at Random.” The book includes short reflections, thoughts, and life lessons.
Shakira has publicly supported this book and even helped edit it. She has said that her father’s writing shows wisdom, honesty, and deep emotion, qualities that also appear in her music.
First Wife and Early Marriage
The first wife of William Mebarak Chadid was Lucila Otero. From this marriage, he had nine children. His life during this period was busy and full of responsibility.
Sadly, the marriage later ended. Still, he remained connected to his children and continued to support them. Family always stayed important to him, even during difficult times.
Marriage to Nidia Ripoll Torrado
Later, William Mebarak Chadid married Nidia Ripoll Torrado, a Colombian woman with artistic talent. She worked as a painter and shared his love for culture and creativity.
This marriage became widely known because it resulted in the birth of Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, their only child together. Their bond as parents played a key role in Shakira’s early development.
Fatherhood and Relationship With Shakira
As a father, William Mebarak Chadid was deeply involved in Shakira’s life. He supported her talents from a very young age and believed strongly in her abilities.
When Shakira faced rejection early in her singing career, her father encouraged her to stay strong. His emotional support helped her overcome challenges and build confidence.
Lebanese Influence on Shakira’s Music
The Lebanese background of William Mebarak Chadid clearly influenced Shakira’s artistic style. Songs like “Ojos Así” show Middle Eastern rhythms and sounds.
Shakira has often said that her father’s stories about Arab culture inspired her interest in different musical traditions. This cultural mix helped her stand out in the global music industry.
Religion and Beliefs
The religion of William Mebarak Chadid is generally described as Catholic, the same faith in which Shakira was raised. However, his beliefs also reflect respect for different cultures and religions.
He focused more on values like kindness, honesty, and understanding rather than strict rules. This open-minded approach influenced how his daughter sees the world.
Age and Later Years
As of recent years, William Mebarak Chadid is in his early 90s. His age has naturally brought health challenges, including hospital stays that received media attention.
Despite these issues, he remains a strong emotional presence in Shakira’s life. She often visits him and speaks about her love and respect for him in interviews.
Health Updates and Public Attention
News about William Mebarak Chadid became more common after reports of his hospitalization in Barranquilla. Fans around the world showed concern and support.
Shakira has shared updates through her actions rather than words, staying close to her father during these times. This shows their deep and lasting bond.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
There is no confirmed public record of the net worth of William Mebarak Chadid. Some online sources estimate it around one million dollars, but this is not official.
He has never lived a flashy or luxurious life. His focus has always been on family, learning, and personal growth rather than wealth.
Wikipedia and Online Searches
Many people search for William Mebarak Chadid Wikipedia, but he does not have a full standalone page. Most information about him appears in biographies of Shakira.
This lack of online presence shows that he prefers privacy. Even with a famous daughter, he has stayed humble and out of the spotlight.
Cultural Legacy and Identity
The story of William Mebarak Chadid represents the immigrant experience. His life connects Lebanese roots, American birth, and Colombian culture in one powerful narrative.
Through Shakira, his values and background reached a global audience. His influence lives on through music, culture, and family tradition.
Why He Matters Today
Understanding William Mebarak Chadid helps fans understand Shakira more deeply. His life explains her strength, cultural pride, and emotional depth.
He may not be a celebrity by profession, but his role as a father, writer, and cultural guide makes him an important figure in modern pop culture history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is William Mebarak Chadid?
He is the father of Shakira, a writer, and a cultural influencer with Lebanese-Colombian roots. - What is William Mebarak Chadid’s nationality?
He was born American in New York City but grew up in Colombia, embracing both cultures. - Who are the parents of William Mebarak Chadid?
His parents are Alberto Mebarak Spath and Isabel Chadid Baizer, both of Lebanese descent. - How did William Mebarak Chadid influence Shakira?
He inspired her creativity, introduced Arab culture, and supported her music career from childhood. - Has William Mebarak Chadid written any books?
Yes, he authored “Al Viento y al Azar”, a collection of reflections and life lessons.
Final Thoughts
The life of William Mebarak Chadid is rich, layered, and meaningful. From his Lebanese origins to his role as Shakira’s father, his journey is full of lessons about resilience, culture, and love.
By learning about his background, family, and influence, readers gain a complete picture of the man behind one of the world’s most famous artists.
