Shakira Career Rooted in Family Support and Early Tragedy
Colombian pop star Shakira maintains her global career through the foundational support of her parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll. Being an artist of Shakira’s stature means her life remains in the media spotlight 24/7, with practically everything becoming known, including her romantic relationships, breakups, what her childhood teachers and early producers have said, and members of her family. Shakira Isabel was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, but is literally a child of the world, with a father born in New York of Lebanese descent and a mother born in Colombia with Catalan roots.
The Tragic Motorcycle Accident That Shaped William Mebarak’s Life
William Mebarak’s 19-year-old son from a previous marriage, also named William, died in a motorcycle accident. What at first was a sort of shield to defend himself ended up becoming a habit, and William Mebarak was always seen wearing sunglasses, even indoors or when there was not much light, and people have rarely seen him without them.
Early Composition ‘Tus Gafas Oscuras’ Debuts on 1991 Album Magia
Though Shakira may not have been fully conscious of what happened when she was two years old, she channeled her observations into her songwriting by age eight, demonstrating the young girl’s capacity to write with feeling. She wrote the composition “Tus Gafas Oscuras” (“Your Dark Glasses”) to offer emotional comfort to her grieving father. When his daughter showed him the song, William realized that she had connected the dark glasses to the death of his brother, and also realized that he had an extremely talented daughter. The track was eventually recorded and included on her 1991 debut studio album, Magia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shakira’s Early Life and Family
Who are Shakira’s parents?
Shakira’s father is William Mebarak Chadid, who was born in New York of Lebanese descent, and her mother is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll, a Colombian native with Catalan ancestry.
When was Shakira’s debut album released?
Shakira released her debut studio album, Magia, in 1991, featuring songs she wrote during her early childhood.
What inspired the song ‘Tus Gafas Oscuras’?
Shakira wrote the track at age eight after noticing her father continuously wearing sunglasses to conceal his grief following the death of his son.