Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is best known as the mother of global music icon Shakira, but her story extends far beyond her famous daughter. Born and raised in Colombia, Nidia embodies the strength, resilience, and cultural pride that have helped shape Shakira into the international superstar she is today. Over the years, Nidia has been a quiet yet pivotal influence in Shakira’s life, offering guidance, emotional support, and inspiration throughout her career.
While many fans know Shakira’s music, dance, and philanthropic work, fewer are aware of the woman who nurtured her talent from childhood. Nidia’s life includes a blend of family devotion, personal challenges, and a private presence in the midst of global fame. This article dives deep into the life of Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado — her background, her role in Shakira’s upbringing, and even some lesser-known details that have recently come to light.
Quick Bio – Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado |
| Birthplace | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Birth Year | Mid-1950s |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Ethnicity | Catalan and Italian descent |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Literature and arts studies in Barranquilla |
| Occupation | Homemaker, family matriarch |
| Spouse | William Mebarak Chadid |
| Children | 1 (Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) |
| Grandchildren | 2 (Milan and Sasha Piqué Mebarak) |
| Known For | Being the mother of Shakira |
| Residence | Primarily Colombia |
History of Life – Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
Nidia was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, in the mid-1950s. Her heritage is a blend of Catalan and Italian ancestry, giving her family a rich cultural background. Growing up in a modest yet tight-knit household, she was taught the importance of family unity, education, and cultural traditions.
From an early age, Nidia displayed a nurturing and creative nature. Friends and relatives recall her as being deeply caring, often involved in community events and known for her hospitable personality. She eventually became part of Barranquilla’s middle-class society, where she met William Mebarak Chadid, a Lebanese-American writer and businessman who would later become her husband and Shakira’s father.
Physical Appearance
Nidia has maintained a graceful and warm appearance over the years. She is of average height (around 5 feet 4 inches), with naturally dark hair that she has occasionally lightened. Her brown eyes reflect both kindness and a hint of strong will. Although now in her late 60s, she carries herself with elegance, often appearing in public in tasteful, understated clothing. Her appearance is often described by Colombian media as “classic and dignified,” matching her reserved personality.
Education and Current Age
Nidia pursued her education in Barranquilla, completing her schooling with a focus on literature and the arts — subjects she has always valued. Though she did not become a public figure or academic, her love for reading and culture has had a direct influence on Shakira’s early learning.
As of 2025, Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is in her late 60s, maintaining an active role in family life and occasionally attending public events with her daughter.
Meeting and Marriage with William Mebarak Chadid
Nidia met William Mebarak Chadid during her young adult years in Barranquilla. William, who was of Lebanese descent, had immigrated from New York to Colombia and was already known for his literary work. Their meeting blossomed into a relationship grounded in shared values and mutual respect.
They married in the late 1970s, building a blended family since William had children from a previous marriage. Together, they welcomed their only child together — Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll — in 1977. Nidia played an active role in supporting her husband’s career while focusing primarily on raising Shakira.
Who Is Shakira
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who has achieved worldwide fame for her unique blend of Latin, Arabic, and pop music styles. Known as the “Queen of Latin Music,” she has sold over 80 million records globally and won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys.
Shakira’s success was not an overnight achievement — it was rooted in years of practice, encouragement, and belief, much of which came from Nidia’s constant support.
Public Appearances – Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
Nidia rarely seeks the spotlight but is often photographed during important moments in Shakira’s career — album launches, concerts, and charity events. She has been spotted at Pies Descalzos Foundation gatherings, supporting Shakira’s mission to improve education for underprivileged children.
One notable public moment occurred in 2022 when Nidia attended a major event in Barcelona amid Shakira’s public separation from Gerard Piqué, showing visible solidarity with her daughter.
Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado and Shakira’s Children
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Nidia is the proud grandmother of Shakira’s two sons, Milan and Sasha, from her relationship with former professional footballer Gerard Piqué. Despite living a relatively private life, she is known to spend quality time with her grandchildren, often visiting them in Barcelona or welcoming them to Colombia.
Personal Life and Siblings
Nidia is a private individual, but it is known that she comes from a family of several siblings. Her relationships with them remain close, and family gatherings are central to her personal life. She values traditions, including Colombian holiday celebrations and home-cooked meals shared with extended family.
Impact on Shakira’s Career Highlights
Nidia’s influence on Shakira cannot be overstated. She encouraged her daughter’s creativity from a young age, providing opportunities for her to perform in school events and local competitions. Nidia’s belief in balancing discipline with freedom allowed Shakira to explore her artistic abilities while staying grounded.
Some sources close to the family reveal that Nidia was the first to recognize Shakira’s songwriting talent when she began composing lyrics at age 8.
Media Exposure and Privacy
Although the media occasionally covers Nidia, she has maintained strong boundaries about her personal life. She avoids interviews and rarely speaks publicly, choosing instead to support Shakira quietly from behind the scenes.
In 2023, a rare interview surfaced in a Colombian magazine in which Nidia briefly discussed her pride in Shakira’s resilience during personal challenges — a comment that quickly went viral among fans.
Future Prospects
Nidia is not involved in the entertainment industry, but she continues to be a vital part of her family’s emotional and cultural foundation. She plans to focus on her role as a grandmother and maintain her presence at important family milestones.
Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Net Worth
While her personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, Nidia lives a comfortable lifestyle supported by family resources. Her wealth is modest compared to Shakira’s estimated $300 million net worth, but she enjoys financial stability thanks to her husband’s past career and her daughter’s success.
Conclusion
Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is more than just “Shakira’s mom.” She is a woman of dignity, warmth, and quiet strength who has played a pivotal role in shaping one of the world’s most celebrated artists. Her influence is woven into Shakira’s music, values, and philanthropic work. While she may never seek fame herself, her legacy will forever be tied to her daughter’s global achievements.
(FAQs) About Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado
1. Who is Nidia Del Carmen Ripoll Torrado?
She is the Colombian mother of international music star Shakira.
2. What is Nidia’s nationality?
She is Colombian, with Catalan and Italian heritage.
3. Is Nidia married?
Yes, to Lebanese-Colombian writer and businessman William Mebarak Chadid.
4. Does Nidia appear in public often?
Only occasionally, usually at major family or charity events.
5. How many children does Nidia have?
She has one biological daughter, Shakira, and several stepchildren.
6. What role did she play in Shakira’s career?
She encouraged Shakira’s artistic development from childhood and provided constant emotional support.
