Shakira’s life, beyond the scenarios and musical successes, is marked by a deep and sometimes painful family history. The singer, born in Barranquilla in 1977, is the slightest of an extensive family composed of nine brothers, the result of her father’s first marriage, William Mebarak Chadid, with Lucila Otero. Although Shakira is the only daughter of her father’s second marriage with Nidia Ripoll, she has always maintained a close relationship with her half brothers.
One of the most tragic episodes in the artist’s life was the loss of her older brother, William, Who died at age 19 in a traffic accident when Shakira was just two years old. This event left a deep mark on the family, especially in his father, who, plunged into sadness, used to hide his pain after dark glasses. Despite his international fame, Shakira has always shown a strong link with his family.
The loss of his brother William left an indelible mark on his personal and artistic history, Remembering that behind the public figure there is a woman who has managed to transform pain into art and strength. In her career, Shakira has demonstrated a unique ability to convert personal experiences into artistic inspiration. His commitment to social causes, such as Early Childhood Education through the Barefoot Foundation, reflects his desire to positively impact the lives of others, thus honoring his brother’s memory and love for his family.
A song dedicated to his brother
Shakira, who, with only nine years, composed the song “Your dark glasses” as a tribute to his deceased brother and an expression of the pain he perceived in his father. The song, included in its first album “Magic”, It reflects Shakira’s sensitivity and artistic maturity from an early age. In an interview for VH1 in 2006, his father remembered how his daughter introduced him to the song, explaining that since the death of his eldest son, he had tried to hide his pain behind some glasses, and that Shakira had captured that feeling in his composition.
His brothers have always supported Shakira in his career
Among his brothers, The figure of Tonino Mebarak stands out, who has been his right hand and has worked as his Road Manager in various international tours. Other brothers, such as José Antonio, an entrepreneur resident in Miami, and Lucy, neurosurgeon who lived in Spain and now resides in Barranquilla, maintain a close relationship with the singer. His sisters Patricia, Lucila and Ana have discreet lives, away from the media focus. Of the remaining brothers, Alberto, Edward, Robin and Moses, little is known, since they prefer to stay in privacy.
