Behind every global superstar is a story of quiet strength and unwavering support. For Shakira, that story begins with her mother, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado. Nidia’s journey is one filled with sacrifice, love, and determination. While Shakira shines on stage, Nidia’s silent encouragement from behind the scenes is the foundation of that success. Through every challenge and triumph, Nidia has been there, offering the kind of support only a mother can provide. Her influence is a testament to the power of family, cultural traditions, and the importance of staying grounded in one’s roots.
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Who Is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado?
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is best known as the mother of Shakira, the famous singer loved worldwide. Beyond that, Nidia’s early career as a dentist at Universidad del Norte demonstrated her strong dedication to helping others before she eventually chose to prioritize family life. Born on February 7, 1950, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Nidia grew up in a family with roots in Lebanon, Spain, and Italy. She married William Mebarak Chadid in 1964 and became a homemaker, raising eight children while supporting Shakira’s journey to stardom. Though she stays out of the spotlight, her impact on Shakira’s life and career is immense.
Nidia instilled a deep appreciation for Colombian traditions and family unity in Shakira. This influence shaped the star’s music and humanitarian work, highlighting the importance of cultural identity and philanthropy.
Nidia’s Early Life and Family Roots
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado was born to Isaac Felipe Ripoll, a Lebanese immigrant, and Teresa Torrado, who had Spanish and Italian roots. Growing up in Barranquilla, Nidia’s household was vibrant with diverse cultural traditions, which later influenced her parenting style and Shakira’s music.
She studied dentistry at Universidad del Norte but chose to focus on her family after marrying William Mebarak Chadid. Together, they raised a large blended family—eight stepchildren from William’s first marriage and eight biological kids, including Shakira, though reports suggest that William may have had as many as nine children from his previous marriage. Nidia’s decision to leave her career demonstrated her dedication to her children’s futures and well-being.
How Nidia Shaped Shakira’s Career
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado noticed Shakira’s talent early. When Shakira was just a toddler, Nidia saw her dancing at a restaurant and knew she was special. She became Shakira’s first music teacher, showing her how to play the recorder and guitar. Nidia’s eye for talent emerged early when she saw four-year-old Shakira spontaneously dance at a restaurant, an unforgettable moment that hinted at her future stardom. Nidia even managed Shakira’s early career, helping her record her first album, Magia, at age 13.
Throughout Shakira’s formative years, Nidia emphasized the importance of humility, perseverance, and family support. These values became central themes in Shakira’s music and public persona. Nidia’s unwavering support continued through major milestones, including Shakira’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
Public Appearances and Media Presence
Despite being the mother of a global superstar, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado has maintained a relatively low profile. She is known for making select appearances at important events, such as Shakira’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These moments have allowed fans to catch a glimpse of the strong bond between mother and daughter.
Media coverage of Nidia often highlights her grace and humility. She is frequently described as a pillar of strength in Shakira’s life. Her influence, though subtle, has been crucial to Shakira’s stability and continued success.
Nidia’s Health Scare and 75th Birthday
In mid-2024, Nidia faced a significant health scare. She was hospitalized in Barcelona after experiencing what was initially believed to be a stroke. However, doctors later diagnosed her condition as deep vein thrombosis, a serious blood clot in her leg. Thanks to prompt medical intervention, Nidia made a full recovery.
This health challenge brought attention to the importance of thrombosis awareness. During this period, Shakira paused her career to care for her mother, emphasizing the depth of their close-knit relationship. Shakira and her family rallied around Nidia, offering emotional support during her recovery. The episode underscored the resilience and closeness of the Ripoll family.
In February 2025, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado turned 75. Shakira’s fans shared heartfelt posts online, calling her a “super grandma” and thanking her for raising such an inspiring artist. Though Nidia remains private, her family ensures that her birthday celebrations are filled with love and joy.
Nidia’s Family, Culture, and Success
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Shakira’s global success. Her emphasis on education, cultural pride, and compassion has influenced both her daughter’s music and philanthropic endeavors. Notably, Nidia founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which would inspire Shakira’s ongoing commitment to helping underprivileged children. Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation, which helps underprivileged children in Colombia access education, reflects the values Nidia instilled in her.
Nidia’s multicultural background has also played a role in shaping Shakira’s artistic identity. The blend of Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian influences in their family heritage can be seen in Shakira’s music, dance, and activism. Nidia’s quiet mentorship and unwavering support have left an indelible mark not only on Shakira but also on their extended family and community.
Even though Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado isn’t famous herself, her quiet strength has left a mark. She showed Shakira how to balance fame with family life and stay true to her culture. Today, Nidia enjoys time with her grandchildren and continues to be the heart of her big, loving family.
FAQs
What challenges did Nidia face in her personal life?
Nidia balanced raising a large blended family while temporarily giving up her career, all while guiding Shakira’s early career and supporting her dreams.
What role did Nidia play in Shakira’s early life?
Nidia was instrumental in shaping Shakira’s success by nurturing her musical talent, becoming her first teacher, and even managing her early career, including the production of her debut album.
Why doesn’t Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado like the spotlight?
Nidia values privacy and prefers to let Shakira shine. She believes family comes first and avoids interviews or public events.
Did her health issues change Shakira’s work?
Yes! After Nidia’s blood clot scare, Shakira spoke more about health awareness, especially for older adults.
What did Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado teach Shakira?
Nidia taught her to stay grounded, work hard, and never forget her roots—lessons that shaped Shakira’s music and charity work.
Conclusion
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado proves that you don’t need fame to make a difference. Her sacrifices, cultural pride, and quiet support helped Shakira become a global star. As Shakira says, “My mom is my rock.” In 2025, Nidia’s story reminds us that behind every great artist, there’s often an even greater mom.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the inspiring life of Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado. What are your thoughts on her incredible story of sacrifice, resilience, and cultural pride? Share your comments and connect with us on gownmagazine.co.uk, where we celebrate stories that shape legends like Shakira.*
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