Shakira is one of the most famous singers in the world, known for her powerful voice, catchy songs, and unique dance moves. But behind her success is someone very special—her mother, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado.
Nidia is more than just a proud mom. She played a huge role in shaping Shakira’s life and career. From supporting her daughter’s passion for music to being a strong figure in the family, Nidia’s story is inspiring. Let’s dive in and learn all about the woman who raised a global superstar!
Where Was Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Born?
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado was born on February 7, 1950, in Barranquilla, Colombia. This city, located on the northern coast of Colombia, is known for its rich culture, music, and famous Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of the biggest festivals in Latin America.
Growing up in Barranquilla, Nidia was surrounded by a mix of traditions from her Catalonian and Lebanese heritage. Her family followed Christian values, which played an important role in her upbringing.
Even though not much is publicly known about her childhood, it is clear that Nidia grew up in a loving and supportive environment. This foundation helped her become the kind and caring mother she is today.
How Old Is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado?
As of 2025, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is 75 years old. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius, which is known for being independent, intelligent, and caring—qualities that describe Nidia perfectly!
Even though she prefers to stay away from the public eye, she has been seen at various events supporting Shakira. Despite her age, she remains active and strong, showing the same warmth and love she has always given to her family.
Age is just a number, and for Nidia, her role as a mother and grandmother keeps her full of energy and happiness.
Her Early Life & Family Background
Nidia was born into a middle-class family in Colombia. Her parents, Tomas Eduardo Ripoll Jimenez and Josefina Torrado Núñez, raised her with strong values of hard work and family unity.
Her family roots are traced to Lebanon and Catalonia, giving her a rich cultural background. Growing up in a diverse family helped shape her understanding of different traditions and lifestyles.
She was the second oldest among eight siblings, which means she grew up in a busy household. Having many siblings likely taught her the importance of caring for others and being responsible—qualities she later used in raising her own children.
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado’s Career
Not many people know that before becoming a full-time mother, Nidia was a dentist. She attended Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, where she studied dentistry.
She worked as a dentist for several years, but when her daughter, Shakira, was born, she made a big decision—to leave her career and focus on her family. This was not an easy choice, but she knew that being there for her daughter was more important.
Her sacrifice and support played a major role in shaping Shakira’s future. Without her mother’s encouragement, Shakira might not have had the confidence to follow her dreams in music.
Her Marriage to William Mebarak Chadid
Nidia married William Mebarak Chadid in 1964. William is of Lebanese descent and was born in New York City before moving to Colombia when he was just five years old.
The couple has shared a long and strong marriage, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Together, they raised a large family with eight stepchildren from William’s previous marriage. Despite being stepchildren, Nidia always treated them as her own.
William is not just known as Shakira’s father—he is also an author. He has written several books, including “Mamboletras” and “Al Viento y al Azar”, which reflect his passion for literature and storytelling.
Her Role in Shakira’s Life and Success
Nidia has been one of Shakira’s biggest supporters since childhood. When Shakira was young, she showed a love for music and writing songs. Instead of discouraging her, Nidia encouraged her talent and helped nurture her creativity.
As a child, Shakira often wrote songs and performed for her family. Nidia recognized her daughter’s potential and stood by her side, helping her find opportunities to grow in the music industry.
Even today, Nidia continues to be a loving and supportive mother, always cheering for her daughter’s success. In many interviews, Shakira has mentioned how much her mother means to her.
Does Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Have Other Children?
Yes! Even though Shakira is her only biological child, Nidia is also a stepmother to eight other children from her husband’s first marriage. These stepchildren include Tonino, Alberto, Edward, Antonio, Robin, Moises, Patricia, and Lucy.
Despite coming from different backgrounds, Nidia has always been a caring and loving stepmother. Her family is very close, and they support each other no matter what.
Shakira, in particular, has a great relationship with her step-siblings, and they have been seen together on multiple occasions.
What Does Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Look Like?
Nidia has a gentle and warm personality, and her appearance reflects that. She has light brown hair and a round face, giving her a kind and friendly look.
She stands at about 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs around 80 kg. Even though she stays away from the spotlight, her presence at public events always captures attention.
When seen with Shakira, the resemblance between mother and daughter is noticeable, especially in their expressions and smiles.
Is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado Active on Social Media?
Unlike Shakira, who has millions of followers on social media, Nidia prefers to keep a private life. She does not have any social media accounts like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
However, she often appears in Shakira’s social media posts, where the singer shares special moments with her mother. These posts show their strong bond and how much they love and support each other.
Even though she is not online, fans still admire her for being a wonderful and supportive mother.
How Much Is Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado’s Net Worth?
There is no official information about Nidia’s net worth. Since she left her dentistry career to focus on her family, she does not have a public financial record.
However, her daughter Shakira is one of the wealthiest singers in the world, with a net worth of over $400 million. Given Shakira’s success, it is safe to say that Nidia enjoys a comfortable and happy life.
Final Thoughts
Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado is more than just Shakira’s mother—she is a woman who made sacrifices, loved her family deeply, and played a crucial role in shaping one of the biggest music stars in the world.
Her story is a reminder that behind every successful person, there is often a strong and supportive parent. Without her love and encouragement, Shakira’s journey to success might have been very different.
We hope you found this article helpful! What do you think about Nidia’s inspiring role in Shakira’s life? Let us know!
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