The secret to her grounded nature and fierce loyalty lies in the unexpected dynamic of the Shakira siblings: she has eight living older half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage. This incredible extended family has provided a quiet, non-celebrity foundation for the megastar.
A Family Rooted in Barranquilla
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 1977. Her father is William Mebarak Chadid, a Lebanese-American writer who moved to Colombia as a child. Her mother is Nidia Ripoll Torrado, who is of Spanish descent.
Shakira is the only child of this union. However, William Mebarak had nine children from a previous marriage. Sadly, one of her older half-brothers died in a motorcycle accident when Shakira was only two years old. This tragic event profoundly impacted the young singer and even inspired her first self-written song, which she composed at the age of eight.
Despite the different mothers, the eight surviving Shakira siblings grew up nearby and maintained a close connection. This large, blended family environment instilled a strong sense of community and unconditional support that has defined the singer’s character.
Tonino Mebarak: The Trusted Right-Hand Man
Among all the siblings, Tonino Mebarak is the most visible and widely recognized.
Tonino acts as Shakira’s closest confidant and has worked as her road manager for years, accompanying her on major tours, including the El Dorado World Tour. He is a constant fixture by her side at public appearances, serving as her unofficial protector and most trusted advisor.
Tonino was her rock during the difficult separation from Gerard Piqué, supporting her through legal and personal battles. He flew with her to Miami during her 2023 family relocation. As a real estate agent who manages her properties, his commitment extends to the business side of her life.
Lucila Mebarak: The Brains and the Balance
Another sibling who has made a notable professional life for herself is Lucila Mebarak Otero.
Lucila works as a neurosurgeon and a bone marrow tumor specialist. Her career in medicine stands in sharp contrast to the glitz of the music industry. She maintains a private life, only occasionally appearing in the public eye.
Her high-achieving career showcases the diverse talents present in the Mebarak family, proving that ambition thrives across different fields. Lucila is also said to be very close to the superstar, offering a steady, grounded presence away from the pressures of fame.
The Rest of the Mebarak Tribe
The other five surviving Shakira siblings—Robin, Moises, Alberto, Jose, Edward, and Ana—prefer to stay entirely out of the spotlight.
We know that Alberto Mebarak is a lawyer, and Patricia Mebarak is a teacher for students with special needs in Spain. The remaining siblings live quietly, having chosen careers and lives that do not intersect with the global entertainment industry. This collective decision to remain private speaks volumes about their family values, emphasizing privacy and mutual respect over cashing in on their younger sister’s fame.
A Legacy of Support
Shakira’s decision to move to Miami was heavily influenced by her need to be closer to her family following her breakup. This move put her and her sons, Milan and Sasha, in the same city as many of her siblings and her mother.
In the end, the sheer size and quiet dedication of the Shakira siblings are what keeps the star anchored. From Tonino managing the road to Lucila saving lives, this expansive family tree has ensured that the global icon never loses touch with her humble, loving roots in Barranquilla.
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CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the enduring success and grounded nature of global star Shakira are rooted in her large, supportive family. Despite being an only child from her parents’ marriage, she relies heavily on her eight older half-siblings. From her road manager Tonino to the neurosurgeon Lucila, the Shakira siblings collectively provide a non-celebrity foundation that anchors her life away from the Hollywood whirlwind and reinforces her strong family values.
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