The Nine Pillars: A Deep Dive Into Shakira’s Half-Siblings And Their Remarkably Diverse Careers

Few global superstars maintain a private life as fiercely guarded as Shakira, but the foundation of her strength—especially during her recent high-profile move to Miami and the release of her album *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran*—lies in her extraordinary family structure: a sprawling network of nine older half-siblings. This unique family dynamic, rooted in her father’s previous marriage, provides the global icon with a crucial, multi-faceted support system that extends far beyond the entertainment industry, encompassing everything from high-stakes real estate to specialized medicine. As of December 14, 2025, the Mebarak family continues to be a central, yet often unseen, force in the singer's life, with several siblings playing key roles in her personal and professional transitions.

While the world knows Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll as the only child of her mother, Nidia Ripoll Torrado, and her father, William Mebarak Chadid, she grew up surrounded by a large, protective cohort of half-brothers and half-sisters. These nine older siblings—who share the same father, William—come from his first marriage, and their careers are as diverse and fascinating as the singer’s own repertoire, adding incredible topical authority to the Mebarak family story. Their collective presence, particularly the highly public role of her brother Tonino, offers a rare glimpse into the powerful, non-showbiz support structure that grounds the "Queen of Latin Music."

Shakira Mebarak Ripoll: The Family Biography at a Glance

Shakira's background is a tapestry of Lebanese and Colombian heritage, a mix that deeply influences her music and identity. Her large family unit is a direct result of her father’s life before marrying her mother, Nidia Ripoll Torrado.

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• Full Name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1977
• Place of Birth: Barranquilla, Colombia
• Parents: William Mebarak Chadid (Father) and Nidia Ripoll Torrado (Mother)
• Siblings: One younger half-brother who died in infancy, and nine older half-siblings from her father’s first marriage.
• Children: Milan Piqué Mebarak and Sasha Piqué Mebarak (with former partner Gerard Piqué)
• Notable Achievements: Often referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music," she is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
• Current Residence: Miami, Florida, U.S.

The Complete List of Shakira’s Nine Half-Siblings

Shakira’s half-siblings, mostly bearing the surname Mebarak Otero, have largely chosen lives outside the glare of the international spotlight, but their careers are remarkably impressive and diverse. The exact count can sometimes vary slightly in public records, but sources consistently confirm a total of nine older siblings from William Mebarak Chadid’s first marriage.

1. Tonino Mebarak (Toni)
2. Lucila Mebarak Otero (Lucy)
3. Patricia Mebarak Otero
4. Moises Mebarak
5. Alberto Mebarak
6. José Antonio Mebarak
7. Robin Mebarak Otero
8. Ana Mebarak
9. Edward Mebarak

The Closest Confidants: Tonino and Lucila Mebarak

While all nine siblings maintain a relationship with the singer, two names consistently emerge as the most public and influential figures in her life: Tonino and Lucila. Their roles highlight the incredible diversity of the Mebarak family’s professional pursuits.

Tonino Mebarak: The Road Manager and Miami Real Estate Mogul

Tonino, often affectionately called Toni, is arguably the most visible of all Shakira’s siblings. His relationship with the star is not just familial; it’s a crucial professional partnership.

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• The Professional Tie: Tonino Mebarak has served as Shakira’s road manager and closest confidant for decades, a fixture on the sidelines of her performances, tours, and major television appearances. He was integral to her 2018 tour and remains her most trusted professional advisor in the music world.
• The Miami Connection: In a fresh and unique update, Tonino has transitioned into a successful career in real estate in Miami, Florida. He currently works with the prestigious Fortune International Realty, a detail that is highly relevant to Shakira's recent move from Barcelona to Miami with her sons, Milan and Sasha. His presence and professional expertise in the area would have been invaluable in her relocation and settling into her new life.
• The Protector Role: Tonino's loyalty was highlighted in a recent, high-profile incident following Shakira's separation from Gerard Piqué. Reports surfaced that Tonino intervened in a heated argument between the former couple during one of Piqué’s visits to Miami, underscoring his fierce protective nature as her older brother and personal security. This event solidified his public image as the singer’s unwavering shield and a key figure in her personal support system during a challenging period.

Lucila Mebarak Otero: The Brilliant Neurosurgeon

Lucila Mebarak Otero, often referred to as Lucy, stands in stark contrast to the glitz of the music industry. Her career highlights the family’s commitment to serious, life-saving professional fields.

• Medical Expertise: Lucila is a highly respected neurosurgeon and a specialist in bone marrow tumors. This career path is a powerful testament to the diverse talents within the Mebarak family.
• A World Away: While Shakira is based in the U.S., Lucila has reportedly worked in various international locations, including Spain. Her dedication to medicine provides a grounding, non-celebrity perspective that is likely valued by her famous sister.
• A Source of Strength: The contrast between a global pop star and a specialist doctor offers a fascinating dynamic. Lucila represents a serious, intellectual counterpoint to the entertainment world, providing a different kind of strength and support to Shakira.

The Quiet Professionals: Other Mebarak Siblings

The majority of Shakira’s other half-siblings have maintained an even lower profile, choosing to live lives completely out of the public eye. However, targeted searches reveal fascinating details about their professional lives, further demonstrating the family's intellectual and professional depth.

Patricia Mebarak Otero: The Special Education Teacher in Spain

Patricia Mebarak Otero is another sister whose profession is rooted in service and education.

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• A Life in Education: Patricia works as a special education teacher. This demanding and compassionate career is a world away from concert arenas.
• The Spanish Connection: She is known to reside in Spain, a country that was Shakira’s home for many years during her relationship with Gerard Piqué. This proximity would have been important for family gatherings and support during Shakira's time in Barcelona.

Moises Mebarak: The Academic and Psychologist

Recent research indicates that Moises Mebarak, another half-brother, is a highly educated academic, contributing to the field of psychology.

• Research and Academia: Moises Mebarak is reportedly a Professor of Psychology at the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia. His research interests include areas like Eating Disorders and psychosocial predictors of anxiety and depression, showcasing a commitment to mental health and academic rigor.
• The Barranquilla Root: His work in Barranquilla keeps a strong link to the family’s Colombian roots, the city where Shakira spent much of her youth.

The Remaining Siblings: Robin, Alberto, José Antonio, Ana, and Edward

The rest of the Mebarak siblings—Robin, Alberto, José Antonio, Ana, and Edward—are the most private. They are rarely, if ever, seen in public with the singer, and little is known about their current professions or locations. This collective decision to remain in the background speaks volumes about the family's desire for privacy and their respect for the individual choices of its members. They represent the quiet, foundational support structure that allows Shakira to focus on her global career and her sons.

The Power of the Mebarak Family Dynamic

Shakira's large family, though unconventional in its structure, is a testament to the enduring bond created by her father, William Mebarak Chadid. The presence of nine older siblings meant that Shakira, an only child of her mother, never truly felt alone. She has often spoken of the importance of her family, describing their relationship as one of deep loyalty and unconditional support.

The diverse professional paths of her half-siblings—from a road manager and Miami real estate agent (Tonino) to a neurosurgeon (Lucila), a special education teacher (Patricia), and a psychology professor (Moises)—provide Shakira with a unique, well-rounded perspective on life outside the celebrity bubble. This network of high-achieving, yet fiercely private, individuals is the bedrock of her emotional and professional resilience, a factor that has been more important than ever as she navigates a new chapter in her life in the United States and continues to create groundbreaking music.

The Mebarak family saga is a powerful reminder that behind every global icon is a complex, supportive, and often unseen network of family members whose own remarkable lives contribute to the star’s enduring success and stability. They are the nine pillars that hold up the Queen of Latin Music.