Clara Almánzar is not a name you often hear in the media. However, she becomes a person of interest when you find out she is Cardi B’s mother. Cardi B is one of the world’s most popular and successful female rappers, with a Grammy Award, eight Billboard Music Awards, and six American Music Awards.
Famous for her distinct aggressive flows and outspoken lyrics, Cardi B rose to prominence after her song, Bodak Yellow, became viral. Like most celebrities, her fame has also shone a light on people close to her, especially her mother.
If you’ve been curious about Cardi B’s mom, here are five facts about the woman who brought the multi-award-winning rapper to life.
1. Clara Almánzar Is of Mixed Ethnicity
Clara Almánzar was born to her parents on September 19, 1965. However, her youthful appearance gives the impression that she could easily pass for Cardi B’s elder sister. The celebrity mom hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has African and Spanish roots. Hence, her ethnicity is Afro-Latino.
Although the celebrity mom has not shared much about her upbringing, she grew up with twelve siblings. Hence, Almánzar had a happy childhood growing up in her large family. However, the celebrity mom has not revealed the identities of her parents and siblings. Similarly, she hasn’t disclosed details regarding her education and educational achievements.
2. Cardi B’s Mom Is a Divorcee
While there is little information about how Clara Almánzar and her ex-husband, Carlos Almánzar, met, we know they tied the knot in 1991. A year after they exchanged vows, they welcomed their first child and daughter on October 11, 1992. Although Carlos shies away from the spotlight, several reports claim he hails from Dominica and was a taxi driver when they met.
At first, their marriage seemed to be going well. However, after a few years, the couple’s relationship soured. The then-couple arranged to file for divorce, seeing them go their separate ways. Eventually, their divorce got finalized in 2005. Since Clara’s divorce from Carlos, the celebrity mom has not opened up about dating anyone.
Following the couple’s divorce, the burden of taking care of their kids fell on Clara. The celebrity mom single-handedly raised her kids in the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx. To support her family, Cardi B’s mom worked extra shifts. However, her sacrifices and dedication to her children’s success have not gone unnoticed.
3. Clara Almánzar Was a Strict Mom
Cardi B’s mom was a cashier at a local grocery store in The Bronx. She also worked extra jobs to raise her kids and pay bills. However, knowing their neighborhood, Clara Almánzar was strict and protective of her kids. Nevertheless, her strictness led to some friction with her kids, especially her first daughter, Cardi B, who she later kicked out of the house.
Despite the friction and challenging times, Clara’s kids are grown-ups leading successful lives. Hence they are grateful for her sacrifices to get them to where they are now. Clara Almánzar may not be as popular as her daughter. Nonetheless, she has been instrumental in their success.
4. Cardi B’s Mom Has Two Daughters
During her short-lived marriage to Carlos, the now-divorced couple welcomed two children together. Her first daughter, Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus, famous as Cardi B, was born on October 11, 1992.
As a result of her parent’s enormous families, she grew up around several uncles and aunties in the Bronx. The famous rapper first gained popularity as a social media influencer on Instagram and the now-defunct Vine app.
Although her stage name, Cardi B, came from playing around with the name of a popular drink, Bacardi, it stuck. Cardi B ventured into music at a young age. The now globally famous rapper began her career by releasing two mixtapes, Gangsta Bitch Vol 1 and 2, in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
After the release of her mixtapes, the rapper released her first studio album, Invasion of Privacy, in 2018. The album was a global hit that shot her massively to prominence. The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and made her the first and only woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist.
In addition, it also made her album the first female rap album in 15 years, nominated for Album of the Year. Since then, the successful rapper has released other songs and collaborated with other A-list rappers and singers in the music industry.
Clara and Carlo’s second child is also a daughter, Hennessy Carolina. Like her elder sister Cardi B, Hennessy is also famous in the entertainment industry. She is a model, television personality, and social media influencer. Hennessy is renowned for appearing on Love and Hip Hop: New York for two seasons alongside Cardi B. However, she is most famous as Cardi B’s sister.
5. Clara Almánzar Does Not Have a Net Worth
Despite being the mother of one of the most successful female rappers in the music industry, Clara Almánzar hasn’t revealed her income to the public. Hence, her exact net worth is unknown.
However, her globally famous daughter, Cardi B, on the other hand, has a net worth of $80,000,000. A fortune she has amassed from her career as a rapper, producer, reality tv star, and entrepreneur.
Aside from being a celebrity mom, Clara Almánzar is also a grandmother to Cardi B’s kids from her marriage to Offset. Like rapper Saweetie’s mom, the celebrity mom spends time with her daughters, who have become successful despite the odds.