Colombian music sensation Shakira performed a free concert at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, attracting a massive crowd estimated at two million people. This event follows similar concerts by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga the previous year, all of which drew enthusiastic crowds dancing on the sandy waterfront.
Part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour named after her 2024 album, Shakira’s set began around 11 p.m. local time, with skywriting drones spelling out “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese overhead, eliciting excitement and applause from her fans. Reflecting on her first visit to Brazil three decades ago, Shakira expressed gratitude for realizing her dream of performing for the Brazilian audience, calling life “magical.”
The pop star delighted the audience with hit songs like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” concluding with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66” released post her split from Gerard Piqué. During the show, she also highlighted women’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to rise stronger after every fall.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere confirmed the massive turnout, hailing Shakira’s historic performance in the city. Ethnomusicologist Felipe Maia attributed Shakira’s strong connection with Brazil to her Colombian roots, noting the cultural similarities between the two nations.
Attendee Erica Monteiro praised Shakira as a symbol of Latino community strength, echoing the sentiment of many fans who see her as an empowering figure. The concert, akin to Bad Bunny’s recent shows in Sao Paulo, was seen as a unifying force celebrating Brazil’s Latino identity.
Preparations for the concert began early, with crowds arriving in the morning to secure prime spots. Street vendors offered various snacks and beverages, contributing to the festive atmosphere. The event aimed to stimulate post-Carnival economic activity, with city officials projecting significant financial returns from the concert.
Shakira’s performance was anticipated to generate substantial revenue for Rio, with tourism and local spending expected to boost the city’s economy. The concert’s impact was evident in increased tourist arrivals during the event, indicating a positive trend for the city’s tourism sector.
Fans like Wanderson Andrade traveled from different parts of Brazil and even Europe to witness Shakira’s performance, illustrating her global appeal. The concert not only showcased Shakira’s musical prowess but also served as a platform to celebrate unity and cultural diversity in Latin America.