Colombian music icon Shakira delighted a massive crowd estimated at two million people with a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend. The event, part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour named after her 2024 album, drew comparisons to previous performances by Madonna and Lady Gaga.
Shakira took the stage at around 11 p.m. local time, thrilling fans who eagerly awaited her delayed performance. The sky was adorned with a message proclaiming “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese, as the megastar reminisced about her first visit to the country three decades ago.
The pop sensation delivered a spectacular show, performing hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” concluding with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66.” She also took a moment to celebrate women’s strength and resilience, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere praised the historic turnout for Shakira’s concert, highlighting the enduring bond the singer has with Brazil. Ethnomusicologist Felipe Maia noted that Shakira’s success in the country can be attributed to the cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil.
The free concert series aims to boost the city’s economy post-Carnival and New Year’s Eve celebrations, leading up to Saint John’s Day festivities in June. Mayor Cavaliere emphasized the economic benefits of such events, predicting a significant return on investment from Shakira’s performance.
The concert not only attracted a large audience but also spurred tourism, with an influx of visitors from various parts of Brazil, Latin America, and even Europe. Fans like architect Wanderson Andrade traveled long distances to fulfill their dream of seeing Shakira live, underscoring the global appeal of the music icon.