Colombian music sensation Shakira delighted a massive audience of two million people at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro during a free concert on Saturday evening. The event, organized as part of her global tour “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (Women No Longer Cry), paid homage to her 2024 album.
Shakira’s electrifying performance commenced at 11 p.m. local time, captivating fans with her iconic hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta.” She concluded the night with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a song released post her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué.
Expressing her gratitude to the Brazilian audience, Shakira reminisced about her first visit to Brazil three decades ago, stating, “Life is magical.” The crowd resonated with her empowering message celebrating women’s resilience.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere hailed the historic turnout for Shakira’s show, appreciating her longstanding connection with Brazilian fans dating back to the 1990s. Ethnomusicologist Felipe Maia highlighted the cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil, attributing Shakira’s enduring popularity in Brazil to this shared cultural affinity.
The free concert was not just a musical extravaganza but also a strategic move by city officials to boost post-Carnival economic activity. Mayor Cavaliere projected significant returns from the event, estimating a potential economic impact of approximately 777 million reais.
Shakira’s performance attracted tourists from various regions, with Airbnb reporting a surge in bookings from Brazil, Latin America, and European cities like Paris and London. Fans like architect Wanderson Andrade, who traveled from Goiana specifically for the show, described the experience as a dream come true, symbolizing the artist’s profound influence and universal appeal.