Colombian music sensation Shakira delivered a complimentary performance on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday evening, attracting a reported two million attendees, according to the city’s mayor. This event on the renowned beachfront follows previous concerts by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both drawing massive crowds that swayed and danced on the vast sandy expanse. For Shakira, this was part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry) world tour, named after her album released in 2024.
Commencing around 11 p.m. local time, Shakira’s set began more than an hour later than scheduled, sparking excitement among her fans who cheered and applauded enthusiastically as skywriting drones displayed “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese across the sky. Reflecting on her first visit to Brazil three decades ago, Shakira expressed her gratitude to the audience, reminiscing, “I arrived here when I was 18 years old, dreaming about singing for you. And now look at this. Life is magical.”
During the concert, the beloved pop star performed hits like Hips Don’t Lie, La Tortura, and La Bicicleta, concluding with BZRP Music Sessions #53/66, a song released following her separation from Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. Shakira also took a moment to celebrate women’s strength, proclaiming, “Us women, every time we fall we get up a little wiser.”
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere announced that two million people attended the show, acknowledging Shakira’s historic impact on the city. Ethnomusicologist Felipe Maia highlighted the strong connection Shakira has built with Brazil since her debut in the 1990s, attributing her success to the cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil. This recent performance solidified the longstanding relationship Shakira has fostered with Brazilian fans.
Erica Monteiro, a 38-year-old accountant and long-time Shakira fan, praised the artist’s representation of Latino community strength. Another attendee, Hellem Souza da Silva, likened Shakira’s performance to Bad Bunny’s concerts in Sao Paulo, emphasizing the consolidation of Brazil’s Latino identity.
The free concert initiative aims to boost economic activity post-Carnival and New Year’s Eve festivities, leading up to the Saint John’s Day celebrations in June. Mayor Cavaliere emphasized the significance of these events in generating jobs, income, and city identity. The city anticipates that Shakira’s performance could generate approximately 777 million reais, benefiting local businesses and tourism.
Ahead of the show, Airbnb reported an uptick in guests traveling to Rio from various regions, with tourists flocking to the city in May during previous concert years. Fans like architect Wanderson Andrade traveled from afar to witness Shakira live, fulfilling a dream and highlighting the artist’s profound impact on her devoted followers.
