Colombian sensation Shakira performed a complimentary concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend, attracting a reported two million attendees, as announced by the city’s mayor. The event, part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, followed in the footsteps of previous shows by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, drawing massive crowds who danced along the expansive shoreline.
Shakira took the stage around 11 p.m. local time, slightly delayed but met with enthusiastic cheers from her devoted fans. Skywriting drones added to the spectacle, displaying “I love you Brazil” in the Portuguese sky. Reflecting on her journey, the megastar reminisced about her first visit to Brazil three decades ago, expressing gratitude for the magical turn her life had taken.
During the concert, Shakira performed her popular hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” culminating with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a track released post her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. She also highlighted women’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to rise stronger after every fall.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere confirmed the massive turnout, attributing Shakira’s historic impact on Rio to her connection with Brazilian culture, particularly due to her Colombian roots. The concert not only entertained but also celebrated the enduring bond between Shakira and her Brazilian fans.
The free concert series is part of the city’s effort to boost post-Carnival economic activity. Mayor Cavaliere emphasized the significant financial return expected from Shakira’s performance, estimated to generate approximately 777 million reais ($211 million Cdn) through increased tourism and spending in local establishments.
The event attracted tourists from various regions, indicating a positive trend in tourism growth during concert periods. Airbnb reported an uptick in bookings from Brazil, Latin America, and even European cities like Paris and London ahead of the show. Fans like architect Wanderson Andrade traveled from far and wide to witness Shakira live, fulfilling long-held dreams and solidifying the artist’s enduring influence on a global scale.