Shakira’s Free Concert Draws Massive Crowd in Rio
Colombian singer Shakira put on a free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, an event that the city’s mayor claimed attracted around 2 million attendees to the famed seaside location.
This concert echoed other major performances held in the same area, like those by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga the previous year, which had also seen large crowds dancing on the beach.
Shakira’s performance was part of her world tour titled “Las Mujeres Ya No Loran” (“Women Don’t Cry Anymore”), named in honor of her 2024 album.
Starting her set a little after 11 p.m., more than an hour late, the excitement grew as drones lit up the night sky, displaying “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese. The crowd roared with excitement and cheer.
Nostalgically, Shakira shared memories of her first visit to Brazil nearly three decades ago, expressing how fulfilling it was to perform there. “When I was 18, I dreamed of singing here in front of all of you,” she told the audience. “And look at this. Life is magic.”
She performed hit songs like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” wrapping up her show with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” referencing her new phase after parting ways with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué.
Throughout the concert, she emphasized the strength of women, saying, “As women, every time we fall, we get back up a little smarter.”
Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere announced the impressive turnout on social media, referring to Shakira’s 2009 hit “Seawolf” and noting the historical significance of the concert.
Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist pursuing a PhD, remarked on the deep connection Shakira has with the Brazilian audience that began during her early performances in the 1990s. He pointed out that cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil likely contributed to her popularity there.
Fans began gathering early on Saturday morning, eager to catch the show. Street vendors were busy selling local snacks, drinks, and even essentials like deodorants and bags to help concertgoers find a more comfortable view.
One vendor, Simone Paula da Cunha, arrived the night before, hoping to profit from the event. Despite feeling tired, she was thrilled about seeing Shakira live, reminiscing, “I remember when she was still black. I’m a big fan.”
City officials organized these concerts as part of an effort to boost Rio’s economy during a lull after the Carnival and New Year’s celebrations, aiming to stimulate activity before June’s St. John’s Day festivities.
Cavaliere explained the importance of such events for job creation and cultural identity, noting that the investment in Shakira’s concert could yield a significant economic return.
A study predicted that her performance might generate around 777 million reais (approximately $155 million) due to increased tourism and spending in local businesses.
Data from the city showed a rise in visitors to Rio in May, with significant sales increases recorded in both 2024 and 2025 compared to the previous years.
As anticipation for the concert grew, Airbnb also reported a surge in bookings from various regions, indicating broad interest in the event.
Wanderson Andrade, a 30-year-old architect, flew in from Goiana City specifically for the concert. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I tried to get tickets last year, but it didn’t happen. Today was a dream come true.” His first tattoo, in honor of Shakira, is a wolf.
