Colombian sensation Shakira held a complimentary concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend, attracting an estimated two million attendees, according to the city’s mayor. This event, part of her Women No Longer Cry world tour named after her 2024 album, followed in the footsteps of performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga the previous year, drawing massive crowds to the iconic waterfront.
Shakira’s electrifying set commenced around 11 p.m. local time, delayed by over an hour, igniting the crowd with excitement and thunderous applause as skywriting drones displayed “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese overhead. The global icon reminisced about her first visit to Brazil three decades ago, expressing gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support throughout the years.
During the concert, Shakira delivered hit songs like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” culminating with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” released post her split from Gerard Piqué. She also championed women’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to rise stronger after each setback.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere hailed the historic turnout, crediting Shakira for captivating the audience with her performance. Ethnomusicologist Felipe Maia highlighted Shakira’s deep connection with Brazil, attributing her success to the cultural similarities shared between Colombia and Brazil.
Attendee Erica Monteiro expressed admiration for Shakira’s representation of Latino strength, echoing sentiments of empowerment within the community. The concert not only showcased Shakira’s talent but also contributed to solidifying Brazil’s Latino identity, as noted by concertgoer Hellem Souza da Silva.
The beachfront venue attracted early crowds eagerly securing prime spots for the show. Street vendors peddled local delicacies, beverages, and amenities to enhance the concert experience. The free concert initiative, part of the city’s economic revitalization strategy post-Carnival, aims to stimulate tourism and boost local businesses.
City officials anticipate a significant economic boost from Shakira’s concert, projecting revenues of approximately 777 million reais. The influx of tourists and increased spending across various sectors are expected to drive economic growth and promote the city’s cultural identity.
The concert’s success is reflected in the surge of tourists visiting Rio during May in concert years, with a notable increase in arrivals compared to non-concert years. Airbnb reported a rise in bookings from diverse regions, indicating the widespread appeal of Shakira’s performance.
Architect Wanderson Andrade, a devoted fan who traveled from Goiana to attend the concert, described the experience as a dream come true. His unwavering support for Shakira was evident, symbolized by his first tattoo—a wolf, paying homage to the iconic singer.
