Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered a huge free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with city officials estimating a turnout of around 2 million people.
The show followed similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which also attracted massive crowds to the famous shoreline. Shakira’s concert is part of her ongoing “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album.
Taking the stage at about 11 p.m., more than an hour behind schedule, Shakira was greeted by loud cheers as drones illuminated the sky with the message “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese.
Reflecting on her early career, the singer recalled first visiting Brazil nearly 30 years ago as a teenager with dreams of performing for local fans. “And now look at this. Life is magical,” she told the audience.
During the performance, she delivered a series of hits including “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” before closing with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a track released after her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué.
She also highlighted themes of resilience, telling the crowd that women grow stronger and wiser through challenges.
Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, said the concert made history, noting the massive turnout and referencing Shakira’s hit song “She Wolf.”
Experts say Shakira’s enduring popularity in Brazil dates back to the 1990s, helped by cultural similarities between Brazil and her home country, Colombia.
Fans at the event expressed deep admiration, with many describing her as a symbol of Latin strength and identity. Some attendees also noted that performances by artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny reinforce a shared Latin American cultural identity beyond the United States.
Large crowds began gathering early Saturday to secure spots, while street vendors sold food, drinks, and even items like sandbags to help spectators get a better view near the stage, set up opposite the iconic Copacabana Palace.
City officials say the free concert is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations, and June’s Saint John’s Day events.
According to estimates, the event could generate around 777 million reais (about $155 million) through increased tourism and spending in local businesses. Data from previous years also show a significant rise in visitors during similar events.
Travel platform Airbnb reported a surge in bookings ahead of the concert, with visitors arriving from across Brazil, Latin America, and European cities.
For many fans, the concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some traveling long distances just to attend.
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