RIO DE JANEIRO – Colombian superstar Shakira is set to perform a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro this Saturday night. Brazilian officials are anticipating a crowd of around 2 million people at this iconic beach, making it one of the largest events of its kind.
This concert is a part of Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” or “Women No Longer Cry,” world tour, which promotes her latest album released in 2024. Previous concerts by global icons like Madonna and Lady Gaga drew massive crowds, and Shakira hopes to top those numbers, stating in an interview with Brazil’s TV Globo that she anticipates this concert to be the biggest of her career.
“For me, it’s a dream. I always dreamed of singing on this beach, because I think it’s a magical place,” Shakira expressed in Portuguese, highlighting her deep connection to Brazil, where she first gained significant popularity in the 1990s.
Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist, notes that Shakira’s success in Brazil is closely tied to their cultural similarities, remarking that this concert represents the culmination of a long-standing relationship she has had with the Brazilian audience.
Fans like Erica Monteiro, a 38-year-old accountant, see Shakira as a powerful symbol of the Latino community. “For me, she represents the strength of our Latino community,” Monteiro said, reflecting the pride many feel in her influence.
As Saturday approaches, beachgoers are already filling Copacabana, eager to secure their spots. Vendors are preparing by selling everything from sweetcorn and caipirinhas to essentials like toilet paper and even bags of sand for better viewing angles near the stage, set up across from the historic Copacabana Palace hotel.
Simone Paula da Cunha, a street vendor, shared her hopes of selling enough refreshments to make a profit while also expressing excitement about the concert. “I remember her from when she still had black hair. I’m a huge fan of hers,” she said, reflecting the nostalgia many fans have for Shakira’s long career.
The festivities will kick off with DJs spinning tracks in the late afternoon, leading up to Shakira’s performance, which is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. local time and will last approximately two hours. City officials have added a DJ to entertain the crowd post-show, aiming for a smooth and orderly exit.
This concert is part of a broader initiative by Rio’s City Hall to stimulate economic activity after the Carnaval season and prior to the upcoming Saint John’s Day celebrations in June. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere emphasized the economic importance of such events, stating, “Our investment in this show will give us a financial return 40 times greater,” highlighting the potential impact on local businesses.
According to a study from City Hall and Riotur, Shakira’s concert could generate approximately 777 million reais (around $155 million) by attracting tourists and increasing spending in local restaurants, hotels, and shops. Data indicates that in years when major concerts take place, tourist numbers in May have seen significant increases, with 34.2% more visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Wanderson Andrade, a 30-year-old architect who flew in specifically for this concert, shared his excitement, recalling his failed attempts to get tickets for last year’s show. “Today is a dream come true,” he said, showcasing the dedication fans have toward seeing Shakira live.
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