Shakira delivered the biggest performance of her career on Saturday night drawing an estimated two million fans to Copacabana Beach for a free concert that turned the shoreline into a massive open-air party.
City officials in Rio de Janeiro confirmed the crowd size early Sunday placing the show among the largest live music events ever held on the iconic beach.
The concert is part of the city-backed Todo Mundo no Rio initiative which aims to boost tourism and global attention during the month of May.
The night opened with a drone display projecting a wolf which is a symbol closely linked to Shakira across the sky before the singer addressed the crowd in Portuguese.
“Brazil, I love you. It’s magical to see millions of souls together, ready to sing, feel, dance and remind the world of what really matters,” she said.
Shakira performed a string of her biggest hits including Hips Don’t Lie, Antología and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) turning the beach into a sea of singing fans.
Officials estimate the event generated around 800 million reais (approximately $161 million) for Rio’s economy benefiting hotels, restaurants, transportation services and local businesses.
Rio authorities confirmed that the Todo Mundo no Rio festival will remain on the city’s official events calendar through at least 2028 signalling more large-scale performances to come.
