Shakira’s free concert on May 2, 2026, at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro tragically coincided with the death of a crew member during stage assembly. The concert attracted a record crowd of 2 million attendees.
The crew member suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs during the accident. This incident cast a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory event. Shakira expressed her long-standing connection with Brazil, stating, “I arrived here when I was 18 years old, dreaming about singing for you.”
The concert was part of Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour and aimed to boost the local economy in the post-Carnival period. It generated an estimated financial impact of around 777 million reais (approximately $155 million). Street vendors sold various items to concertgoers, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Despite the tragedy, Shakira’s performance included popular songs like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “La Bicicleta.” The concert started over an hour late but did not deter the massive turnout. Eduardo Cavaliere remarked, “The She-Wolf made history in Rio,” highlighting the significance of the event.
Observers noted a surge in tourism following the concert. In May 2024, tourist numbers increased by 34.2% compared to 2023, and by 90.5% in May 2025. The event was part of a series of free concerts aimed at attracting tourists back to Rio de Janeiro.
Shakira has maintained a significant fan base in Brazil since her first performance in the 1990s. Wanderson Andrade stated, “Today is a dream come true,” reflecting the joy many felt despite the day’s unfortunate events.
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