Thousands of New Yorkers poured into Times Square Tuesday night for a chance to see Shakira perform live.
All eyes were fixed to the TSX Entertainment stage on March 26 as Latin pride burst in the crossroads of the world. Fans of the female musical sensation waved flags representing the colors of Brazil, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia – all the while chanting “Shakira” in excited anticipation. Shut down from 46th Street to 47th Street and Seventh Avenue, Times Square rocked like it was the New Year’s Eve party all over again, albeit on a brisk spring evening.
The free concert served as a promotion for Shakira’s newly released album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran wherein the Latin pop artist said she transformed the pain from her public breakup with Spanish soccer player Gerald Pique into songs that enamored masses.
Similar to South Korean Popstar Junk Kook’s performance last November, social media posts announced Shakira’s free concert only about three hours before hitting the gigantic billboard stage at 7:15pm.
After a countdown from 10, thumping drumming beats resounded throughout the city streets while Shakira let out her signature wolf howl. She was lowered down onto the overhead stage from a platform where she performed songs such as “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Te Felicito,” “Punteria” and the infamous breakup song “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 53.” Revelers in the massive crowd could be seen jumping up and down singing along throughout the half hour showcase.
Cesar Luna, 38, was still aglow from the euphoric experience, and could only let out breathless gratitude for Shakira.
“I am trying to recover from this concert. It was great. It was amazing. It was perfect,” Luna said, “I love Shakira!”
Luna’s friend, Daniela Atencio, 30, was also still shaking in awe after the opportunity to see her favorite artist live.
“She is beautiful, I can’t wait for the tour,” Atencio added.
However, for Paola Cabrera, 20, the concert was more than just a New York City experience, it exemplified and uplifted Colombian culture.
“As a Colombian you always grow up hearing the bad and there are [things that concentrate on showing] what is ugly, what is not really our culture or what defines us. Meanwhile Shakira from years ago always showed us as a [positive] culture and represented us in the best ways,” Cabrera said. “We appreciate the fact that she continues to change the image of Colombia.”
“For us, she is more than a legend, she is someone who completely [changed people’s views],” Cabrera added.
The March performance came at an opportune time for Women’s History Month since Lina Puin, 24, believes that Shakira has paved a way for Colombian women.
“She is one of the best representations of Colombian culture. She makes many changes on the views the world has on Colombia,” Puin said. “Thank you for being that woman to change our view and change our.”
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