On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Shakira electrified Mexico City as she kicked off her long-awaited concert tour, "Las mujeres ya no lloran," an event that drew a crowd of over 60,000 fans at the Estadio GNP Seguros. The concert marked a significant moment in the Colombian singer's career, as she not only celebrated her musical prowess but also redefined her journey of resilience amidst personal challenges over the past three years.
Shakira took the stage like a force of nature, embracing the essence of a ‘loba’ or she-wolf, a persona that she invoked to convey strength and power, particularly in a society often riddled with machismo. The evening began with her signature howl—a powerful symbol of reclaiming voice and presence, setting the stage for an emotional journey through her discography. For those gathered, it was an occasion to witness a warrior of articulation, reclaiming her narrative in a world where women's stories often go unheard.
The artist's return to Mexico wasn't merely a concert; it was a cathartic gathering for women. With a message that resonated deeply in the venue, Shakira noted, "Estoy en deuda con ustedes. Cuando necesité fuerza me la dieron. Me arroparon cuando sentí el desamor" (I am in debt to you. When I needed strength, you gave it to me. You wrapped me in your support when I felt heartbroken). This acknowledgment of her struggles endeared her even further to the audience, many of whom had traveled great distances, like Bárbara from Sonora, who paid 20,000 pesos for the experience of a lifetime.
As Shakira performed hit after hit, the crowd erupted into dances of joy, mixing catharsis with exhilaration. Her lyrics not only addressed personal disappointments but also celebrated the power and resilience of women. In one passionate moment, she stated, "Las mujeres, cada vez que nos caemos, nos levantamos más fuertes. Y nos ponemos a trabajar y facturamos" (Women, every time we fall, we get back up stronger. And we get to work and earn). This proclamation captured the collective spirit of a generation that refuses to be defined by their struggles.
The night was an overwhelming display of female empowerment, echoing through the stadium as Shakira shared tales of her journey, emphasizing the importance of both self-love and community support. The audience was captivated, singing along fervently to tracks that have documented her life's ups and downs. They came not only as fans but as part of a movement, ready to reclaim their narratives.
A palpable tension hung in the air during the concert as fans eagerly awaited the start. Amidst the excited shouts and waves of anticipation, Shakira's eventual entrance quelled any frustrations over the delay, reminding everyone why they had gathered. The vibrant stage setting, complete with tropical rhythms and echoes of her native Barranquilla, transformed the venue into a celebratory atmosphere that felt both intimate and grand.
The concert was also a reminder of the cultural ties that bind Shakira to her Mexican audience, as she expressed her gratitude for the nation that embraced her earlier in her career. "Estoy aquí para dar todo lo que tengo," she promised (I am here to give all I have), reinforcing her dedication to her fans. This connection was on full display as she mixed traditional Mexican music with her genre-defying hits, creating a melange that paid homage to both her roots and the city she loves.
For many women in attendance, including those like Bárbara and her mother Dora, the concert represented more than just good music; it was a powerful testament to solidarity in adversity. In a landscape marked by increasingly worrying statistics of gender violence, Shakira’s message of empowerment was a resonating cry for freedom, celebration, and reclamation of their stories, which many echoed in calls of unity and strength.
The night punctuated with a symbolic gesture—a giant wolf appeared on stage, a visual tribute to the 'loba' Shakira encourages women to embody. The audience collectively responded, a chorus of voices reverberating through the arena, a powerful reminder that they stood together as one woman. A declaration that amid life’s unpredictable rhythms, their collective spirit—much like Shakira’s—remains unbroken.
As the concert drew to a close, it was clear that each note struck not only celebrated Shakira’s resilience but also inspired countless women, forging a path towards empowerment that extends beyond the concert’s walls. In that electrifying atmosphere, Shakira showcased her ability to transform pain and betrayal into an anthem of hope and strength—reminding everyone that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, it is one of profound beauty and potential. For Shakira, and for her audience, the narrative is clear: women no longer cry, they triumph and, unmistakably, they ‘facturan’—they earn and reclaim their power.
