A family has traveled the thousands of kilometers separating Bogotá from Madrid with a single goal: to see Shakira perform live. The international trip, organized by a young Colombian woman, serves as the main gift for her mother’s 50th birthday celebration; her mother describes herself as the artist’s number one fan.
Wearing a traditional vueltiao hat and holding a Colombian flag customized with the singer’s face, the mother explains that she has followed the Barranquilla-born artist’s career since her early days on television. Her fandom began when the artist starred in the Colombian telenovela *El Oasis* in her youth. Since she is the same age as the singer, she says that attending this concert in the Spanish capital is a lifelong dream come true.
Banners, personalized jackets, and song requests
The atmosphere at the venue’s entrances reflects the attendees’ high anticipation. Beyond the security barriers, displays of support include flags painted with messages dedicated to the singer and clothing designed specifically for the musical event.
Among the groups of fans, a couple displayed a hand-painted denim jacket. The garment features a detailed portrait of the singer on the back along with the phrase “We are the…,” a design they enthusiastically showed off while chanting the artist’s name. Next to them, a little girl dressed in red and wearing a sparkling tiara held a large yellow banner. The little girl took advantage of the excitement leading up to the event to make a direct request: she wants Shakira to become her singing mentor.
The gathering of fans underscores the singer’s drawing power, bringing together in one place both local fans and those who have crossed the ocean exclusively for the performance.