Shakira Rocks Times Square with Surprise QR Code Celebration
Global superstar Shakira electrified Times Square with a fiery free pop-up show to celebrate her new album after a seven-year hiatus, drawing a crowd of over 40,000 people.
The She-Wolf wasn’t playing around!
She took over New York City’s Times Square on Tuesday night of March 26, after announcing a surprise show on social media just hours before, turning heads and drawing crowds from all walks of life.
A whopping 40,000 fans threw a massive party to celebrate her first new album after seven years, Las Mujeres Ya No Llora (Women No Longer Cry).
“It is the biggest crowd the area has ever seen, even during the New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Jack Irvin, a writer for the People daily newsletter.
TSX Entertainment co-produced the marvelous show over the Big Apple with presenting partners ViX, Vinfast, and Sony Music Latin, creating an awe-inspiring experience that underscored the global impact of Latin pop music.
Times Square takes a salsa spin with Shakira’s empowering comeback
In the heart of Times Square, Shakira took the TSX stage, backed by an impressive 18,000-square-foot billboard.
Cameras flashed, and the crowd went wild as the Colombian singer-songwriter hit the stage, cheering as she belted an opening of her global smash hit, “Hips Don’t Lie.”
Her powerful vocals and mesmerizing moves definitely set the area ablaze with excitement!
Donning black pants, a silver-embellished top, and dark glasses, she stunned audiences with chart-toppers like “Te Felicito” and tracks from her new album, “Punteria” and “Cómo Dónde y Cuándo.”
The three-time Grammy winner revealed glimpses of what her new album offers: a fusion of eclectic rhythms, use of advanced technology like a free QR code generator, soul-stirring lyrics, and captivating charisma.
Ingenious out-of-home album advertising using QR codes
As the queen of Latin pop makes her triumphant return, she brings with her a groundbreaking way to connect with fans. You guessed it right — QR codes!
Even before the show started, a huge billboard flaunting Shakira’s new album ad lies hidden two large doors and a QR code that leads to the Colombian singer’s complete set of tracks.
As the clock ticked down on the billboard, the crowd was empowered to scan the code, unlocking the entire album through the Apple Music QR code channel or YouTube Music.
Fans were able to participate in the “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” experience, transforming the album into a multimedia movement.
This innovative approach is a fusion of culture and technology, tradition and innovation — all coming together in a frenzy of salsa beats and QR code scans.
A roar of resilience and empowerment for Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (Women Don’t Cry Anymore) album
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran marks the hitmaker’s 12th album release, following 2017’s El Dorado.
The album is now hailed as her most fearless and innovative work to date, thanks to their use of QR code generator technology, making all the difference in the show.
While creating the album, the artist explained that she was “raw” and was “dealing with a lot of stuff” during the process.
“I was writing, I felt at times, with a knife between my teeth… I was trying to rebuild myself, and music was the glue. I was transforming pain and anger and frustration into creativity and productivity and straight resilience.“
Earlier that week, the artist appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show and expressed how her relationship with her ex-partner significantly affected her decision not to produce an album for a long time.
“I’ve been putting out music here and there, but it was really hard for me to put together a body of work,” said the Grammy winner.
“Yeah, the husband was dragging me down. Now I’m free. Now I can actually work!” Shakira continued.
The title of the album itself serves as a bold declaration. She explained that,
“It’s men’s turn now. For too long, we have been sent to cry with a script in our hands and without an end just because we are women. We have to conceal our pain in front of our kids, in front of society.”
Emerging from personal struggles, Shakira channeled her experience into a narrative of resilience and self-discovery.
“We have to heal in a certain way. And I don’t think anyone is supposed to tell us how to heal. No one is supposed to tell a She-Wolf how to lick her wounds,” added Shakira.
It then became a powerful anthem of female empowerment, encouraging the audience to embrace their individuality and celebrate their strengths.
QR codes are shaking up the world of music advertisement
In the heart of the world’s most iconic locations, Shakira’s announcement transformed into a cultural event, a celebration of creativity, and a reminder of the enduring power of technology and music to unite and inspire.
“Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” is more than just an album. It’s a cultural touchstone that empowers women to rewrite the narrative, embrace their strength, and turn heartbreak into a catalyst for growth.
With their integration of advanced technologies like QR codes, they have cemented Shakira’s status as a global icon and a champion for modern marketing.
The pop star is not just empowering people with her latest hit; she’s breaking new ground with technology.
