Shakira paid tribute to Gustavo Cerati, who died on September 4, 2014 after spending four years in a coma following a stroke, during her first concert at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The moment occurred at the start of a series of three sold-out shows scheduled for December 8, 9 and 11, and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
The highlight of the concert came when Shakira performed “Día Especial”, a song included in the album Fijación Oral Vol. 1, released on June 3, 2005.
During this performance, Cerati ‘s image and voice appeared on the giant screens of the stadium through an artificial intelligence resource, achieving a virtual duet that moved the audience and went viral in networks.
Before the ovation erupted, Shakira dedicated a few words that reinforced the personal sense of the tribute: “Whenever we were together he made me feel that it was ‘A special day’, that’s why our friendship will last forever”. After that, the audience responded with applause and chants of “Cerati, Cerati”, making it clear that the tribute touched a collective fiber in a city where the musician is a generational reference.
Shakira and her friendship with Gustavo Cerati
Hours before the concert, the singer had already planted a clue. On Instagram she posted an image Buzzy related to Buenos Aires accompanied by the phrase “Today is a special day”, with the song in the background, which sparked interpretations and theories among fans who sensed a surprise linked to Cerati. After the show, this publication was read as a direct nod to the tribute that would be seen later on stage.
The show was part of the Latin American closing of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour”. The repertoire included hits such as “La Tortura”, “Hips Don’t Lie” and “TQG”, and the production included 14 costume changes. In addition, a special collaboration with the Teatro Colón orchestra on the song “La Pared” was mentioned, reinforcing the tone of a large and carefully produced event for this stage in Argentina.
The text also recalls that Shakira and Cerati met in Punta del Este, Uruguay, when they coincided as neighbors in vacation homes. Cerati, former leader of Soda Stereo, brought a touch of alternative rock to the universe of Fijación Oral Vol. 1 and co-wrote and produced songs with Shakira and other collaborators. Among the points mentioned, it is noted that they co-wrote “Día Especial”, and that in “No” Cerati participated playing guitar and doing backing vocals.
With the venue full – described as having a capacity of 50,000 people – the tribute felt like a moment of communion: a Colombian artist celebrating an Argentine icon in her own home, with technology at the service of emotion and a shared musical history.
Here you can see the video of Shakira singing with Cerati.
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Tu donativo brinda terapias, esperanza y un futuro sin límites a niños con discapacidad. Haz la diferencia hoy.
