Shakira's Heart of Gold: Pop Icon Pledges $1.25M for Colombia Earthquake Relief

Colombian superstar Shakira has pledged an initial $1.25 million to support the reconstruction of schools severely damaged by a recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck her native country on August 10, killing hundreds. The announcement came during a surprise visit on Monday, August 17, to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó province, one of the hardest-hit regions where nearly 200 schools reported damage.

During her visit, Shakira toured damaged classrooms, engaged with students and educators, and met with local officials including Chocó’s Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba and Quibdó’s Mayor Rafael Bolaños to assess the region’s specific needs. The significant $1.25 million commitment is a collaborative effort, comprising $500,000 from Shakira and Live Nation, another $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and $250,000 from CAF, the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. These funds will be channeled through Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), with the primary goal of rebuilding schools and facilitating children's return to classrooms.

Philanthropist Howard Buffett, who accompanied Shakira and has a history of partnering with her on educational projects in Colombia, also announced his foundation's separate commitment to support the reconstruction of an additional 10 schools in Chocó. Buffett expressed his unwavering support, stating, “When she calls, I come.”

Shakira emphasized the long-term impact of the rebuilding efforts on the future of the region's children. She told journalists, “What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over. Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.” Her Fundación Pies Descalzos has a long-standing presence in Chocó, operating there for over two decades and managing two schools in the region. She expressed a deep personal connection, noting, “It’s a place I love, a place where I’ve seen our students grow in our classrooms. I really want to see it rebuild again.” She also shared her personal intention to dedicate efforts to rebuilding a local technological university within the province.

Chocó is recognized as one of Colombia’s most impoverished and isolated regions, an area approximately the size of Switzerland where communities are largely connected by rivers and unpaved roads, which complicates relief and reconstruction efforts. Shakira’s pledge is part of a broader wave of support from Latin American artists following the disaster. Other notable contributions include a Miami benefit concert for earthquake relief involving Marc Anthony and Chayanne, and Karol G’s pledge to match fan donations during her concerts.

Shakira, one of the most successful Latin artists globally, has consistently integrated philanthropy with her career in her home country. She established Fundación Pies Descalzos in 1997 with the mission to expand educational access for children across Colombia. Her philanthropic endeavors run parallel to her illustrious music career, which includes a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit with “Hips Don’t Lie” in 2006, holding the record for the most Latin Airplay No. 1s by any woman with 21, headlining the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, and being named Billboard’s inaugural Latin Woman of the Year in 2023.