Shakira Spearheaded ALAS Charity Concert

Known for her bootylicious moves, irresistible charm, and vocal prowess, Shakira continues to make waves as she spearheaded a concert for ALAS. As a non-profit organization, ALAS or America Latina en Accion Solidaria aims to help undereducated, malnourished, and financially challenged children in Latin America. Aside from the irresistible Columbian singer Shakira, Miguel Bose — a Spanish-Italian singer — also headed the event. Backed up by wealthy philanthropists, Shakira and fellow Latin artists gave their best performances to benefit disadvantaged children in the region.

As part of the charity event, a couple of free concerts were held at La Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City and at Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires. Latin artists and performers included in this star-studded charity event included Alejandro Sanz, Fito Paez, Jorge Drexler, Paulina Rubio, Chayanne, Miguel Bose, Tania Libertad, Diego Torres, Juan Luis Guerra, La Portuaria, Pedro Aznar, Calle 13, Aleks Syntek, Juanes, Ricardo Montaner, David Bisbal, Babasonicos, and other talented Latin stars.

Also included were philanthropists such as Howard Graham Buffett — son of the richest person in the world, Warren Buffett — and the second wealthiest man in the world — Mexican Carlos Slim Helú. Both Warren Buffett and Carlos Slim Helú pledged generous donations to their personal foundations.

Aside from ALAS, Shakira also continues to support disadvantaged children through her Barefoot foundation. Shakira has also been recently rubbing elbows with world leaders like Robert B. Zoellick — World Bank President — and Gordon Brown — Prime Minister of Britain.

This high-profile event attracted the attention of media as popular and gorgeous Latin artists mingled with some of the society’s elite and most powerful figures. An event with a social conscience, the ALAS charity concerts serve as proof that younger generations of Latin artists and musicians are giving their voices to the poor and disadvantaged sectors of the Latin American community. According to Noticiero Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, these ALAS-sponsored events show that Latino artists are crossing ideological and national borders in order to take charge of their own future.

Shakira and her fellow Latin performers weren’t the first to involve themselves in charity events though. Celia Cruz and Julio Iglesias have been involved in numerous philanthropic events as well.

sources:
Los Angeles Times
Latin Gossip