Barranquilla, Colombia, is buzzing with excitement as global music superstar Shakira and acclaimed urban artist Beéle are currently filming a new music video in the city’s historic Barrio Abajo district. The collaboration, a significant cultural moment for the region, has drawn the attention of local officials, including Barranquilla’s Mayor Alejandro Char, who visited the set on Tuesday, February 19th, 2026. This project isn’t just a creative endeavor; it’s a celebration of Barranquilla’s vibrant culture and a boost to the city’s profile on the world stage.
The filming location, Barrio Abajo, is a cornerstone of Barranquilla’s cultural identity, particularly renowned as a central hub for the city’s famed Carnival celebrations. The choice of this location underscores the video’s likely connection to the spirit and traditions of the Carnival, promising a visually rich and culturally authentic production. The presence of Shakira and Beéle, both native sons of Barranquilla, adds a layer of pride and excitement for residents, solidifying the city’s reputation as a breeding ground for musical talent. This collaboration represents a homecoming for both artists, bringing their global success back to the community that nurtured their beginnings.
Mayor Char’s visit to the set was documented and shared on his social media channels, offering a glimpse into the production and a personal interaction with the artists. In a video posted online, Char inquired about Shakira’s impressions of her hometown, to which she responded with a smile, describing Barranquilla as “divina” – divine. He also extended congratulations to Beéle for his recent performance at the Metroconcierto, a major event within the Barranquilla Carnival festivities held on February 14th. This interaction highlights the city’s strong support for its artistic community and its eagerness to showcase its cultural richness.
A City Embracing its Stars
The arrival of Shakira and Beéle has been met with widespread enthusiasm throughout Barranquilla. The filming has already involved local performance groups, including members of the comparsa Rumbón Normalista, known for their tribute to the traditional *sombrero vueltiao* during Carnival. The inclusion of *marimondas* and *congos* – iconic figures in Barranquilla’s Carnival traditions – further emphasizes the video’s deep roots in the city’s cultural heritage. These elements promise a vibrant and authentic visual representation of Barranquilla’s unique identity.
Beyond the artistic collaboration, the filming has also provided a positive economic impact for the city. The production team’s presence has generated activity in local businesses, and the increased visibility of Barranquilla through social media and news coverage is expected to boost tourism. The city is actively leveraging this opportunity to promote its cultural attractions and enhance its image as a dynamic and welcoming destination. The filming is taking place in the Museo Abierto sector of Barrio Abajo, which has recently been promoted as a tourist destination.
The timing of the video shoot coincides with the ongoing Carnival celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in the city. Barranquilla’s Carnival, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is one of the largest and most key cultural events in Colombia. The integration of Carnival elements into the music video is a natural fit, showcasing the city’s vibrant traditions to a global audience. The 2027 Carnival dates have been set, according to local reports, offering a future focal point for cultural tourism.
Infrastructure Investments and Future Events
During his visit to the set, Mayor Char also discussed ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing Barranquilla’s capacity to host large-scale events. He informed Shakira about the expansion of the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, with plans to increase its capacity to 75,000 spectators by the end of the year. This expansion will allow the stadium to accommodate larger concerts and sporting events, further solidifying Barranquilla’s position as a major entertainment hub in Colombia. The stadium expansion is a key component of the city’s broader strategy to attract international events and boost its tourism sector.
The recent success of the Junior de Barranquilla football club also factored into the conversation between Char and Shakira. The team’s 2-1 victory over América de Cali on February 18th at the Estadio Romelio Martínez was seen as a positive omen for the city, adding to the celebratory mood surrounding the video shoot. This connection between sports and culture highlights the integral role that both play in Barranquilla’s identity.
Beéle, a prominent figure in the Colombian urban music scene, further contributed to the celebratory atmosphere by gifting Mayor Char a cap emblazoned with the logo of ‘Borondo,’ his critically acclaimed album. This gesture symbolized a shared sense of pride and collaboration between the artist and the city’s leadership. Beéle’s success at the Metroconcierto on February 14th, as acknowledged by Char, underscores his growing influence and popularity within the region.
Behind the Scenes and Production Details
Sources close to Shakira’s team have revealed that the artist arrived in Barranquilla on Monday, February 16th, accompanied by members of her production crew, including producer Keityn. The team is reportedly staying at a hotel in the northern part of the city, utilizing Barranquilla as a base for the video shoot. Initial reports suggest that the song itself remains under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding the release. The production team has been actively sharing glimpses of the filming process on social media, generating buzz and excitement among fans.
The production has temporarily closed sections of the Malecón and the Museo Abierto in Barrio Abajo to facilitate filming, demonstrating the scale and logistical complexity of the project. These closures, while temporary, underscore the city’s commitment to supporting the production and ensuring a smooth filming process. The involvement of local authorities in coordinating these logistical aspects highlights the collaborative spirit surrounding the project.
Shakira’s children, Milan and Sasha, are also reportedly in Barranquilla, allowing them to spend time with their mother and experience the city’s culture firsthand. This family aspect adds a personal touch to the story, showcasing Shakira’s connection to her roots and her desire to share her heritage with her children.
@shakira y @Beele_01 en la casa, esta es su casa. 🙌🏼Gracias por mostrarle al mundo que Barranquilla está a otro nivel. pic.twitter.com/8NdwRqAoIp
— Alejandro Char (@AlejandroChar) February 19, 2026
The collaboration between Shakira and Beéle represents a significant moment for Barranquilla, showcasing the city’s cultural vibrancy and attracting global attention. As the video production progresses, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of the song and the accompanying visuals. The project is expected to further enhance Barranquilla’s reputation as a thriving center for music and culture in Latin America.
The next step in this unfolding story will be the official release of the music video, which is expected in the coming weeks. Fans and industry observers alike will be closely watching for details about the song’s genre, lyrical themes, and overall artistic direction. The release is anticipated to generate significant media coverage and further solidify Shakira and Beéle’s positions as leading figures in the global music landscape.
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