Beyonce Just Donated $1 Million To Colombia Earthquake Relief And She Is Not The Only Music Icon Stepping Up.
On August 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar in Colombia's Choco region, killing 331 people, injuring more than 4,400, and destroying 29,000 homes. About 69,000 people — roughly 10 percent of Choco's entire population — were displaced or directly affected. Roads and infrastructure collapsed, cutting off food access to some of the hardest hit communities. The music world is showing up in a big way. Beyonce announced a personal donation of $1 million earmarked for food and housing supplies in the worst affected areas. Parkwood Entertainment directed those wanting to help toward Food For The Poor and World Central Kitchen, both actively operating on the ground. It is consistent with Beyonce's pattern of disaster philanthropy — she committed $2.5 million to LA wildfire victims in 2025 and previously supported Hurricane Harvey victims in her hometown of Houston.
But Beyonce is not doing this alone. Shakira, who is Colombian, personally traveled to Choco to meet with the governor and mayor of the affected areas before announcing a $1.25 million commitment to rebuild schools — funded through a combination of her own money, a FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund contribution, and a Live Nation match. "Schools give children the stability and routine they need most after a disaster," Shakira said. "Choco is not alone. Colombia is not alone." Karol G donated $1.2 million through her Con Cora Foundation. Colombian band Morat announced their own contribution. Singer Juanes launched a national campaign targeting $5 million in longer-term housing reconstruction. The US government has committed $26.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid. When the cameras show up, the artists show up. Colombia, it turns out, has plenty of both.
