Tickets for Shakira’s concert in Bishkek could generate over 1.15 billion KGS

Ticket sales for Shakira’s first concert in Kyrgyzstan began on 1 October, and within the first hour a queue of more than 3,300 people had formed on the website. When an ‘Akchabar’ journalist logged in, they were 3,331st in a queue of 3,366 people.

However, the ticket prices caused considerable outrage amongst some users. Prices for the main categories range from 12,000 to 40,000 KGS: the cheapest ticket costs 12,000 KGS, the dance floor 27,000 KGS, and the fan zones and first-category seats 40,000 KGS.

Despite the high cost, demand proved to be high. Within the first hour of sales, tickets priced at 12,000 KGS were completely sold out. Meanwhile, tickets priced at 40,000 KGS also continue to be in demand.

‘Akchabar’ has calculated the concert’s potential revenue based on the number of seats and the published prices. There are around 25,800 seats in the specified sectors. Selling them at the advertised prices could generate around 689.5 million KGS.

In addition, 6,845 tickets in the ‘Ground admission’ zone at 27,000 KGS each and 7,007 tickets in the fan zone at 40,000 KGS each have been listed separately. This amounts to a further 465.1 million KGS.

Thus, if all the tickets listed are sold at the stated prices, the potential revenue from the concert will amount to around 1.15 billion KGS.

At the National Bank’s official exchange rate as at 1 October — 87.44 KGS to the dollar — this is approximately $13.2 million.

However, this sum does not represent a profit for the organisers. It will be used to cover the costs of venue hire, show production, logistics, taxes, commissions and other expenses.

Previously, producer Islam Satarov estimated Shakira’s fee at $6–7 million, and the total cost of organising the concert at approximately $10 million. He later clarified, however, that the project is being funded from private sources.

Shakira’s concert will take place on 18 October at the Bishkek Arena as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour. This will be the singer’s first performance not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in Central Asia.