The Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez opened a military airbase in the country's capital, so that Shakira could play a concert.

The Columbian singer was unable to find a venue in which to perform, so Mr. Chavez revealed in a televised speech that he would be opening the La Carlota airbase in Caracas for the event.

The airbase has been reserved for military use only since 2002 when an attempted coup temporarily forced the President out of power.

According to the BBC, Mr. Chavas joked that he would attend the concert, saying "Maybe I'll put on a wig and go and see Shakira."