Organizers of an upcoming Miami benefit concert involving salsa star Marc Anthony have expanded the Sunday, August 16 event at the Kaseya Center to assist disaster victims in both Colombia and Venezuela.
The decision to widen the scope of the relief concert came after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, causing widespread structural damage, overwhelming emergency hospitals, forcing airport shutdowns, and leaving at least 281 people dead and 379 injured.
The benefit event was originally conceived to aid recovery efforts following a major earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. Organizers launched the initiative to collect as much financial aid as possible to provide immediate relief and long-term assistance for affected communities across Venezuela.
The benefit concert is being produced through a collaborative coalition consisting of the Maestro Cares Foundation, the Univision Foundation, CMN Events, and Pimiento Entertainment. Maestro Cares, co-founded by Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cardenas, works extensively across Latin America to support vulnerable children and communities, while the Univision Foundation operates as the charitable arm of the major American Spanish-language television network. CMN Events and Pimiento Entertainment serve as leading organizers and producers within the global Latin music concert market.
Organizers initially announced the charity project through a shared post on Instagram, confirming that all funds collected would be directed toward Venezuelan earthquake relief. The organizers selected the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami as the venue, a prominent 20,000-seat multi-purpose arena that serves as the home of the Miami Heat and frequently hosts top-tier international music acts.
Expanding relief efforts across South America
Following Monday's devastating disaster in Colombia, organizers issued an update across their official social media channels to announce that the concert would be expanded to help victims in both nations. In their announcement, organizers explained that while the project was born with the purpose of helping communities affected by the earthquake in Venezuela, they felt their help must also reach their Colombian brothers because when one of their own needs help, everyone unites.
To reflect the broader scope of the humanitarian campaign, organizers officially retired the original event hashtag #unidosporvenezuela and introduced #unidosporlosnuestros. The updated hashtag was selected so that the initiative would encompass everyone affected across both South American countries under a single unified movement.
All proceeds raised through ticket sales and donations will be managed and distributed by the Univision Foundation and the Maestro Cares Foundation. Both non-profit organizations will collaborate directly with partner groups that possess established operational experience and an active presence inside the impacted local communities.
Organizers detailed that the collected funds will be converted into essential emergency supplies, including clean water, food packages, and basic daily necessities. Beyond immediate aid, the relief fund will support housing reconstruction, the restoration of damaged schools and municipal infrastructure, and the provision of specialized emotional and psychological support services for survivors.
Star-studded artist lineup and performer details
The initial musical lineup announced for the concert featured a diverse group of prominent Latin music stars, including Marc Anthony, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Ricardo Montaner, Puerto Rican pop vocalist Chayanne, Venezuelan urban duo Chino y Nacho, and Cuban reggaeton group Gente de Zona. Montaner and Chayanne are veteran Latin pop figures with extensive international catalogs, while Gente de Zona and Chino y Nacho are widely known for pioneering Latin urban and tropical fusion music.
Following the expansion of the humanitarian mission, organizers added several major acts to the official artist roster, including Colombian reggaeton artist Feid, emerging Venezuelan singer and Latin Grammy winner Joaquina, and Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi. The expanded lineup also includes Venezuelan pop duo Mau y Ricky and Colombian urban pop group Piso 21. Fonsi is internationally recognized for his global chart-topping single Despacito, while Feid and Piso 21 represent leading figures in modern Colombian music.
Marc Anthony has taken a leading role in promoting the relief initiative. In a video reel published on his official Instagram account, the singer communicated the decision to expand the benefit concert and stated that in difficult moments, people need to be more united than ever.
In his social media address, Anthony stated that music has the power to heal and bring people together when they need it most. He also provided a direct web link for individuals who are unable to attend the Miami concert in person but wish to contribute financially to the relief campaign.
Potential impact and next steps for recovery
Organizers emphasized that the benefit initiative has the potential to save many lives, rebuild destroyed homes and public facilities, and help survivors access essential medical care. They added that the gathering of support will also help families reconnect with missing loved ones following the widespread destruction caused by the quakes.
The benefit concert will take place on Sunday, August 16, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Organizers hope the event will mobilize substantial resources to support long-term rebuilding efforts in both Venezuela and Colombia as emergency workers continue recovery operations.
