Latin stars hold charity concerts

Buenos Aires and Mexico City are hosting two fundraising concerts to highlight the plight of some 32m Latin American children living in poverty. Dozens of Spanish-speaking pop stars, including Shakira and Ricky Martin, are performing at the two events being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico. Proceeds will go to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity.

Shakira said earlier she had secured $200m in donations from Mexican and US tycoons Carlos Slim and Howard Buffett. Mr Slim is the telecommunications magnate, while Howard Buffet is the eldest son of the US investment guru, Warren Buffett. "Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children," Shakira said earlier this week.

"The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty," the Colombian singer said. Alas was launched in 2006 to tackle poverty that kills an estimated 350,000 children each year in Latin America.

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