Juanes
Biography
Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez, known professionally as Juanes, is a Colombian musician, singer, songwriter, and activist born on August 9, 1972, in Medellín, Colombia. Influenced by his country's musical traditions and rock and roll, he was taught to play the guitar by his father and brothers at the age of seven. Growing up during a violent period in Medellín, which included the loss of a cousin and a close friend, deeply shaped his social consciousness. At 15, he started the heavy metal-influenced band Ekhymosis, which released several albums and gained popularity in Colombia.
Solo Career and International Success
In 1999, feeling creatively limited, Juanes moved to Los Angeles to pursue a solo career. His debut album, Fíjate Bien (2000), was a brooding work that earned him three Latin Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. His major breakthrough came with his second album, Un Día Normal (2002), which featured hit songs like "A Dios le Pido" and "Fotografía," a duet with Nelly Furtado. This album won five Latin Grammy Awards in 2003. His 2004 album, Mi Sangre, became an international bestseller, largely due to the single "La Camisa Negra". Subsequent albums like La Vida... Es Un Ratico (2007), P.A.R.C.E. (2010), and the Grammy-winning Vida Cotidiana (2023) have solidified his place as a major figure in Latin music. Juanes has won a total of 26 Latin Grammy Awards and sold over 15 million records worldwide.
Musical Style and Themes
Juanes' music is a blend of Latin rock, pop, and traditional Colombian sounds like cumbia and vallenato. His lyrics often address themes of romantic love, social struggle, and peace, directly influenced by his experiences in Colombia. While he was influenced by rock and metal acts like The Beatles and Metallica, he has achieved global appeal singing exclusively in Spanish.
Activism and Personal Life
Juanes is a dedicated activist, using his music and platform to condemn violence and advocate for social change. In 2006, he established the Mi Sangre Foundation to support victims of anti-personnel mines in Colombia and promote peace through various initiatives. He also co-founded Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace Without Borders), organizing massive free concerts to promote peaceful conflict resolution. Juanes is married to model and actress Karen Martínez, and they have three children.