Most artists never achieve international fame, and very few change the world. But Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes is somehow managing to do both.
"I was born an activist. I was just 14 when I figured out how to express myself through music, to convey everything I was thinking in respect to social justice," Juanes said. "I want to help, and I won't sit around waiting for things to get worse."
There's definitely no rest now for the guitar-playing poet who has sold more than 15 million CDs around the world and kicked off an international tour on March 10 to promote "P.A.R.C.E.," his fifth album.
That tour stops in Denver Wednesday, when the Latino superstar will perform his famous mix of rock en español and the Colombian rhythms of cumbia and vallenato at the Fillmore Auditorium.
"I have nothing but love for the fans and gratitude for all these years," the 38-year-old Juanes said in a phone interview hours before his world tour kicked off in Seattle.
All the fame and acclaim seem to reinforce Juanes' original mission as an artist — to use his music to fight for social change. Millions of his followers have adopted his compositions, including megahits such as "A Dios le Pido," "Es Por Ti" and "Es Tiempo de Cambiar," as anthems of love, hope and change.
On "P.A.R.C.E.," which is a common term for friend in Juanes' native Medellín, Juanes includes a mix of ballads, traditional beats and dance tunes.
The first track, "Quimera" (in English, Chimera), is a lively lamentation of recent tragedies in the world — everything from the drug war in Mexico to the killing of dolphins.
Juanes lived through the violence of the drug cartels that wracked Colombia in the 1980s. That experience influences his politics and his music.
"Segovia," for example, another track off the new album, is an upbeat song dedicated to the victims of a massacre in a small-town in Juanes' home state of Antioquia.
Powerful message
Juanes is known worldwide for his efforts to ban land mines.
"I was born an activist. I was just 14 when I figured out how to express myself through music, to convey everything I was thinking in respect to social justice," Juanes said. "I want to help, and I won't sit around waiting for things to get worse."
There's definitely no rest now for the guitar-playing poet who has sold more than 15 million CDs around the world and kicked off an international tour on March 10 to promote "P.A.R.C.E.," his fifth album.
That tour stops in Denver Wednesday, when the Latino superstar will perform his famous mix of rock en español and the Colombian rhythms of cumbia and vallenato at the Fillmore Auditorium.
"I have nothing but love for the fans and gratitude for all these years," the 38-year-old Juanes said in a phone interview hours before his world tour kicked off in Seattle.
All the fame and acclaim seem to reinforce Juanes' original mission as an artist — to use his music to fight for social change. Millions of his followers have adopted his compositions, including megahits such as "A Dios le Pido," "Es Por Ti" and "Es Tiempo de Cambiar," as anthems of love, hope and change.
On "P.A.R.C.E.," which is a common term for friend in Juanes' native Medellín, Juanes includes a mix of ballads, traditional beats and dance tunes.
The first track, "Quimera" (in English, Chimera), is a lively lamentation of recent tragedies in the world — everything from the drug war in Mexico to the killing of dolphins.
Juanes lived through the violence of the drug cartels that wracked Colombia in the 1980s. That experience influences his politics and his music.
"Segovia," for example, another track off the new album, is an upbeat song dedicated to the victims of a massacre in a small-town in Juanes' home state of Antioquia.
Powerful message
Juanes is known worldwide for his efforts to ban land mines.
The proceeds from his 2000 hit "Fíjate bien" and the Mi Sangre (My Blood) Foundation he launched in 2006, help provide assistance and rehabilitation to victims injured by the explosive devices.
To benefit the effort, Juanes performed before the European Parliament in Brussels in 2006, raising more than $2.8 million.
Juanes is also the principal promoter of Peace Without Borders concerts that foster nonviolent resolutions to conflicts around the world. One of those concerts caused controversy when more than a million people gathered to hear Juanes perform in the Plaza de la Revolucion in Havana in 2009. The singer-songwriter was accused of supporting the regime there. He said he was standing with the people and promoting hope.
In 2005, Juanes was honored by Sir Paul McCartney for his campaign against land mines. In 2006, the French culture minister awarded Juanes the highest cultural honor given by France, L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, declaring him "Knight in the order of Arts and Letters.}
To benefit the effort, Juanes performed before the European Parliament in Brussels in 2006, raising more than $2.8 million.
Juanes is also the principal promoter of Peace Without Borders concerts that foster nonviolent resolutions to conflicts around the world. One of those concerts caused controversy when more than a million people gathered to hear Juanes perform in the Plaza de la Revolucion in Havana in 2009. The singer-songwriter was accused of supporting the regime there. He said he was standing with the people and promoting hope.
In 2005, Juanes was honored by Sir Paul McCartney for his campaign against land mines. In 2006, the French culture minister awarded Juanes the highest cultural honor given by France, L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, declaring him "Knight in the order of Arts and Letters.}
" And the Organization of American States named Juanes the Humanitarian of the Year in 2008.
Still he's seeking new audiences and new causes.
"Two years ago, I didn't even know Twitter existed," he said. He now has more than 2 million followers there and another 2 million on Facebook. "It's been an incredible experience. I've been able to discover a new means of connecting with all my fans, to know what country they come from, what's bothering them, whether they like me or they hate me."
Juanes said he has recorded three of his songs in English.
Still he's seeking new audiences and new causes.
"Two years ago, I didn't even know Twitter existed," he said. He now has more than 2 million followers there and another 2 million on Facebook. "It's been an incredible experience. I've been able to discover a new means of connecting with all my fans, to know what country they come from, what's bothering them, whether they like me or they hate me."
Juanes said he has recorded three of his songs in English.
They are set for release later this year. Perhaps in time to tackle the next item on his agenda: immigration.
"I also came to this country in search of my dreams, and I have found amazing opportunity," he said.
"I also came to this country in search of my dreams, and I have found amazing opportunity," he said.
"I see how all of this is changing, and how it's becoming more extreme.
I'm hoping for change because the Latinos, the immigrants, are humble people, people that work hard, people who want only to make a better life for their families and in some way contribute to this country."
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