Carlos Vives started his career singing ballads, but that didn’t turn out too well. After setting his music career on hold, he went on to do a few telenovelas, and it wasn’t until landing the leading role of “Escalona,” about vallenato composer Rafael Escalona, that he realized mixing vallenato with rock, pop and other Caribbean ethnic rhythms was something that he enjoyed. The rest is history.Reuters
Colombia is a wonderful country located on the northern end of South America. It's known for its rich culture, lush rainforest, coffee plantations and inspiring music. Colombia is also home to some of the most beautiful celebrities, such as Shakira, Maluma and Sofía Vergara , just to name a few. That's why we're celebrating the country's Independence Day with some of its hottest stars! July 20, 2016 marks the 206th anniversary of the Colombian independence from Spain. On a day like today in 1810, Colombian patriots stirred the population of Bogotá into street protests against Spanish rule. The Viceroy, under pressure, was forced to agree to allow for a limited independence which later became permanent.
In reality, the day marks the first official step taken towards the country’s freedom, when major cities Bogotá, Quito and Caracas, formed a local ruling council which would supposedly rule until Ferdinand VII was restored to power. Colombia’s independence culminated in 1819 with the Battle of Boyacá and Simón Bolívar's triumphant entry into Bogotá and is now celebrated with parades, traditional food and drinks and parties all over the nation. Join us in celebrating Colombia’s day with some of the best talent that came out of the country.Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments below!
It’s impossible not to sing along to Fanny Lu’s songs. Her catchy rhythms and her contagious energy just make it so easy to enjoy her songs so much and maybe dedicate one or two at a karaoke!A name that has been all over lately. J Balvin is a force to be reckoned with in the Latin music scene, and he’s definitely positioned himself as one of the most influential celebrities right now.James is commonly ranked as one of the best young soccer players in the world. He is praised for his technique, vision and playmaking skills. He rose to international fame when he played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer.For more than 16 years now since he went solo, Juanes has been a name that all Latin families recognized. This Colombian has released hits such as “Fíjate Bien,” “La Camisa Negra,” “A Dios Le Pido,” “Es Por Ti,” “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor,” and many more, and has sold over 15 million records worldwide.This singer has been on the rise ever since his “crossover” from the Colombian music scene to the Latin American music scene with his hit single “Temperatura” featuring Eli Palacios. After that, it’s been hit after hit and nothing seems to be stopping him!Who didn’t fall in love with “Fresita” in “El Cartel de los Sapos?” Even though Manolo Cardona played a bad guy, he still had our hearts. He was already a consolidated actor when he did ECDLS, and ever since, he had a stint in “Sin Tetas No Hay Paraíso” and has made appearances in “Covert Affairs” and “Reign.” Currently he plays Eduardo Mendoza on Netflix’s series “Narcos.”Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe 2014. She was the first Colombian in 56 years to win the Miss Universe crown and debuted the pageant's new crown as designed by Diamonds International Corporation. During her reign, she traveled the world to lecture on humanitarian issues and to promote education regards HIV/AIDS.She doesn’t need a last name! Shakira is probably one of the most recognized Colombian celebrities worldwide and we love her not just for her great music, but for her humanitarian work with her Pies Descalzos Foundation, helping impoverished children in Colombia achieve a good education.Most people love her, and others think she’s perpetuating the Latina woman stereotype with her character “Gloria” on “Modern Family,” but the truth is, Sofía Vergara has been one of the highest-paid actresses for years now, nabbing deals with products such as Cover Girl, Ninja Coffee Maker and Head & Shoulders, that just keep increasing her fame and fortune.
