Juanes, Carlos Vives, Fonseca & More Famous Colombians Reunite to Celebrate the June Issue of ‘Billboard Español’: 5 Memorable Quotes From the Meetup
Categoria: Musica
Juanes opened the doors of his recording studio for an intimate panel moderated by ‘Billboard’ Co-Chief Content Officer, Leila Cobo.
Por Billboard | 26/06/2026
In a private space tucked away within warehouses in Doral, Fla., a crowd mingled as they waited to hear Juanes , Carlos Vives , Fonseca , retired soccer player René Higuita and former professional golfer Camilo Villegas talk about music, sports and changing the narrative about their native country, Colombia, in the world. Related Fonseca Breaks Down 5 Essential Tracks From His New Album ‘Antes Que El Tiempo Se Vaya’ Juanes Co-Creates & Is Set to Headline Chile’s First Bamba Festival: ‘It Is a Space Where Our Cultures Meet’ ‘Te Dedico’ Puts Carlos Vives Back at No. 1 on Latin Airplay: ‘It Still Amazes Me’ Earlier this month, as global attention turned to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Billboard Español unveiled its June cover starring four of Colombia’s most beloved musicians: Vives, Fonseca, Juanes and pop artist Camilo , under the title “Patria, Paternidad y Fútbol (Nation, Fatherhood and Soccer).” Juanes opened the doors of his office space and recording studio, adorned with some of his most treasured possessions — including Beatles memorabilia, a 500-piece puzzle of the cover of Metallica’s Ride The Lightning, a wall decorated with one row of his 29 Grammys and Latin Grammys and books on Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and David Bowie, among others — to a select group of friends, family and industry guests. The gathering celebrated the June issue and featured a panel with some of Colombia’s most influential figures in music and sports, moderated by Billboard Co-Chief Content Officer, Leila Cobo. “As a Colombian, it fills me with such immense pride because, honestly, I’m part of the same generation as Juanes. We come from a country that has faced so many challenges, a country with a history marked by pain and bloodshed,” says Cobo. “To have been able, despite all of that, to hold on to everything beautiful, everything that makes us proud and to celebrate it today—it’s incredibly moving to me.” The conversation unfolded inside the “La Camisa Negra” singer’s recording studio. A red carpet with Persian rugs covered the room that serves as Juanes’s space for playing live music and storing his collection of guitars, drums, pianos and other instruments. Chairs, couches, tables and even a bed had been arranged throughout the space, creating an intimate setting as Juanes, Vives, Fonseca, Higuita, Villegas and Cobo took their seats for the discussion. Following the 45-minute panel, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, tears and a wave of shared memories, the evening closed with an impromptu jam session. Fonseca, Juanes and Vives performed beloved Colombian classics, including Diomedes Díaz’s “Bonita,” before treating attendees to some of their own signature hits, such as Vives’ “La Celosa” and “La Tierra del Olvido.” Here are some memorable quotes from the evening: Carlos Vives on how the success of Colombian music brings pride to the country and people “So many great things have hap