Juanes, born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez on August 9, 1972, in Medellín, Colombia, began playing guitar at age seven and immersed himself in Colombian musical traditions before embracing rock and roll. He fronted the heavy metal band Ekhymosis for 11 years, achieving popularity in Colombia, before launching a solo career in 1999. His debut solo album Fíjate bien (2000) earned three Latin Grammy Awards, including best new artist. Breakthrough success followed with Un día normal (2002), featuring hits 'A Dios le pido' and 'Fotografía,' and subsequent releases like Mi sangre (2004) with 'La camisa negra' and MTV Unplugged (2012), which won album of the year at the Latin Grammys. He has received 29 Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards from 49 nominations. Juanes blends Latin rock with pop, vallenato, and cumbia influences, addressing love and social issues. His live performances maintain an engaging stage presence.