Why Juanes Has Never Done a Crossover Song in English: 'I Don't Think It's Necessary' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Juanes attends the world premiere of Pimpinero Blood and Oil at the Toronto International Film Festival.Photo:Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

Juaneshas a passion for singing in his native language.

The Colombian musician, 52, told PEOPLE at theToronto International Film Festival— where his upcoming moviePimpinero: Blood and Oilhad its world premiere — that he does not “think it’s necessary” for him to make music in English.

Juanes, born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez, said, “My English is not perfect. When you start singing in another language, it’s really hard, you know? Because you have to think a lot more with the pronunciation of the words and you lose the soul.”

The Grammy winner noted that he appreciates music in the English language, but does not aspire to create it.

“I’ve been doing music for years and years, but now, I don’t think it’s necessary to sing in English. I feel connected with my language — I still think in Spanish and dream in Spanish,” he told PEOPLE.

Juanes performs at Grana Lund in June 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden.Iwi Onodera/Redferns

Iwi Onodera/Redferns

The 26-time Latin Grammy Award winner, who is making his theatrical debut in the flick, also told PEOPLE that the experience was “amazing.”

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Juanes is also currently on hisVida Cotidiana World Tourin support of his 2023 album and has upcoming stops in San Bernardino, Paraguay; Santiago, Chile; Saint Louis, Mo.; and Los Angeles.

Earlier this summer, he opened up about his tour experience withan Instagram postthat included video and photo highlights from the show.

“Can’t stop thinking about how much fun we’ve had on this leg of the Europe tour. Thank you for the love and the opportunity to have sung for everyone,” he captioned the post.

source: people.com