Arabic version: روبن بلاديز يتأمل في مسيرته المتعددة الأوجه وتأثيراته

Renowned salsa musician Rubén Blades, who has earned 25 Grammy awards and acted alongside Hollywood legends, is preparing for a performance in London. The 77-year-old Panamanian artist, also a Harvard law graduate and former tourism minister of Panama, reminisces about his remarkable journey from the barrios of Panama City to international acclaim. According to The Guardian, Blades has significantly influenced the Latin music scene, inspiring artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía.

Blades’ unique approach to salsa set him apart from his contemporaries in the 1970s, as he chose to address themes of crime and social issues rather than the traditional love songs. His childhood experiences in San Felipe, the then-neglected heart of Panama City, informed his writing, leading to the creation of iconic songs like “Pedro Navaja.” His grandmother, a teacher, instilled in him a love for education and literature, which heavily influenced his music.

In addition to his musical career, Blades has ventured into politics, running for president of Panama in 1994 and serving as the country’s tourism minister from 2004 to 2009. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating celebrity and political realms but emphasizes the importance of education and serious engagement in politics.

Blades is also known for his acting career, having appeared in over 40 films, including roles alongside Jack Nicholson and in the TV series “Fear the Walking Dead.” He is currently looking forward to his next film project, which focuses on the story of a Mexican immigrant. As he prepares for his performance, Blades remains a vital figure in both music and social commentary, advocating for issues such as immigration reform and the importance of civic engagement.