Colombian Superstars Create Song To Celebrate Pope Francis' Visit To Colombia

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) 2x Grammy-winning recording artist Carlos Vives - alongside Iván Benavides (writer/producer), Jorge Celedón, Goyo of ChocQuibTown, Maria Mulata, Inheritance of Timbiquí and Nidia Góngora - created "El Primer Paso", a song to honor Pope Francis' visit to Colombia. In association with the Colombian organization "Red de Cantadoras del Pacífico", these artists lent their talents to celebrate this historic occasion, which will be one of the biggest events of the year.

"The lyrics of the song are inspired by Pope Francis' message for Colombia, especially his idea of celebrating life and to reunite us. The structure of the verses is that of a responsorial prayer, something that is also present in the forms of the traditional songs of the Afro-Colombian communities such as Bullerengue, Cumbia and Currulao. The song ends with a peaceful hail that connects us with the memory and oral traditions of our communities", says Benavides.

The video, made by Lupita Producciones and directed by Juan Pablo Mendez, is a journey through Colombia's soul, represented through its people and its geography. It features Colombia's great singers, Indigenous, Afro-Colombian communities and children.