An International superstar Rubén Blades running for presidency in Panama
Author: Catherine Colleen Elsby
Publication Date: 11 March 2011
An International superstar running for presidency is nearly unheard of, but for Rubén Blades it was just another career path to add to his checklist.
The Grammy-Award winning salsa singer got his first opportunity on stage as a young boy. He was the lead singer’s last-minute replacement in his brother’s band. Although his love for music back then was prominent, he was forced to focus more on politics and his education due to the Panama Canal riots in 1964.
He received degrees in law and political science from the University of Panama, and years later went to Harvard University to pursue his masters in law.
Although education was his main focus, music was always a close second. Blades moved to New York City in 1974. There, he broke in to the salsa scene by working in the mailroom of New York’s leading salsa record label, Fania Records. That’s where he got his big break.
That same year, Blades made his debut at Madison Square Garden with Ray Baretto’s band, whom he had been singing with. From then on, success began climbing.
When Blades collaborated with the Bronx musician Willie Colón, history was made. Their album, “Siembra,” which sold over three million copies, is considered the most popular salsa album in history. On this album was the track “Pedro Navajo.” This song “defied radio formats and yet has become the biggest-selling single in salsa history,” according to Billboard.
Blades enjoyed defying social norms with his music. He listened to traditional music and said, “I noticed that most of the themes had to do with very simple scenarios.”
His reaction to this was a knew brand of salsa known as “salsa conciente.” This style is intended to have a socially conscious message. “I started writing about social issues and all kinds of things,” Blade said.
After tackling numerous careers- songwriter, singer, musician, actor, lawyer- Blades decided to try politics. He ran for presidency in 1994, and despite coming in third place, he gained the respect of many Panamanians as a political figure.
He was appointed minister of tourism by Panama’s president Martín Torrijos and held that position from 2004-2009. After working with out a boss for many years, this was a difficult transition. “The bureaucracy drives me crazy. I didn’t have a boss for, like, 30 years,” Blades said. “But I feel that I am trying my best to help my country.”
With the conclusion of his five years as a cabinet member, Blades, 61, has moved back to New York City with his wife, Luba Mason. With the politician chapter closed in his life (well, for now), Blade is back to his musical roots.
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His style of music now is more acoustic than in the past; but thematically remains the same. He still focuses on poverty, corruption and underdevelopment. His newest album is titled “Songs of Underdevelopment.”
“We still are not giving everyone the same opportunities,” Blade said. “We still have to continue to try to fight for a better, more just society. So, the songs continue to be necessary, now and forever I think.”
