La Rebelión Explained
"La Rebelión" (translation "the rebellion") is a salsa song written and performed by the Colombian singer Joe Arroyo. The song tells the story of a married African couple, slaves of a Spaniard, in Cartagena, Colombia in the 17th century. The slave owner abuses the wife, and the husband avenges her, starting a rebellion. The recording featured a piano solo by Chelito De Castro. The song was an international hit.[1] [2] [3]
The song has been included in several lists of the greatest Colombian songs of all time:
- Viva Music Colombia rated the song No. 1 on its list of the 100 most important Colombian songs of all time.[4]
- It was selected by Hip Latina in 2017 as one of the "13 Old School Songs Every Colombian Grew Up Listening To"; it was praised for its powerful lyrics and described as "one of those 'hold my drink, I'm going to go dance,' songs."[5]
- In its list of the 50 best Colombian songs of all time, El Tiempo, Colombia's most widely circulated newspaper, ranked the song at No. 43.[6]
The song became an anthem of pride for Black people in Latin America.[7]
- It was listed on Billboards "15 Best Salsa Songs Ever" in 2018.[8]
It was covered by J Balvin in 2019 for a television commercial for Cerveza Aguila.[9]
Notes and References
- Web site: The History Of Joe Arroyo’s Song – Rebelion. Latino Music Cafe. February 28, 2020.
- Web site: La historia de "La Rebeliòn". El Salsero. July 30, 2011.
- Web site: La Rebelión. Spanish Con Salsa. September 8, 2021.
- Web site: Las 100 Canciones Colombianas Mas Importantes de Toda La Historia. Viva Music Colombia. September 9, 2021.
- Web site: 13 Old School Songs Every Colombian Grew Up Listening To. Hiplatina.com. September 8, 2021.
- News: Las 50 mejores canciones de Colombia. El Tiempo.
- Web site: La Rebelión, la canción de Joe Arroyo que se convirtió en un himno. Colombia.com. August 6, 2020.
- Web site: Cantor-Navas . Judy . The 15 Best Salsa Songs Ever: Critic's Picks . Billboard . 15 September 2021 . 31 May 2018.
- Web site: J Balvin Puts Trap Spin on Joe Arroyo's 'La Rebelion' for New Cerveza Aguila Ad. Billboard. March 5, 2019.
