Juanes (Spanish: Juanes, full name Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez, Spanish: Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez; born August 9, 1972, Medellín) is a Colombian popular music artist, singer and guitarist who until 1998 performed as a member of the heavy rock band Ekhymosis. August 9, 1972, Medellín) is a Colombian popular music artist, singer and guitarist who until 1998 performed with the heavy rock band Ekhymosis.
The worldwide success of Hispanic artists such as Shakira and Enrique Iglesias inspired him to record his debut solo album, which won three Latin Grammy Awards in 2000. As of 2007, Juanes has added nine more of these awards, hit the charts in Europe in 2005 with "La Camisa Negra" and re-released one of his early singles, "A Dios le Pido". His duets with the Black Eyed Peas and Nelly Furtado have also enjoyed great success.
Juanes is known as a tireless fighter for the banning of anti-personnel mines. In connection with this work, he was allowed to address the European Parliament, and in 2006 he was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters. In the same year, Juanes performed at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Germany. César López presented Juanes with one of the five Escopetarras he created as symbols of peace.
As of 2011, more than 13 million copies of Juanes' albums have been sold worldwide.
Juanes is married to Karen Martínez. They have two daughters and a son, Luna Aristizabal Martínez (born 06/09/2003), Paloma Aristizabal Martínez (born 02/06/2005) and Dante Aristizabal Martínez (born 12/09/2009)