Carlos Vives and Rubén Blades‘ “No Estás Solo: Canción Para Los Enfermos (You Are Not Alone: Song For the Ailing)” recorded last year takes on a whole new meaning amid the coronavirus global pandemic.
The pair’s first-ever collaborative effort, a song that will lift your spirit with comforting lyrics like “no discomfort is eternal, even less so if it’s shared,” had not been released until now during times of uncertainty.
“In September 2019, Carlos graciously invited me to be on his next album,” Blades said in a statement. “He had a song and I was the guest artist. But I suggested writing lyrics for people who are ailing, and he agreed. It was recorded prior to the crisis we are now experiencing. It feels like years ago!”
“No Estás Solo” was penned by both Vives and Blades, who organically weave genres of salsa and vallenato. The Latin music icons pledge to donate all proceeds of the songs to two different charities.
“We are not alone, we will win this battle against the virus. We have to support each other and work together — this will pass,” said Blades, who will be donating his earnings from this song to Panamá’s Fundación Anoland Díaz.
Vives will donate his share of the song’s proceeds to the Tras La Perla initiative to help provide assistance to residents of the Pescaíto barrio in his hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia during the pandemic.
“This is a song filled with love that comes from the heart for our beloved neighbors in Panamá,” Vives said. “I feel very honored to work with the maestro Rubén Blades and do my part to support this worthy cause for those who are most vulnerable.”
Below, listen to “No Estás Solo: Canción Para Los Enfermos” and watch a behind-the-scenes video of the recording session in 2019:
