Colombian Icon Carlos Vives Delivers Spirited ‘Tiny Desk Concert’

Carlos Vives came to NPR HQ recently for a Tiny Desk Concert. The “El Tiny” takeover, part of NPR Music’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, saw Vives performing songs from his landmark 1995 recording La Tierra del Olvido and more.

Carlos Vives is a global icon who has not only introduced the world to Colombia’s vallenato style of music but is also an interpreter of many Latin genres including cumbia, champeta, bambuco and porro along with Latin pop, rock and reggaeton. He is one of the best selling Latin music artists of all time with accolades including two Grammys, 17 Latin Grammys and in 2024 was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

Vives and his 12-piece band kicked off their Tiny Desk Concert with a spirited rendition of “La Cachucha Bacana,” from the aforementioned La Tierra del Olvido. All told, Carlos offered six of the 11 tracks from his acclaimed 1995 record including the title track, “Pa’ Mayte,” “Agua,” “Diosa Coronada” and “Ella.”

Vives concluded the session with the sole non-La Tierra del Olvido cut, “Fruta Fresca,” from his 1999 album El Amor de Mi Tierra. Watch Carlos Vives’ Tiny Desk Concert below: