The Vallenata Legend Foundation in the 57th version of the Vallenato Festival decided to praise the musical career of maestro Iván Francisco Villazón Aponte in fullness and enjoyment of good living conditions. The support of his musical journey makes him worthy of the title of master of our vallenato folklore.
Recognizing the trajectory and musical contribution of Iván Villazón combines with the cultural expressions that had their origin in the spontaneous encounters of cowboys and peasants, through the fusion of the sounds of three instruments from different ethnicities: the black box, the European accordion and the Indian guacharaca.
The “Young tenor voice”, as Iván Villazón is recognized, was predestined for scenarios other than music. Law and politics were at a disadvantage in the face of the inspiration represented by the dawn and the frenetic force of the musical torrent that passed through their veins.
It was not easy for Iván Villazón to enter the recording industry; he also had to face in Bogotá the discredit of the impregnable zones founded by the nascent elites. His incursion into the intangible hall of fame of vallenato music coincided with the positioning and healthy competition for first place among the teachers and architects of our folklore. His desire to sing was backed by a burst of voice and the absolute conviction of the men who define his horizon.
With the parties in Bogotá he leveraged his livelihood, formed the tone of his voice and overcame his father Crispín’s displeasure due to the disenchantment caused by abandoning his law studies. The parranda is the memory of the towns and the school that forms minstrels, it also conceives feelings, style, culture and friendly relationships. But Iván Villazón had an unfading dream: the apotheosis of Long Play.
Iván Villazón says that due to those rarities that life has, he managed to record his first Long Play with “Fello” Gámez. Not everything was spontaneous as many might think. Crispín’s son, who left his law degree, negotiated with Alfonso Escolar, president of the Philips record company, the purchase of 300 records for $174,800 in 1980. His friend Ernesto Lacera lent a check payable in 30 days. The singer-turned-merchant sold his musical work called ‘The Rainbow’, achieving a dream and paying the debt, facts that served to lead him through a successful musical career that is now 40 years old.
We can agree that each day would be insufficient if we consider the media intentions involved in the tributes or recognitions. Iván Villazón has been a guardian of the roots of vallenato music. Despite the demands of the recording industry and technological disruption, his voice has interpreted the exponents and pioneers of vallenato folklore. With his singing he has reflected the traditional stories covered in rhyme and native naturalness.
From this platform an affectionate hug to maestro Iván Villazón. Thank you very much for contributing to the sustainability of our beautiful folklore and for teaching us the value of convictions. Enjoy his tribute that will take place in Valledupar from April 30 to May 4.
Luis Elquis Diaz
@LuchoDiaz12