Sebastián Yatra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Obando and the second or maternal family name is Giraldo.
Sebastián Yatra
Yatra performing in Babahoyo, Ecuador in 2018.
Yatra performing in Babahoyo, Ecuador in 2018.
Background information
Birth nameSebastián Obando Giraldo
Born (1994-10-15) 15 October 1994 (age 26)
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
piano
Associated actsMichael Bublé
Gary Barlow
Carlos Vives
Reik
Daddy Yankee
Natti Natasha
Jonas Brothers
Cali Y El Dandee
Wisin
Joey Montana
Juan Magán

Sebastián Obando Giraldo (born 15 October 1994), known professionally as Sebastián Yatra, is a Colombian singer and songwriter. He began as a Latin pop artist and has recorded many ballads, but has released several successful reggaeton singles. Yatra is noted for his romantic lyrics, melding traditional lyricism with modern reggaeton influences. He rose to prominence in Latin America in 2016 when he released the hit "Traicionera". He has released two studio albums and recorded with artists from a diverse range of musical genres throughout his career.

Born in Medellín and raised primarily in Miami, Yatra began singing at a young age and returned to Colombia to begin his musical career. He achieved breakout success with "Traicionera" followed by "Robarte un Beso" featuring Carlos Vives. "Traicionera" served as the lead single for his 2018 debut album, Mantra, which also featured the single "Sutra", featuring Puerto Rican rapper Dalmata. He then released the album Fantasia including the lead single "Un Año" featuring Mexican band Reik. He received continued success collaborating with Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, and the Jonas Brothers on the bilingual single "Runaway".

Early life[]

Born in Medellín, Yatra lived briefly in Cartagena before moving with his mother to Miami at age five while his father stayed in Colombia to work in real estate.[1][2] Discussing the experience, Yatra explained, “It was a big sacrifice. Since my dad stayed working in Colombia, [my parents] had a long-distance relationship for like 12 years.”[2] He studied piano, guitar and vocal technique, and was an avid soccer player before deciding to concentrate on his music, although he continues to practice soccer as a hobby. The first concert he attended was that of Colombian pop singer Juanes.[3] He decided to become a singer at age twelve after landing the role of Troy Bolton in his school production of High School Musical.[4]

In high school, Yatra played the position of central defensive midfielder on his school's soccer team and often wore a scarf over his mouth during practice to protect his voice.[5] He practiced performing for his teammates on the bus to and from games, performing songs by his favorite artists as well as his own original songs.[2] He attended vocal lessons every day after school.[2] After graduating from the Sagemont School in Weston, Florida in 2012, Yatra attended Boston University to study business administration.[2] However, Yatra dropped out of school to focus on music and at age 20, Yatra returned to Colombia to begin his musical career.[2][5]

Career[]

2013-17: Early career and "Traicionera"[]

In September 2013, Yatra had his first minor hit single, "El psicólogo", which charted in his home country Colombia, as well as Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico and the United States.[6] "El Psicólogo", a pop ballad with reggae influences was recorded in the United States, and produced by well-known Latin producers Yhonny Atella and Ender Thomas, mastered by Tom Coynequien and music video shot by Colombian director Simón Brand.[7] Yatra toured with Paty Cantú in her Drama Queen Tour and with Sandoval Sandoval in her Deja Que La Vida Te Sorprenda Tour gaining more fame. His follow-up single "Todo Lo Que Siento" was mildly successful, but the ensuing "Para olvidar" became a big hit in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and yet again in the States.[8] 2015 saw launching of two successful singles, "No me llames" featuring Alkilados and "Cómo Mirarte", a repeat hit first as solo and again in a collaboration featuring Kenai and remixed by producers like Kevin ADG, Chan El Genio and Dandee.

Yatra first received international success with the single "Traicionera"[9] a Reggaeton, trap and EDM-influenced hit that solidified his status as a favorite international artist in Latin America, in the Latin market in the States also charting in Spain and finding success all over Europe. The single was classified double platinum in Colombia and platinum in Ecuador. It peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[10] Yatra's collaboration with Colombian vallenato singer Carlos Vives entitled "Robarte Un Beso" won an ASCAP award.[11] The single's accompanying music video, directed by Venezuelan filmmaker Daniel Duran and released on July 28, 2017, features four love stories that all center around partners serenading each other.[12]

2018-19: Mantra and Fantasia[]

We never said, we do ‘this’ type of music, I just make songs to make you wanna party like crazy or make you get intimate with a girl you like. All these songs have a purpose and each of them are written for a different moment in life. All these beats make you feel different things. I did a trap record called 'Como Si Nada' with this guy Calle and the rap he does is mind-blowing.

– Yatra, on his 2018 album Mantra.[1]

Yatra released the album Mantra on May 18, 2018. On the album's title, he explained, “My mantra are my songs. It takes you to that good energy with whatever you’re listening to. All these songs have these positive vibes, especially in the lyrics. They’re just sharing love."[1] In 2018, Yatra voiced the character Migo in the Spanish language version of the computer-animated film Smallfoot.[13] He released the single "Sutra" featuring Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Dalmata in March 2018, which also peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs.[10]

In December 2018, Yatra's single "Ya No Tiene Novio" featuring Mau y Ricky reached number one on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart.[14] To promote the song, Yatra and Mau y Ricky publicized a "feud" between them to create attention around the track, with Yatra explaining, “It’s pretty crazy because the song blew up before it even came out. Instead of telling people it was awesome, we told everyone that the collaboration sucked and having everyone say, ‘Dude you guys messed up the song so bad.’”[1] Artists Maluma, Zion Y Lennox, and J Balvin publicly commented on the "rivalry".[1] The music video features a playful nod at the artificial feud, with the artists competing over love interests.[1]

In January 2019, Sebastián Yatra and Reik launched a collaborative work titled “Un Año” (one year). The single was well-received by many Venezuelan migrants who identify the song lyrics with separations from families.[15] The single was released alongside his new album Fantasia which was released in April 2019. Despite releasing several reggaeton-influenced songs prior to releasing the album, the majority of the twelve tracks on Fantasia have been classified as ballads. Yatra commented, "I started my career as a balladeer. I listened to Luis Fonsi, Reik, Alex Ubago and Michael Bublé. I'm very grateful for all the urban things I've done but I did not want to lose my essence."[16] Fantasia has been nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.[17]

2019-present[]

In June 2019, Yatra released the track "Runaway" with Daddy Yankee and Natti Natasha, featuring the Jonas Brothers.[18] "Runaway" is the first bilingual song Yatra has released. After writing the chorus in English, Yatra realized that he wanted a mainstream English-language musician to feature on the track, putting the recording of the song on hold for two years while he searched for the right collaborators.[18] Commenting on the song, Yatra stated, "you feel the happiness in the track."[18] Yatra performed the song alongside Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee, and the Jonas Brothers on the opening night of the Jonas Brothers' Happiness Begins Tour in Miami.[19]

His single "Oye", featuring Argentine singer Tini, reached number one on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 for the week of October 26, 2019.[20] The music video received more than 40 million views in the two weeks after it was released on YouTube.[20] In October 2019 he was involved in political controversies after expressing his support for the politicians and candidates of the Colombian far-right, including controversial former president Álvaro Uribe.[21] Yatra collaborated with Mexican rock group Maná in November 2019 to release a new version of the group's 1995 single “No Ha Parado De Llover”.[22] The song's music video, which partially centers around a fatal car accident, serves as a public service announcement against texting and driving. Maná initiated the collaboration after seeing Yatra cover the song at the 2018 Grammys gala.[22]

Yatra has publicly advocated for fans to practice social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. In March 2020, he began reading children's books on Instagram Live every night at 8pm EST.[23] Also in March 2020, he released a remix of his Fantasia song "Falta Amor" featuring Ricky Martin. On the collaboration, Yatra reflected, "Singing with Ricky Martin is just insane. I would have never thought it possible in [this] lifetime. It’s huge not only as a Latino, but for any person that loves music.”[23] He announced that he will be the opening act for Martin and Enrique Iglesias's US tour, which is planned to take place from September 5 to October 30th, 2021.[23]

Artistry[]

Yatra's music has been classified as Latin pop, reggaeton, and ballads. According to The Fader, Yatras music lands "somewhere in between the olden times’ sappy romantics and the new wave’s sensuous vibras."[5] He is influenced by Latin pop and reggaeton artists Ricky Martin, J Balvin, Juanes, and Reik.[3][24] In an interview with Billboard, he expressed a desire to collaborate with Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli.[3] Yatra believes that contemporary musicians commit an "error in associating ballads with boring and slow and old", and hopes to rejuvenate intererest in ballads for a younger audience.[1] However, his music contains elements of other genres; Desire Thompson of Vibe described his song "Traicionera" as a "trap-EDM blend".[1]

Despite growing up in Florida and being fluent in English, Yatra sings almost exclusively in Spanish. Yatra explains, “My goal was always to be a singer in Spanish. And I really wanted to understand where I come from and live it. A lot of times I went to Colombia and, even though I spoke Spanish and was always speaking Spanish with my parents, I still felt like an outsider. I wasn’t 100 percent part of it. I wanted to give my roots the importance they deserve.”[2] His June 2019 song "Runaway" was his first foray into bilingual songwriting.[18] In December 2019, he collaborated with South Korean boy group Monsta X for the song "Magnetic", which features verses from Yatra in Spanish and a bridge from Monsta X in Spanglish.[25] Sara Delgado of Teen Vogue called the song a "truly international pop hit".[25]

Filmography[]

Television and film performance
Year Title Role Notes
2017 Guerra de ídolos Himself Musical guest
2018 The Queen of Flow Himself Musical guest[26]
2018 Smallfoot Migo Film, voice role; Spanish dubbing[27]
2019 Me llevarás en ti Himself Film; musical guest[28]
2019 Klaus Jesper Film, voice role; Spanish dubbing[29]
2020 Anitta: Made in Honório Himself Docuseries

Discography[]

Main article: Sebastián Yatra discography
  • Mantra (2018)
  • Fantasía (2019)

Awards and nominations[]

ASCAP Latin Awards[]

Main article: ASCAP Award
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018[11] "Robarte un Beso" Award Winning Songs Won

Heat Latin Music Awards[]

Main article: Heat Latin Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017[30] "Traicionera" Best Video Nominated
Sebastián Yatra Best Andean Artist Won
2019[31] Sebastián Yatra Best Male Artist Nominated
Best Pop Artist Won
"Por Perro" Best Video Nominated
"Robarte un Beso" Best Collaboration Nominated

Latin Grammy Awards[]

Main article: Latin Grammy Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 Sebastián Yatra Best New Artist Nominated
Extended Play Yatra Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album Nominated
2018 "Robarte un Beso" Song of the Year[32] Nominated
2019 Fantasía Album of the Year Nominated
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album Nominated
"Un Año" Song of the Year Nominated
2020 "Bonita"
(with Juanes) 		Song of the Year Nominated
Best Pop Song Nominated

Latin American Music Awards[]

Main article: Latin American Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018[33] Sebastian Yatra New Artist of the Year Won
Mantra Favorite Album - Pop Nominated
"Robarte un Beso" Favorite Song - Pop Won

MTV Europe Music Award[]

Main article: MTV Europe Music Award
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 Sebastian Yatra Best Latin America Central Act Nominated
2017 Nominated
2018 Won
2019 Won
2020 Won

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Thompson, Desire (October 11, 2018). "Pandebono And "Traicionera" Tunes: 24 Hours In Colombia With Sebastián Yatra". Vibe. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Gomez, Luis (August 21, 2019). "Sebastián Yatra's Music Dreams Began in South Florida". Miami New Times. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c Schiller, Rebecca (November 14, 2019). "Sebastián Yatra Explains Why He Thinks J Balvin Is an Innovator in Latin Music". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  4. ^ "Sebastian Yatra on New 'Fantasia' Album: 'It Felt Right to Take a Risk'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. May 12, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Sebastián Yatra is giving Latin ballads a new cool". The Fader. October 30, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  6. ^ "Artist Biography by Timothy Monger". All Music. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  7. ^ El Nuevo Dia: Sebastián Yatra llegó a enamorar (in Spanish)
  8. ^ "16 Things About Sebastián Yatra You Should Know". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  9. ^ Sebastián Yatra – Traicionera, retrieved 2019-04-12
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b "Sebastian Yatra Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "El Premio ASCAP 2018". ASCAP. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  12. ^ Fernandez, Suzette (July 28, 2017). "Carlos Vives & Sebastian Yatra Unite for a Mission in 'Robarte Un Beso' Video". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  13. ^ Deitrick, Quinn (October 3, 2018). "'Smallfoot' is thoughtful, entertaining with a big message". Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  14. ^ Raiz, Jessica (December 13, 2018). "Sebastian Yatra and Mau & Ricky Are Single, Ready to Mingle in 'Ya No Tiene Novio' Lyric Translation". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  15. ^ ""Un año": Canción de Sebastián Yatra y Reik con la que se identificaron los venezolanos". Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  16. ^ Fernandez, Suzette (April 12, 2019). "Sebastian Yatra Shares the Inspiration Behind 7 Key Tracks on New Album 'Fantasia'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  17. ^ "Grammy Nominations 2020: See the List". The New York Times. A. G. Sulzberger. November 20, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Cobo, Leila (June 14, 2019). "Jonas Brothers Sing in Spanish For the First Time on Sebastian Yatra's 'Runaway': Exclusive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  19. ^ Yang, Rachel (August 8, 2019). "Jonas Brothers perform 'Runway' live with Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, and Sebastian Yatra". Entertainment Weekly. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b Billboard Argentina (October 23, 2019). "TINI & Sebastián Yatra's 'Oye' Breaks Into Billboard Argentina Hot 100's Top 3". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  21. ^ FM, La (2019-10-26). "Lluvia de críticas a Sebastián Yatra tras expresar su afinidad política". www.lafm.com.co (in Spanish). Retrieved 2019-11-04.
  22. ^ Jump up to: a b Exposito, Suzy (November 2, 2019). "Maná, Sebastián Yatra Update 1995 Classic 'No Ha Parado De Llover'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b c Exposito, Suzy (March 26, 2020). "Sebastián Yatra, Ricky Martin Give 'Falta Amor' a Soulful Revamp". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  24. ^ "Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin Announce Joint Tour". March 4, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  25. ^ Jump up to: a b Delgado, Sara (December 20, 2019). "Monsta X and Sebastian Yatra Release "Magnetic" Music Video". Teen Vogue. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  26. ^ "Primeras imágenes de 'La Reina del Flow' del Canal Caracol". entretengo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Sebastian Yatra on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  28. ^ "Sebastián Yatra participa en la película "Me llevarás en ti"" (in Spanish). Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  29. ^ "Sebastián Yatra participa junto a Cecilia Suárez y Joaquín Cosío en animación de Netflix". El Espectador (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  30. ^ Fernandez, Suzette (June 8, 2017). "J Balvin Wins Big at Heat Latin Music Awards 2017". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  31. ^ Suzette, Fernandez (November 21, 2018). "J Balvin Tops Heat Latin Music Awards Nominations: See Full List". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  32. ^ "Lista completa de los nominados a los premios Latin GRAMMY 2018". Univision (in Spanish). September 28, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  33. ^ Fernandez, Suzette (October 25, 2018). "Latin American Music Awards 2018: Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 25, 2018.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""