Colombian Santiago Cruz: Fifteen Years of Musical Dignity

Fifteen years have passed since Colombian singer-songwriter Santiago Cruz released his famed album Cruce de Caminos, but he remains devoted to artistic merit. When he cooperates with other musicians who share his values, he remembers a musical journey made with integrity and passion.

Upholding “Dignity” in Music

Santiago Cruz often uses a specific word when he talks about how he makes music: “dignity.” This concept matters significantly to him – he views it as a hidden award. This award is usually less noticed because the business world wants popular songs and many followers. For Cruz, though, dignity is essential.

In an interview with EFE, the 49-year-old artist from Ibagué, Colombia, explained how the concept underpins his latest endeavor: Quince de Caminos, a live album celebrating the 15th anniversary of his most famous work, Cruce de Caminos. The project unites Cruz with a constellation of like-minded musicians, including Junior Zamora, Juan Pablo Vega, Duplat, Daniel Álvarez, and Juan Galeano of the rock band Diamante Eléctrico.

“I meet with everyone before the live sessions and say, ‘We are here because a single word connects us all: dignity,'” Cruz told EFE. “This dignity may not be the most visible medal—sometimes it’s tiny, sometimes it’s practically transparent—but if you have it, you recognize it in others who have it too.”

Therefore, the recording sessions became an exercise in mutual respect. Cruz wanted each participant to feel pride in the collaboration, free from the anxiety that often grips those in an industry driven by fleeting success. “It’s about being comfortable and proud to work together without feeling odd,” he added.

Revisiting ‘Cruce de Caminos’ with New Voices

Santiago Cruz became known when Cruce de Caminos came out in 2009. This album, with its heartfelt lyrics and comforting melodies, is a significant entry in Latin American pop. Fifteen years on, Cruz is breathing new life into those tracks with the help of younger talents who embody his ethos.

To kickstart the anniversary festivities, Cruz debuted a revamped version of “6:00 am,” collaborating with Junior Zamora—a singer from Cali recognized by Spotify’s Viva Latino as an “Artist to Watch.” Zamora’s fresh take on R&B blended seamlessly with Cruz’s trademark style, yielding a track that both artists found impossible to resist.

“The vibe was perfect for us to come together and find a place where we both felt comfortable,” Cruz said to EFE, explaining why “6:00 am” was chosen as the first release from the project. “That night (of recording) was decisive. It gave us the result we were hoping for; it set the tone for how Junior inserted himself into the song.”

Zamora, 30, could hardly contain his excitement at sharing the microphone with a figure he grew up listening to. In his words, Cruz is part of the “rocola” of Colombia—the jukebox repertoire that has shaped the nation’s musical taste over decades. Zamora told EFE, “This helps my project a lot.” Also, he said, “It is wonderful that this help comes from a place of true passion for this art form and not only from sales plus business considerations. Our goal was to make the music feel authentic.”

Because of Cruz’s offer, Zamora feels appreciated. This emphasizes its diverse effects. “It’s an honor to have someone with his trajectory and audience ask me to join,” Zamora said, describing it as a gesture that humbles and energizes him.

From “Espaldarazo” to Equal Footing

In Spanish, “espaldarazo” signifies backing. Because of this, the collaboration with Cruz offers Zamora this gesture, which confirms his successful progress. “I enjoy it. It feels wonderful,” said Zamora.

Cruz plans to showcase fresh talent, which shows his dedication to authentic music. He adds different sounds and viewpoints to his well-known compositions, proving that musical “dignity” welcomes progress besides help from fellow musicians.

A “Fifteenth Birthday Party” and Beyond

To fully commemorate Cruce de Caminos’ 15-year journey, Cruz will headline a celebratory concert on October 17 at Bogotá’s Movistar Arena. In his words, the performance is shaping up to be “a good 15th birthday party,” complete with the spirit of kinship and artistic respect that has fueled Quince de Caminos.

“The first concert we gave there in 2023 was a special night – it was a beautiful sharing with the audience,” he told EFE. We had an extraordinary moment together. Because of that, I feel excited about a return with this celebration. I don’t know how many quinceañera parties occurred at the Movistar Arena, but ours will be memorable because it has special guests.

Zamora confirmed his participation in this significant event, expressing gratitude for another chance to perform alongside Cruz. “He’s given me a huge push forward in my career, and it feels amazing,” he said.

On the Road in Mexico and the U.S.

Cruz’s live shows extend beyond Colombian borders. In May and June, he will tour several Mexican cities, including Mérida, Veracruz, Mexico City, Puebla, Querétaro, and León, connecting once again with a dedicated following that appreciates his refined songwriting and consistent warmth on stage.

Then, in August, Cruz is set for a round of concerts across the United States. He plans stops in Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, Long Island, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, and Miami. Each venue promises an opportunity for Cruz to introduce the anniversary celebration to fans who have embraced him throughout the years—and possibly discover new listeners intrigued by his emphasis on genuine artistry.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Celebrating Cruce de Caminos after fifteen years for Santiago Cruz provides more than memories. This allows one to confirm the values at the core of his music. These values include heart, sincerity, and dignity, an important but hard-to-define quality. Although the music industry can encourage quick wins and viral hits, Cruz firmly believes that longevity stems from respecting both the craft and one’s audience.

“I’m confident that dignity remains vital, even if it’s not always the most obvious or glamorous marker of success,” Cruz remarked to EFE. “When you find people who share that conviction, you create something that truly resonates with listeners. That’s what I want these collaborations, these concerts, and Quince de Caminos to represent.”

Far from being a static commemoration, the live album project—and the ensuing tour—embodies a philosophy that could help shape the next wave of Latin American music. Cruz asks young artists to participate, so she begins a flourishing creative environment built on respect, not ruthless rivalry.

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Ultimately, Quince de Caminos testifies to how collaboration and sincerity can transcend the never-ending quest for commercial dominance. For Cruz, it all goes back to embracing a musical life that honors “the work”—a life in which each performance, each lyric, and each partnership bears the subtle but unmistakable shine of dignity. The anniversary celebration picks up speed. It is evident that Cruz’s career expanded fifteen years after Cruce de Caminos. He has a mission and a constant loyalty to music.