Bogotá-born singer-songwriter Andrés Cepeda makes history with the release of “Las Pilanderas,” the first single from his upcoming album Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2. The track, a vibrant Colombian tropical classic, features none other than the legendary Celia Cruz, uniting two eras of Latin music in a powerful and emotional collaboration.
A Dream Realized Through Music
Growing up in a home filled with his father’s collection of boleros, son, and Cuban rhythms, Cepeda was deeply inspired by the voices that shaped Latin music, none more so than Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa.
“A recurring question in interviews is: ‘Which artist, no longer with us, would you have liked to record a song with?’ My answer has always been Celia Cruz. When I was recording this album, I remembered that, as a very young man, I witnessed one of her recording sessions and one of those songs was ‘Las Pilanderas,’” Cepeda shared.
Decades later, Cepeda’s dream became a reality. After coordinating with Celia Cruz’s family and Universal Music to access the original master of the 1990s recording, he was able to blend his voice with Celia’s, creating a never-before-heard duet that bridges generations and celebrates the spirit of Latin music.
“Today, I have the fortune of sharing with the world this tribute in the form of a song: Las Pilanderas, by maestro José Barros, performed alongside the incomparable Celia Cruz,” Cepeda added, clarifying that the collaboration features Celia’s real voice not AI recreation.
A Tribute to Legacy and Heritage
Omer Patiño, executor of Celia Cruz’s estate, expressed gratitude for the project:
“We are deeply moved to see how Celia’s legacy continues to inspire new generations. Las Pilanderascelebrates our musical heritage and the joy that defined Celia a joy that also embodies Colombia, a country she deeply loved.”
A Historic Year for Cepeda
“Las Pilanderas” arrives during a monumental year for Cepeda, who celebrates three Latin GRAMMY® nominations and continues to represent Colombia on the global stage.
This Friday’s release precedes his highly anticipated album Big Band 2, the follow-up to his Latin GRAMMY-winning project, blending elegance, nostalgia, and Latin swing.
In addition, Cepeda will honor Celia Cruz’s centennial during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas. On Tuesday, November 11, he will perform “Las Pilanderas” live alongside Lena Burke at a special tribute organized by the Celia Cruz Foundation.
Finally, Cepeda will appear at La Premiere of the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards, held on Thursday, November 13, at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, broadcast live across all Latin Recording Academy® platforms.
With “Las Pilanderas,” Andrés Cepeda not only fulfills a lifelong dream he also honors a cultural icon and reminds the world that music, at its best, transcends time, generations, and borders.