Eso Es Mondar is a joyful crash course in Caribbean Colombian slang. Carlos Vives, joined by DJ Marimonda and El Elvis Cienaguero, turns one mischievous word — mondar (or la mondá) — into the star of the show. In the dictionary it simply means to peel a fruit, yet on the streets of Barranquilla it can express almost anything: surprise, frustration, admiration, even a rallying cry during Carnival. With rapid-fire verses, playful shout-outs to local legends, and nods to the beloved Junior soccer team, the song celebrates how language in the Colombian coast is alive, inventive, and irresistibly musical.
Beyond the linguistic lesson, the track is a pep-talk wrapped in cumbia and porro rhythms. When life’s motor refuses to start, when politicians disappoint, or when the neighbor will not stop making noise, the chorus advises: sigue pa’lante y dile que eso es mondá — keep moving forward and let the magic word release the stress. By reclaiming a “naughty” term and turning it into a badge of resilience, Vives invites listeners to laugh, dance, and shout together. The result is a sonic Carnival where wit, community spirit, and linguistic pride peel away the gloom, leaving nothing but rhythm and joy. ¡Que viva el Carnaval! ¡Y que viva la mondá!
Carlos Alberto Vives Restrepo, born on August 7, 1961, in Santa Marta, Colombia, is one of the most influential and best-selling Latin music artists worldwide. Known for his unique blend of traditional Colombian rhythms like vallenato, cumbia, and champeta with modern sounds such as rock, reggaeton, and Latin pop, Vives has helped bring Colombian music to a global audience.
With over 20 million records sold, Carlos Vives has earned two Grammy Awards and seventeen Latin Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in 2024. Besides his successful music career, he has also made a mark as an actor, starring in beloved telenovelas like "Gallito Ramírez" and "Escalona." Collaborating with top Latin artists such as Shakira, Juanes, and Ricky Martin, Vives continues to celebrate and innovate Colombia's rich musical heritage.