La Nostalgia de Poncho paints a vivid picture of a man who spends the workweek in the bustling city of Valledupar, yet whose heart forever drifts back to the breezy savannas of Manaure. Each Saturday Poncho happily jumps on the road, feeling the fresh air grow cooler as he nears his beloved hometown and the three little children waiting for him there. That joy quickly flips to sorrow every Monday morning when responsibility calls him away again. Carlos Vives captures this weekly emotional roller-coaster with upbeat vallenato rhythms that contrast Poncho’s bittersweet tears.
Beyond one father’s story, the song celebrates Colombia’s Caribbean countryside itself: the sabanas Manaureras, the friendly stops in La Tomita, and the promise of November holidays when school closes (the famous Loperena) so Poncho can finally stay longer, share roosters at dawn, and laugh with old friends. It is a lively reminder that distance may separate us from our roots, yet music keeps the memories—and the yearning—alive in every note.
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.