Yuri Buenaventura is a globally renowned artist, born on the island of Buenaventura, located in the Pacific Ocean of Colombia. He grew up immersed in an extraordinary musical environment surrounded by African-origin drums and marimbas, along with songs and religious myths rooted in Congolese traditions.
As a child, he accompanied his father, a fisherman, on journeys through the jungle and along the Pacific coast, which introduced him to the indigenous Emberá communities of the region. These experiences exposed him to their rich mythology, sacred songs, and the unique musical narratives that arose from the blending of indigenous traditions with those brought by enslaved Africans.
In 1988, Yuri Buenaventura arrived in France, where he became a key contributor to the development of what would later be called "World Music." He collaborated with legendary artists such as Cesária Évora, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Paco de Lucía, Khaled, Faudel, Rachid Taha, Ibrahim Ferrer, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Palmieri, Juan Formell, José Luis Cortés, Changuito, Cheb Mami, Manu Dibango, Michel Petrucciani, Claude Nougaro, and Charles Aznavour, among others.
Yuri Buenaventura has obtained more than 5 gold records in France, he was honored with the Medal of the French Senate, received the title of "Chevalier " (Knight) of the Arts and Letters granted by the government of the French Republic. In his home country of Colombia, he received the Medal of Great Cultural Merit and the title of "Maestro" in recognition of his significant contributions to culture and music.
