She is not Shakira, is Claudia de Colombia (ESP/ENG)

When talking about Colombian female singers, the names that come to mind are most likely Shakira, Carol G, Fanny Lu, Greecy and many others that sound on the radio today.

However, this path of women in the international music scene was taken a long time ago by this Colombian actress and singer, whose original name is Blanca Gladys Caldas, but who for the whole world will always be called Claudia de Colombia.

In the 70's and 80's, the sweet but powerful voice of Claudia de Colombia made herself at home. I still remember the vinyl record that my father had and that from time to time he would play on weekends, while I, who knew some parts of the songs, emulated them as if I were suffering for love.

_{Tengo Ganas de ti - Youtube cortesy}

Born in a popular neighborhood of Bogota, this singer managed to shine from a very young age in her country, being later recognized in Venezuela for her appearances in Sábado Sensacional, the musical program hosted by Amador Bendayán.

I remember that my aunt used to listen to Claudia de Colombia a lot, just before she moved away from home. She had recorded some of her songs on a cassette tape, which she would play on a small portable radio that she would take to her room.

At first I didn't really understand her eagerness to listen repeatedly to the song "tu me haces falta", which, although extremely beautiful, made me dizzy the fourth time in a row I played it. As time went by, I understood his actions. At that time, the aunt was very much in love with the father of her child, who, upon learning of her pregnancy, simply abandoned her.

_{Tu me haces falta - Youtube cortesy}

I knew very little about her until a few years ago when I wondered if she was still alive. And it was by googling that I found out details about her, mostly about her personal life.

As a result of the opinion of many of those who knew her in person, she was labeled a diva, an evil from which few of those who develop in the entertainment world escape, but beyond that, it was her presentations and the tone of her voice that prevailed in the collective memory.

At a time when there were no digital media that make it easier to reach the masses, Claudia knew how to position herself within an audience that surpassed those of her own country. Being remembered by my father's generation, I hope to be part of those who try to extend the legacy of this majestic singer, especially at a time when the rhythms seek to be catchy, but the lyrics are quite empty or vulgar.