Carlos Vives and Shakira found massive success with the release of "La Bicicleta" in 2016. The duet went No. 1 in more than 10 countries, including the U.S. — on three separate charts — and, perhaps even more meaningfully, in their mutual home country of Colombia.
The song is the kind of uptempo, hip-swaying summertime anthem that fans have come to know and love from both artists, but it has an extra layer of personal meaning for both artists. They co-wrote the song (with Andrés Castro), inspired by special personal memories of their respective childhoods in Colombia.
In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind, let's turn back the clock to the 17th Latin GRAMMY Awards in late 2016, where "La Bicicleta" won two coveted awards: Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year. In his acceptance speech for the latter, Vives made sure everyone watching knew how special Colombian culture is to the song — and to him.
"I want to dedicate it especially to something that is the pride of all Colombians," he said. "And that is to our cyclists, our cyclists, our cross bike riders. Our cycling culture in Colombia. Humble people, from our humblest towns, who provide a lot of glory to our country." (It was a fitting dedication, as "La Bicicleta" translates to "The Bike.")
Though Shakira wasn't in attendance, Vives brought Castro and their engineer, Luis Barrera Jr, on stage with him, and he made sure to deliver his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with the song.
Press play on the video above to watch Vives' full acceptance speech, and check back to GRAMMY.com every Friday for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.
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