Colombian superstar Juanes will open the country’s 2011 Telethon, a 27-hour event starting Friday which aims to raise more than $6M for charity.
According to newspaper El Colombio, the artist said performing at this important event was the best excuse to return to Colombia from the U.S., where he is rehearsing for an MTV Unplugged album to be recorded live next year.
Juanes, who has sold more than 12M albums and won 17 Latin Grammys, said, “I am very happy to be able to contribute to such an important cause and such a tradition in my country, which without doubt will help many Colombians have a better quality of life.”
Other singers, as well as television celebrities, comedians and well-known personalities, will take part in the Telethon, which runs from 10PM Friday to 1AM Sunday.
The annual event, which is in its 35th year, is aiming to raise more than $6M to build two large rehabilitation centers for disabled people in Cartagena and Soacha.
Donations can be made online at www.teleton.org.co, and in person at Success Group, Home Center, Falabella and Comcel stores, Baloto Via points and the Bank of Bogota.