Carlos Vives Celebrates 30 Years of ‘La Tierra del Olvido’ at Tiny Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Colombian singer Carlos Vives returned to NPR‘s Tiny Desk Concerts on September 23, 2025, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic album, ‘La Tierra del Olvido.’ Accompanied by his band La Provincia, Vives performed a selection of vallenato and cumbia-inspired songs, honoring Colombia’s musical heritage.

The concert featured traditional instruments such as the gaita and accordion, blended with modern guitar and keyboard sounds. Vives opened the performance with ‘La Cachucha Bacana,’ a classic penned by vallenato legend Alejo Durán, followed by ‘La Diosa Coronada,’ well-known for its rich cultural significance.

Vives shared the stage with notable musicians, including Andrés Leal and Cristian Camilo, the current King of Vallenato. The setlist included beloved pieces like ‘Ella,’ ‘Agua,’ and the titular ‘La Tierra del Olvido,’ showcasing Vives’s dynamic range and musical roots.

During the performance, Vives reflected on his journey, stating, ‘Thirty years ago, we recorded this album. I didn’t know what we were really doing; over time, I discovered it was about family and identity.’ This sentiment was mirrored in the concert’s closing number, ‘Fruta Fresca,’ which garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The event was part of a broader initiative celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and marked a continuation of the Tiny Desk series dedicated to Latin music. With his heartfelt presentation, Vives reminded viewers of the power of music to unite diverse cultures.

NPR previously featured Vives in 2020, but this concert held special meaning, not only for its milestone but also for the message of love and connection between Colombia and Venezuela that Vives sought to convey.