Morat

Morat, a Colombian Latin pop rock band, was formed in Bogotá in 2011 by childhood friends Juan Pablo Isaza (guitars and vocals), Juan Pablo Villamil (banjo and vocals), Simón Vargas (bass and choruses), and Martín Vargas (percussion and choirs). The members have known each other since they were five years old, sharing a mutual love for music that led them to play together in school functions and local bars. Their early intent to explore unique sounds led Juan Pablo Villamil to pick up a banjo, an instrument he learned to play largely through YouTube, which became a distinctive element of their style. This commitment to fresh musical approaches laid the groundwork for their future successes.

The band’s breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the single “Mi Nuevo Vicio,” featuring Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio. The song, characterized by its prominent banjo riff, became a sensation, charting in Spain (reaching number one), Latin America, and the United States. This early success propelled Morat into the international music scene, leading to recording opportunities in Europe. Their debut studio album, “Sobre el amor y sus efectos secundarios,” released in June 2016 through Universal Music Spain, debuted at number one in several Hispanic countries and earned a Latin Grammy nomination. Following the album’s release, founding member Alejandro Posada departed and was replaced by Martín Vargas, brother of Simón Vargas, solidifying the band’s current lineup.

Morat has since continued to achieve significant milestones, including hits like “Cómo te atreves” (certified 5x Platinum in Spain) and “Besos en guerra” with Juanes (certified 4x Platinum in Mexico). They produced the theme song “Yo Contigo, Tú Conmigo” for “Despicable Me 3” in 2017, which won “Song of the Year” at the LOS40 Music Awards. Their 2018 album, “Balas perdidas,” led to their first US tour in 2019, covering major cities, and concluded their Spain tour with a performance at the WiZink Center in Madrid, having played over 80 concerts in 13 countries. Their fourth studio album, “Si ayer fuera hoy,” released in 2022, was inspired by nostalgic songs and included a collaboration with Juanes titled “506.” In 2023, Morat embarked on “Los Estadios Tour,” selling over 1 million tickets and achieving three Guinness World Records, with the tour closing via Disney Plus. Their latest single, “Cuarto de Hotel,” was featured in the film “El secreto del orfebre” in early 2025, and they collaborated with Camilo on the hit “Me toca a mí,” anticipating their fifth album, M5, by the end of 2025.