In the middle of an international tour that takes him to several cities in the United States, Poncho Zuleta, one of the vallenato minstrels, generated a stir among his followers after statements that hinted at his definitive retirement from the stage.
The artist, known as the “Golden Lung,” expressed during a presentation that December could be the end date of his musical career, which generated concern among vallenato fans.
The rumor about Zuleta’s retirement arose after a concert in which he expressed: “I was a man accustomed to winter and summer, and I already did. I already went where I was going to go, I’m coming back. In December I don’t sing anymore, Emiliano is already gone, I’m leaving too.” These words, shared on social networks, led many to believe that the artist was ready to say goodbye to the stage. The comment occurred in one of the concerts of the Juglares Tour, a tour that takes him with Iván Villazón through cities such as Tampa, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Denver and Houston, from February 6 to 16.
However, days later, Zuleta denied these claims through a video published with his colleague Villazón on his Instagram account. In the recording, the singer clarified that his words were misinterpreted and that, although he considers retirement a natural possibility due to his age, he has not yet made a final decision.
“It’s just that things are distorted. I said that, with so many years, it is hardly normal for one at any time to think of opening up and giving space to the new generation, but you know what journalism is like, but we are still scraping the pot,” explained the singer from the Villanueva municipality in the department of La Guajira.
In his statements, Poncho Zuleta also reflected on his role as an ambassador of vallenato and his commitment to Colombian culture. The artist stated that his work goes beyond the economic aspect, since he considers his music as a means to disseminate and enhance national folklore.
“It is not only the economic factor, but the human factor, the factor of duty fulfilled, the factor of disseminating a culture, the factor of magnifying our country, of giving glory to the country. It is not only the commercial part, of course, we who are employees of folklore, but with greatness, humility, we have not lost humility, the desire to sing or enthusiasm. At my age I feel like a fool,” he expressed.
Iván Villazón, in the published video, also recalled an anecdote shared with his colleague Zuleta, in which he reaffirmed his philosophy of life: “I have an anecdote of yours that I will never forget. I will remind you: ‘One day we were talking (and I told him) Poncho, you are very strong, we are tired… Yes, compadre, but we are doing well… and you told me: ‘While the orange is giving juice, you have to squeeze it.”
Meanwhile, the singer continues to fulfill his performance schedule, which includes notable events such as the Barranquilla Carnival and the Vallenata Legend Festival, where his fans await him.
Poncho Zuleta is the son of the legendary minstrel Emiliano Zuleta Baquero and has dedicated more than five decades to vallenato music. At 75 years old, the artist continues to be a central figure of the genre, representing Colombian tradition and folklore on national and international stages. His powerful voice has immortalized hits such as Mañanita de Invierno, Así fue mi Quiero and Mi Hermano y Yo, consolidating him as one of the most prominent exponents of vallenato.
Zuleta has shared his career with prominent accordion players such as Gonzalo Arturo ‘El Cocha’ Molina, Iván Zuleta and Emiliano Zuleta, his brother, who retired from music in 2019. Since then, Poncho has continued to bring vallenato to different audiences, being awarded a Latin Grammy in 2006 and staying active with tours and performances. With Infobae
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