Music fills him with life, and when there is an audience listening to him, “all my illnesses go away,” he said.
News Bogota.
In Colombia, many older adults face a harsh reality: the lack of a pension that guarantees their support during old age. This situation forces many to resort to informal jobs, various activities and even begging to survive. However, in the midst of this adversity, there are inspiring stories like that of Don Carlos Londoño, a 73-year-old artist who has found his way of life and joy in music.
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Known on the streets of Bogotá as the ‘party-loving grandpa’, TuBarco learned the story of Don Carlos, who has turned his passion for art into a way of making a living. Despite his age, he does not let himself be defeated by difficulties and continues to offer his shows to the capital’s inhabitants with contagious enthusiasm. “I have been an artist since I was very young. First I was a trapeze artist, then a magician, and now, at this age, I started imitating artists. I say that this is a gift that God gave me,” he said proudly.
His art and music with the happiness of Don Carlos
Equipped with his cane, a sound system, a microphone, a basket to receive contributions and, of course, his melodic voice, Don Carlos goes out to the streets of Bogotá to share his talent. Unlike other artists, he does not rely on any kind of support or sponsorship; his only source of income comes from tips he receives from passersby who stop to listen to his music.
“The only help we receive on the street is when someone puts a little tip in the basket; that is my little salary. I live off of that. The government gives us a huge salary of 130 thousand pesos a month, and we have to live on that. Nobody cares about us old people anymore.”said Don Carlos.
Despite the difficulties and his advanced age, music remains the driving force of his life. “When I have an audience in front of me, all my illnesses go away. This grandfather is happy doing what he does and I wish there was a little more support for us street artists, who are very abandoned.”concluded the ‘party-loving grandpa’.
The story of Don Carlos Londoño is a reflection of the resilience and passion that characterizes many older adults in Colombia, who, despite facing great challenges, find in their art a source of joy and hope.
Watch the report of the ‘party-going grandpa’ here:
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