Sosa, Mercedes (1935–)

Mercedes Sosa, an Argentinean singer and interpreter, is one of the greatest ambassadors of the Latin American nueva canción (new song). The “queen of the Latin American song and epic glory of Argentina,” as she was once called, has a profound and exceptional voice that has made her famous and unique. But most importantly, her celebration of Latin American popular culture, as well as her political commitment to democracy and peace, has turned her into a charismatic and respected artist. Throughout her almost 45-year-long career, she has recorded more than 45 albums, performed in the most prestigious theaters of the world, and has been honored with numerous international awards.

“La Negra,” as her public affectionately calls her because of her mestizo background, was born in Tucumán, Argentina, into a modest family. After winning an amateur contest at a local radio station in 1942, and despite her shyness, she began performing in local and provincial events. Her career took off in the 1950s at the national level. In 1957, she met Manuel Oscar Matus, a musician and composer, who she later married and with whom she had her only child. Together with other left-wing intellectuals, musicians, and poets, she helped create a small group that echoed the preoccupations of the nueva canción movement, which was emerging in different parts of Latin America. This movement celebrated the lives and struggles of poor and marginalized people, while at the same time denouncing social injustice in all its forms. As part of this musical movement, Mercedes Sosa's songs have always reflected her strong commitment to social change and a profound sense of pride in the Latin American people and their struggles. Her repertoire covers a variety of themes ranging from Latin American unity, women's lives, the struggles of the working and poor people, the hope for social change, and social justice, life, love, and exile.

In 1966, Mercedes Sosa released her first album, Yo no canto por cantar, which led to her first international tour outside Latin America. By the end of the 1960s, Sosa was gaining international recognition, but facing increasing censorship at home for her social commitment and communist affiliation. Following the military coup in 1976, the military regime stepped up intimidation and threats against critical artists. Mercedes continued performing until 1979, when she was arrested in the middle of a concert and incarcerated with her musicians and 300 spectators. After her release, seeing that she could not continue performing, Mercedes Sosa was forced into exile only to return to Argentina in 1983. Despite her growing success as a singer, her exile was an emotionally difficult experience.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mercedes Sosa received awards from many countries and was honored by numerous international institutions such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Organization of American States (OAS), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). But most importantly, throughout her career, Mercedes Sosa has won the hearts of Latin Americans around the world that have been touched by her sensibility, political convictions, and message of hope.

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