El Preso 🔖 ⏰

"El Preso" (The Prisoner) is a seminal salsa track released in 1975 by the Colombian group . It is widely regarded as a "universal hymn of salsa" and remains one of the most iconic songs in Colombian music history. Background and Composition

Composed by the band's percussionist, Álvaro Velásquez . El Preso

It was ranked No. 41 on El Tiempo's list of the 50 best Colombian songs of all time and is frequently cited as an essential "old school" track for anyone growing up in Colombia. "El Preso" (The Prisoner) is a seminal salsa

Fruko y sus Tesos, led by multi-instrumentalist Julio Ernesto Estrada (Fruko) . It was ranked No

Performed by Wilson "Saoko" Manyoma , whose powerful delivery became synonymous with the song.

Despite its infectious, danceable beat, the lyrics are somber and tell the story of a prisoner serving 30 years. Key themes include: