Juanes: Music Saved My Life

By Wendy Barba

• Juanes has plenty to be thankful for and he owes it all to music.

  In a recent interview, the Colombian singer-songwriter flashed back to his upbringing in Medellín when drug lord Pablo Escobar was at his peak. Despite all the problems his native country was dealing with, Juanes managed to stay on the right track.

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  "I lived through the '80s and music saved my life. For me, art has been a life-changing experience," Juanes said during an event to help prevent the forced recruitment of children into armed groups.

  Now, the singer is paying it forward by helping teenagers overcome any obstacles that may stand in their way. The "It's Time to Change" singer joined forces with singers Fonseca and Jeihhco to offer 14 Colombian town councils suggestions to increase peace among children and young adults.

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  Currently, Juanes is collaborating with a Colombian newspaper as director to highlight events from this weekend's International Day of Peace celebrations.