Juanes Awarded Peace Prize

Socially conscious rocker Juanes made his big solo debut in 2000 with an album called Fijate Bien that spoke about the dangers of land mines in his native Colombia. Ever since then, his voice and commitment to exposing this issue has only gotten stronger. So much so that he was awarded Colombia’s National Peace Prize this past Sunday. Organized by The United Nations Development Programme and Colombian media, the recognition was given to him as “the artist most involved with the problems generated by the armed conflict in Colombia” and for his work as principal organizer of the Peace Without Borders concerts.

“I feel honored,” posted the singer on his Twitter page from his native country, where he will be the featured speaker at “The Cartagena Summit on a Mine Free World,” which goes on till Friday and is being attended by delegates from all over the world. According to reports, landmines and explosives were responsible for nearly 5,200 casualties in 70 countries in 2008. Check out a younger Juanes warning listeners to watch their step in “Fijate Bien." Go here to take a look.