For 20 years, Andrés Acosta Jaramillo – the Venezuela-born singer, songwriter and guitarist known as Gusi – has thrilled audiences in Colombia with his take on the tropical sound of vallenato. Vallenato’s zesty mix of traditional folk, Caribbean-Colombian vibes and modern pop brought him to the top of the charts as one-half of the successful duo Gusi & Beto, until 2013 when the former split for a solo career.
Since that time, Gusi became Latin Grammy-nominated five times, including 2024’s nod for Best Contemporary Tropical Album for ‘Monte Adentro’, and collaborated with legendary Latin pop producer Emilio Estefan.
Together for a new album, ‘The Vallenato Social Club‘ (due April 23) Gusi and Estefan have taken their music to new, contagiously melodic heights and a fresh universal feel on singles such as ‘Acabaste Conmigo,’ that never lose sight of its Colombian origin story.
Currently, Gusi is on his first tour of the U.S. with stops at NYC’s Sony Hall (March 21), the Hackensack PAC in New Jersey (March 22) and Philadelphia’s City Winery (March 23).
Metro recently sat down with Gusi to learn more.
Your take on vallenato is richer, more complex, and certainly more modern. What can you tell me about your evolution from your professional start to where you are on ‘Vallenato Social Club’?
I love knowing that you play the accordion and enjoy music; it makes it easier for us to connect. I’ve tried to preserve what genetics and culture have given me. My grandfather was born in Villanueva, and although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives in me. My father nurtured my love for vallenato music, allowing me not only to fall in love with it but also to respect it and handle it with care. Everything that has evolved has been out of love for the genre, maintaining its essence while adding the necessary technique to make the sound universal.
As someone who usually writes his own lyrics and music, what do you want to say to people — to fellow Colombians and Latin-continuum audiences in America — with ‘Vallenato Social Club’?
To my fellow Colombians and the Latino audience in the US, I want to say that through music, we can stay united. With songs of heartbreak and love, we aim to return to poetry and connect generations. But preserving our culture is achieved through good work and effort. In ‘Vallenato Social Club’, we have managed to unite 12 artists and a genre that wasn’t united. Each artist tells a story, and by connecting these artists, we lead by example so that this can be replicated among families, friends, and cultures. That is our mission as artists and that’s what ‘Vallenato Social Club’ represents.
As a long-time chart-successful artist with Gusi & Beto, what made you decide to strike out on your own when you did?
With Beto, I had the privilege of learning a lot and growing musically. He remains my great friend and has also supported me throughout the ‘Vallenato Social Club’ process. The impetus for me to launch myself and embark on my solo career was the desire to better understand myself as an artist. I love community and doing things as a team, but in a duo, decisions sometimes don’t align. That’s why I decided to go solo, which made my path easier and helped me connect more with my tastes and preferences.
What can you say about Estefan’s collaboration with you in regards to your evolution, and fresh sound – first with ‘Monte Adentro’, now with ‘Vallenato Social Club’?
Working with Emilio Estefan has been a memorable experience and an example of growth. I am infinitely grateful to Emilio; he helped me mature and gave me a lot of wisdom during the process with ‘Monte Adentro.’ Although I didn’t produce ‘Vallenato Social Club’ with him, I instead produced it with Yera, a young Colombian producer with whom I have a great affinity and with whom I have also written songs. Youth brings a fresh sound to vallenato, and with Yera we have worked to preserve the genre while giving it a modern touch.
This new album sounds like a breakthrough. Yet, you sound connected to heritage and utilize the talents of a handful of fellow vallenato artists.
‘The Vallenato Social Club’ process has perhaps been the most special project of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to design custom songs for the artists I admire most in the vallenato genre. Learning from them, studying their melodies and hits, and creating music tailored to them and their audiences has been an incomparable experience. The excitement and support from each artist in accepting the invitation has confirmed to me that we made the right decision. This collaboration has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me and paves the way for us to continue growing in this genre.
As you start your first U.S. tour, what are you expecting? What are you hoping for?
I feel like taking the risk of doing this first tour is crucial for my career. It’s exciting to know that I’ll be able to connect with people I’ve never had the opportunity to interact with before. This is my first time touring in the United States, and it’s a great challenge. I hope people connect with my music and that those who attend the concerts also connect with each other. Our mission is to elevate vallenato and continue connecting this very special musical culture. I want to make people happy through my music and offer them a show that feels worthwhile. If we achieve this, I’m sure the message can be replicated in every corner of the world.
