LAS VEGAS, Oct. 2 (UPI) — Will Smith released his first song in 10 years Friday, by teaming up with Colombian band Bomba Estéreo for a remix of their song ‘Fiesta.’
The collaboration marks the actor’s return to music since his 2005 album Lost and Found.
Smith met with Bomba Estéreo while vacationing in Colombia and after hearing their popular tune ‘Fiesta’ everywhere in the South American country, the 47-year-old tracked down their manager.
“When I was told that Will Smith wanted to collaborate on a remix with Bomba, I couldn’t believe it,” said Simón Mejia, Bomba Estéreo’s founder/multi-instrumentalist in a statement. “This opportunity to work with Will was beyond anything we have dreamed of. It’s not a traditional featuring — it’s just magic.”
Smith raps in both English and Spanish on the track and surprisingly swears, an act he famously refused to do in his music after his grandmother found his early rap book when he was 12, and advised him to avoid using profanity.
‘Fiesta’ is nominated for record of the year at next month’s Latin Grammy awards along with Bomba Estereo’s album Amanecer, which is up for best alternative music album.
The Suicide Squad star congratulated the band on Facebook for the nominations back in September, which lead many to believe that a collaboration was in the works.
“Felicidades to BOMBA ESTEREO on their Latin Grammy Nominations!,” Smith posted.
The band which also includes singer Liliana Saumet, drummer Andrés Zea and multi-instrumentalist Julian Salazar even shot a music video with the Hollywood star and are grateful for the chance to work with him.
“We all had a blast together at the video shoot, and we want to thank Will for being so warm and such a pleasure to work with… and for rapping in Spanish!” said Mejía.
