On a hot day On a Miami evening, a small, exclusive group of invitees gathered at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach for the second episode of Musicians on Musicians, this time with Juanes and Joyo. The Colombian musicians talked about their careers, influences, and balancing work and family life.
A crowd of exclusive Sonesta Travel Pass guests gathered in the Bridge Room, adjacent to the beautifully appointed Nautilus lobby, decorated with Art Deco flourishes. A DJ played a mix of Latin genres, including urbano, reggaeton and cumbia, while members and music industry insiders sipped cocktails and snacks. As the energy built, Julssa Lopez, Rolling Stone’s deputy music editor, welcomed the crowd from the stage. “I’m so excited to be here because Musicians on Musicians is one of our favorite things to do at the magazine,” Lopez said. “And because of our partnership with Sonesta, we can now bring it to a live audience.”
After her opening remarks, Lopez welcomed Juanes and Joyo to the stage. Although both artists are at different stages in their careers, their careers have been on the same path. Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning musician Juanes started out as part of the rock band Echimosis, while Joyo was part of the Latin Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Choque Quibtown. “I remember that period of confusion because I spent 12 years performing with friends, and I always had in mind to take this path towards creative freedom,” said Juanes in Spanish about his path to a solo career. “I think it’s worth listening to your heart, and if you make the decision, do your best and believe in yourself.”
Joannes and Joy also talked about how they balance their careers as musicians with their families. Joy said it’s about understanding that she’s multifaceted and plays many different roles in life. “When people ask me, ‘What do you feel like you are: an artist or a woman?’ I always say, ‘I’m a whole person.’ I have so many roles — I’m a mother, a woman, an artist, a rapper,” Joy said. “I think it’s important for people on the outside looking in on our music to understand and accept that. It’s not about you doing more or less.”
After the conversation between the musicians, Joyo returned to the stage with her band for an intimate 30-minute set. They performed songs like “Na Na Na” and “Insomnia,” along with the ChocQuibTown classic “Nuqui (Te Quiero Para Mi)” and a preview of an unreleased song. The crowd was on its feet, clapping along to the beat as Joyo took over the room with an electric performance.
To view the full gallery, please click here.
