At the 2013 Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year tribute to Carlos Santana, a fiery performance lit up the stage as Juanes, Tom Morello, and Fher Olvera teamed up to honor the legendary guitarist with a powerful medley of “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va.” Dressed in a sharp black suit, Juanes took the lead on vocals for “Black Magic Woman,” delivering soulful grit while Morello, known for his electrifying work with Rage Against the Machine, added searing guitar riffs that pushed the boundaries of the original. Fher Olvera, the frontman of Maná, joined in midway, adding a Latin rock flair that intensified the energy.
As they transitioned into “Oye Como Va,” the band exploded into rhythmic Latin grooves, with Juanes and Fher trading verses and harmonizing over the classic Tito Puente melody. Meanwhile, Morello unleashed a signature solo full of pedal effects and wah-wah fire, bridging Latin roots and modern rock with stunning ease.
The crowd erupted, Santana himself visibly moved in the audience, nodding along with a proud smile. From the precise percussion to the swirling lights and raw chemistry among the performers, the tribute captured not just the music—but the magic—of Santana’s legacy.