The UK’s Telegraph has a fascinating piece on how Spanish-language musical artists have triumphed with tunes in español in virtually every country — except England. The perfect example is Colombian superstar Juanes, all but unknown in the UK:

People magazine called him a cross between Bruce Springsteen and Bono. Time magazine nominated him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world today. So why haven’t we heard of him in this country?

The article goes on the blame the anonymity of Juanes on the fact that Britons are resistent to music that is not served up to them in their native language.

“Traditionally, the British have been insular and snobby about anyone who doesn’t sing in English,” says Max Hole, an executive vice-president at Universal.

The exception is Shakira, who made it in the UK only because of her decision to record in English.

Via / Telegraph.co.uk