Ricardo Arjona, born Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales on January 19, 1964, in Jocotenango, Guatemala, is a hugely successful Latin singer-songwriter. Known for his introspective and often poetic lyrics, he has sold over 20 million records, making him one of the most celebrated artists in Latin American music.
Before his rise to fame, Arjona played basketball for the Guatemalan national team and once held the record for most points in a single game. He earned a degree in communications and worked as a primary school teacher, a career he initially thought he would pursue.
His musical journey began with a less-than-successful debut album in 1985. Marketed as a “Latin lover,” he clashed with that image; his second album, Jesús, Verbo No Sustantivo (1988), became his breakthrough.
Arjona’s music blends Latin pop, pop rock, ballads, and a cappella. His lyrics range from love and sexuality to social issues like violence, racism, and immigration—topics that define his career.
Famous songs include “El Problema,” “Fuiste Tú,” and “Historia de Taxi.” In 2011, he founded his label Metamorfosis, reinforcing his independence. His latest album, Seco, was released in January 2025.