As the urban artist and composer hailing from Marinilla, Antioquia, Jhon Fredy Vargas Cuesta, known as Drey21, has captivated audiences with his talent and charismatic persona. At the age of 27, Drey21’s journey began as an actor and model in Colombia, gracing screens in notable productions such as the reality TV show “Quién es la Máscara” on Rcn and even making appearances in the Spanish series “Perdida” on Netflix. Yet, his true passion lay in musical composition, and three years ago, Drey21 took the leap to become an urban artist, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Drey21’s recent international collaboration with French artist CEZ on the track “Quartier 69/MDL” showcases his rising success. The song’s title pays homage to Lyon, France, represented by “Quartier 69,” and Medellín, Colombia, symbolized by “MDL,” the abbreviation for a neighborhood in the city. Drey21’s artistry transcends borders, uniting cultures through music.
The path to establishing a successful business as an artist is not without its challenges. For Drey21, the greatest hurdle lies in gaining public acceptance. Besides, he remains steadfast in his belief that the most significant challenge is the constant battle within oneself.
Drey21 understands the importance of a resilient mindset in overcoming these obstacles, affirming, “If you don’t believe you can be great and successful, you never will.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Drey21 offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging artists. He encourages individuals to silence their doubts and pursue their dreams. Drey21 believes that true success comes from dedicating oneself and fearlessly to achieving one’s goals. He reminds aspiring artists and entrepreneurs to focus on themselves and their aspirations, disregarding the opinions and judgments of others.
“To ignite the fire in others, you must ensure that your own flame never goes out,” he asserts.
For Drey21, fear represents the possibility of failure or missing out on pursuing his deepest desires. Yet, he does not let fear hold him back; instead, he channels it into motivation and drive. This resilience and determination have been instrumental in his personal and artistic growth.
When asked about the meaning of success, Drey21 eloquently describes it as finding tranquility in all aspects of life—emotionally, mentally, and physically. To him, success is not measured solely by external achievements but also by internal peace and contentment.
Drey21’s decision to embark on his artistic journey was influenced by the encouragement of renowned Colombian actor Juan Messier. Recognizing Drey21’s potential, Messier inspired him with the empowering words, “Don’t fight for other people’s dreams. If you are a composer, record your first song. Don’t be afraid. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.”
These words resonated deeply within Drey21, motivating him to take the leap and pursue his passion with unwavering determination.
Looking ahead, Drey21 has ambitious plans for both personal and professional growth. His upcoming album, “Siete x Tres” (Seven by Three), will be divided into three EPs, each consisting of seven songs. The inspiration behind the album’s name stems from Drey21’s stage name and his brothers’ birthdays, which fall on October 21. It serves as a meaningful tribute to his family and a testament to the power of dreams.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Drey21 is actively involved in a social project called “PH la 13” located in the Juan 23 sector of Comuna 13 in Medellín. This foundation, aimed at helping the community, showcases Drey21’s commitment to using his platform to make a positive impact.
With a distinctive style that sets him apart from the competition, Drey21 combines his Colombian roots with a global perspective. His ultimate dream is to collaborate with an American artist.
Drey21‘s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to artistic excellence. As he continues to leave his mark on the urban music scene, he inspires others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination, reminding them that the greatest obstacles can be overcome through sheer resilience and an unyielding belief in oneself.
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