Interview in Aleteia with the Uruguayan singer Marcos Agüero, who has just won the first prize as Male Soloist Voice of the international contest “Catholic Gaudium- Mater Fátima”
Marcos is 23 years old and his love for music began as a child. “At the age of 10 I began to learn the guitar and at 15 I worked on my voice with a teacher who helped me a lot,” he recalled to flapping.
Marcos was born in a Uruguayan practicing Catholic familysomething that in some way influenced her to start singing with other young people at parish masses – as well as at weddings, priestly ordinations or youth days – to which she attends to this day.
Marcos is currently studying musical production and persists in the development of his talent as singer-songwriter. But in the last few hours, Marcos’ musical career took a new turn after winning first prize. Male Solo Voice of the international contest «Catholic Gaudium- Mater Fatima»an instance that summons young singers from different parts of the world to share their musical talent.
«It was a unique and enriching experience, from which I hope it opens doors to continue growing and meeting Catholic musicians from America. And, God willing, of the world, in the next World Youth Day»said Marcos to flappingwho also told how his relationship with music has been, as well as projects and that of being a Catholic musician in one of the most secular countries in Latin America.
– When and how did God start to get into your lyrics?
God gave me the love for music and the inspiration to compose. I always knew that he wanted to dedicate myself to music, but make transcendent music, not empty lyrics. I believe that art has to mobilize, it has to help to grow, to think and, if possible, draw closer to God, especially the young (although I have noticed that many adults also like my music). I have songs with various themes, some speak of God directly, others of love or hope, but always maintaining the Christian identity and its values.
– The Church of Montevideo invited you to sing as part of a campaign linked to Christmas. What did that mean to you at the time?
In 2020 I had the honor that, within the framework of the campaign “Christmas with Jesus”the Catholic Church of Montevideo invited me to participate in a series of Christmas carols along with other Catholic artists. Last year they contacted me again to record a Christmas carol of my choice. I felt very grateful and chose to sing “go to sleep” with music by Carlos Rivera and letter of Cutwater Choir. Both the melody and the lyrics are beautiful, I also admire Carlos a lot, who by the way mentioned me on his Twitter, promoting my version.
A few months ago I had the opportunity to sing the Psalm in the procession of Corpus Christi, in front of hundreds of people, and it was really shocking. On November 15, as part of the celebration of the international day of the poor I was in charge of the music in the celebration of the Pastoral Social de Montevideo. It was a beautiful Mass, attended by numerous priests, deacons and committed lay people from many parishes and movements. I feel very excited and happy every time I am part of something like this.
– Do you define yourself as a Catholic musician or simply as a young Catholic who makes music? Is it there, with songs that emphasize the transcendent, that you want to focus your musical career?
I am a young Catholic who makes music. I love composing, and somehow every strong event in life inspires me to write. Both on happy occasions such as the marriage of a community brother or hard ones such as the death of my grandmother (“Acordes al azar”), of a very dear friend with whom we played together (he was the drummer) or when another friend was imprisoned. .
While I like upbeat songs that get people to have fun and dance, songs with a more reflective style like “Look Back”, “Hope” or “Don’t Let Me Go” also emerge when making big decisions.
“I am a young Catholic who makes music”
– Any source of inspiration that you want to share, leading musicians?
In pop music, I really admire Abel Pintos, I had the honor of opening one of his shows in April, here in Uruguay. Many people have told me that the influence is noticeable in my way of singing. But I admire him not only for his voice, but also because he paints many of his lyrics with a touch of spirituality, which as an artist is exactly what I aspire to. As for Catholic musicians, I love them, for example, Father Christopher Fones SJthe Sister Glenda, Pablo Martinez. In the Catholic Gaudium contest I chose songs by Jésed and Felipe Gómez.
– How do you live as a young person making music with religious values -and not hiding your faith- in a country where this type of art is little valued? How is the day to day with your friends, acquaintances? Are there prejudices or just the opposite?
Although Uruguay is one of the most secular countries in Latin America, I have been blessed to have many friends in the faith, as well as atheist friends.. Everyone knows my beliefs. Thank God I had few “negative” experiences. There may be someone who thinks differently, but I think that In general, people respect someone who has a firm conviction.
– New projects and releases?
I’m currently working on a new album, but I don’t have a release date yet, I invite readers to be attentive to the networks! As a young man I love to sing at events of all kinds, But singing to God always feels different. It is to him that I owe my talent and to whom I trust my career.
