¿Oiga, Parcero, Que Le Pasa?: Trevor Noah’s Joke About Shakira and Colombia at the Grammys Shows a Deep Lack of Cultural Sensitivity 

As many of you may be aware, Los Angeles, the host city of the Grammys, had recently been ravaged by wildfires. In response, the ceremony dedicated itself to raising funds for the victims, a gesture that added a layer of humanity to the evening and brought much-needed depth to the celebration. 

Host Trevor Noah, ever the professional, brought a calm, measured tone to the evening. Known for his ability to tread lightly on sensitive matters, Noah “usually” maintains a careful balance between humor and respect. However, a couple of remarks left a bad taste in many people’s mouths – especially Latinos.  

What Trevor Noah Said

Noah’s comment came early in the evening, when he remarked, “We’re going to be honoring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy…and 20 million illegal immigrants.” While seemingly a casual attempt to acknowledge the scope of the evening, the comment struck a discordant note, especially for those sensitive to the rising tide of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States. In a follow-up, Noah added, “It may be the last time I host anything in this country.”  (And many agree with this motion.) While this comeback was self-deprecating it seemed to make light of the real issues surrounding immigration and its treatment in the U.S. 

Yet, it was his comment on Shakira that truly ignited the backlash. In a moment when he introduced the Colombian superstar, Noah said, “The greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a class A felony,” playing off the country’s ongoing struggles with crime. The comment was intended to be humorous, but it landed flat for many, especially those who saw it as an unnecessary reinforcement of negative stereotypes about Colombia. 

Shakira—And All Colombians Deserve Better

For Colombians like myself, the comment was a reduction of our nation and culture to tired and outdated cliches.  

The implication that Colombia is defined solely by its criminal history — epitomized by the notorious figure of Pablo Escobar — undermines the depth and beauty of a country that is so much more than its past. Shakira, one of the world’s most iconic figures, is a living example of this complexity. She represents the richness of Colombian culture, its music, its art, and its people. Her influence spans continents, and her success showcases the power of Colombian talent. To reduce her to a punchline about crime is to disregard the full spectrum of what Colombia offers. 

Colombia’s cultural contributions go far beyond what is often depicted in the media. Gabriel García Márquez, a name synonymous with literary genius, was born in Colombia. His masterpiece One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the most translated books in the world, shaping the landscape of modern literature and sparking the global recognition of Latin American writers. Márquez, along with his contemporaries, helped push Colombia into the international literary spotlight, and his influence continues to resonate with readers across generations. 

But literature is only one thread in the intricate fabric of Colombia’s cultural identity. Our music, too, is a force in global culture. Colombia is the birthplace of salsa, a genre that has shaped the rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean and Latin America. Yet, it is not just in the past that Colombia has made it as great as it is today. Artists like J Balvin, who revolutionized the global music scene by bringing reggaeton to mainstream audiences, have made Colombia synonymous with innovation in music. Karol G, too, has broken records and shattered expectations, becoming a global ambassador for Latin music. There’s no denying that these artists are symbols of Colombia’s ability to transcend borders. 

Our culinary scene is equally noteworthy. Colombian cuisine, with its deep roots in Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, is beginning to receive the recognition it deserves. From the humble arepa to dishes like sancocho and bandeja paisa, Colombian food is a reflection of our diverse history. The fact that several Colombian restaurants have earned Michelin stars proves how far our culinary tradition has come. In recent years, Colombian food has become a favorite among many people, drawing food lovers from around the world to experience the flavors and textures that make our cuisine unique. 

Then, there is the enduring legacy of Encanto, the Disney film that brought Colombia’s beauty and diversity to a whole new generation. Set in the Colombian mountains, Encanto showcased the multi-faceted nature of Colombian culture. Children around the world, from New York to Tokyo, now associate Colombia with magic, joy, and an untold story of resilience.  

Colombia’s influence doesn’t stop at the arts or cuisine. We are a country of innovators and pioneers in industries ranging from technology to fashion. From the business acumen of figures like Beatriz Fernández to the entrepreneurial spirit seen in the rapidly growing tech startup scene in Medellín, Colombia is a country that is constantly evolving. Our people have grit embedded in their DNA, having navigated political turmoil, economic hardship, and, yes, the shadow of criminality that once loomed large. But today’s Colombia is one of progress, innovation, and creativity. 

Cultural Sensitivity Is Important

Trevor Noah, parcero, what were you thinking? Humor should never come at the expense of an entire culture, especially when it perpetuates harmful stereotypes. While some may see these “jokes” as playful, for many of us, they were a painful reminder of how easily we can be reduced to outdated tropes. Shakira is not just “the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a class A felony” – she is a symbol of the strength and talent of our people. To make a joke about her in that context is to ignore everything that makes us who we are. 

The Recording Academy must do better in vetting the hosts it allows to represent all communities. It is essential that those in positions of power remain attuned to the sensitivities and realities of the people they aim to entertain.  Out-of-touch humor not only undermines the spirit of inclusivity but also reveals a deeper disregard for cultural understanding.  

Colombia, with its history, its people, and its culture, deserves more than to be the subject of careless jokes. We are a nation of beauty, strength, and infinite potential, and it’s time the world saw us for who we truly are.