Living the American Dream Through the Eyes of Christian Rock Artist Víctor Alfonso Ramírez Cruz
Music has the power to transcend every part of our lives. It brings us together as a society, influences both young and old, and helps you feel like home when you are far away. Víctor Alfonso Ramírez Cruz is no stranger to this experience. The Colombian-bord Christian Rock artist strives to make an impact every day by taking listeners on a spiritual journey. Cruz is connecting with audiences across the US, using music to connect with his audience, and doing his part to shape the minds and heart of youth across America.
Lead guitarist of his group Zona Franca, Cruz has made it his mission to influence listeners across the globe from Colombia to the United States. With the artistic blend of gospel and rock, his music has earned international interest with performances at the Bogota Dance Gospel, countless national and international churches, and radio and television performances. Even though he is away from home, Cruz strives to create a welcoming environment for younger audiences in America to carry the word of God in their lives. Cruz has brought his message of faith through music to thousands of children and teens. His mission also led him to become an ambassador of the “It is Also Culture” festival.
Franca (“Free Zone”) was born out of an inspiration to create an environment to love and respect one another. “Music has both positive and negative impacts and influences us to do good and bad things. From that moment, we wanted our music to speak of God and bring a positive message to everyone,” he shares. Following the common themes of gospel, confidence, respect, and unity, listeners from all ages can benefit from the group’s songs with meanings and ideas that build into positive change.
Cruz makes an effort to understand different behaviors, cultures, and means of communication of American kids and teens, and bring them music they can relate to and appreciate. Just as anything does, this takes time and effort to develop genuine connections. His experience as an artist started by using the unifying nature of music to advise young listeners on principles of faith and song. While a majority of his focus has been on connecting with youth, Cruz strives to make a connection with every generation and support their faith, dreams, and connection to music.
Incorporating musical and spiritual influences in his work, Cruz also pays tribute to the artists and faith who continue to guide him within the music industry. This includes artists such as Juan Muñoz, Javier Serrano, and Roberto Prado. With their help, he also uses the strength of faith to impact audience members in ways that makes an impact and hopefully, if even in a small way, improves their lives. Alongside the uplifting sounds of Zona Franca, Cruz looks to make a real difference for listeners and move the dial to maintain the values of society, foster growth, and encourage genuine respect among each human being.
Dedicated to engaging listeners at every opportunity, Cruz looks to continue impacting the lives of different generations, alongside the word of Christ. While he always carries a part of home in his heart and is often reminded of his musical and spiritual journey that started in his home country, he knows that his touring across the US is the right path. “When I started making my music, I always wanted it to be heard around the world, impacting people with another language and another culture. Being here doing what I love is a great victory,” he says. A dream for most people, Cruz is fulfilling his passion and making a difference, one note at a time.
(Interview provided for JFH exclusively by The Pontes Group)