Fruko y sus Tesos is a salsa group from Colombia which enjoys immense popul… Read Full Bio ↴Fruko y sus Tesos is a salsa group from Colombia which enjoys immense popularity throughout Latin America. It was formed in 1970 by Ernesto Fruko Estrada who modeled it after the New York salsa sound of the Fania All-Stars, one of the leading salsa groups at the time. A favorite of Salsa DJ's around the Globe. Some have referred to Fruko y sus Tesos as Colombia's most important export.

Among the group's best known hits are Pura Candela, Los Charcos , El Preso, Cali de Rumba, Son de la Loma, El Patillero, Tania, Charanga Campesina, El Arbol and Cachondea. "El Preso" in particular is one of Colombia's most widely recognized and beloved songs.

The Cartagenan singer Joe Arroyo joined the group in 1973 and performed with the group for several years before embarking upon a solo career. Wilson "Saoko" Manyoma (of Cali, Colombia), formerly of Los Latin Brothers, and singer of El Preso, was also an important member of the band. He has also embarked on a solo career. Some had said that, without Wilson Manyoma's vocals, Fruko y sus Tesos would not have that flavor of Colombian Charanga.

Ernesto Fruko Estrada began his musical career at the age of 15 when he joined the legendary cumbia group, Los Corraleros de Majagual. It was with Los Corraleros back in 1968 that gave Fruko the first opportunity to travel to New York to witness the city's burgeoning salsa scene.

Pura Candela
Fruko Y Sus Tesos Lyrics

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Cuidao' que te quema!

(Pura candela, lo que traigo es pura candela)
(Pura candela, pa' alegrar el corazon)
(Pura candela, lo que traigo es pura candela)
(Pura candela, pa' alegrar el corazon)

Si quieres vivir contento

Tienes que olvidar un poco
Y acercarte a la candela
Que te quita el frio poco a poco

(Pura candela, lo que traigo es pura candela)
(Pura candela, pa' alegrar el corazon)
(Pura candela, lo que traigo es pura candela)
(Pura candela, pa' alegrar el corazon)

Ay, los colores de la candela
Son amarillo, azul y rojo
Tambien el verde se le cuela
Para calentarnos todos

Candela!
Candela!
New York...

(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)

Y que candela?

(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)
(Pura candela)

Candela que te quema!

Overall Meaning

The song 'Pura Candela' by Fruko y Sus Tesos radiates positive energy and talks about the power of fire. The song begins with the repetition of the phrase "Pura Candela" which means "pure fire". The singer brings in the idea that to live happily, one must forget their worries and approach the fire, which will gradually warm and satisfy them. The second verse talks about the colors of the fire which are yellow, blue, red, and green. The fire's colors are depicted as warm and inviting, and they exude positive energy. The concept of fire, in this song, is symbolic of life and its vitality. The song conveys a message of positivity and joy that will help one forget all worries and enjoy life to the fullest.

The chorus of “Pura Candela” is repeated multiple times, and each time it's sung, the message becomes clearer. The song calls for everyone to come together and revel in the combined warmth of the fire. In doing so, the fire becomes a symbol of collectivism, where coming together in harmony is necessary to keep the flame burning. The lyrics are simple yet effective, and they remind listeners to forget their issues and come together to live a happy life.

Line by Line Meaning

Cuidao' que te quema!
Be careful, it burns!

(Pura candela, lo que traigo es pura candela)
(Pure fire, what I bring is pure fire)

(Pura candela, pa' alegrar el corazon)
(Pure fire, to make your heart happy)

Si quieres vivir contento
If you want to live happily

Tienes que olvidar un poco
You have to forget a little

Y acercarte a la candela
And get closer to the fire

Que te quita el frio poco a poco
That takes away the cold little by little

Ay, los colores de la candela
Oh, the colors of the fire

Son amarillo, azul y rojo
Are yellow, blue, and red

Tambien el verde se le cuela
Also, green sneaks in

Para calentarnos todos
To warm us all up