Ramiro Saavedra: The Peruvian Kurt Cobain
“La humildad es lo que hace a uno grande.” [“Humility is what makes a person great.”] — Ramiro Saavedra quoting David Pirner, the lead singer of the American alternative rock band Soul Asylum.
Since his jaw-dropping audition, Ramiro Saavedra has been known and recognized nationally as the Peruvian Kurt Cobain. It was last Friday that Ramiro, hailing from Arequipa, won $25,000 for being voted as the best imitator in Peru on the first season of the hottest singing competition TV show in Peru, “Yo Soy” (translation: “I Am”). He arrived in Huancayo 2 days later for the first official “Yo Soy” concert with the other top contestants on the show.
With their bus stuck in snow in Ticlio (at a higher altitude than Huancayo at over 4,800 meters) on the way up, Ramiro was hit with the worst with altitude sickness — he didn’t arrive in time for the press conference and spent the hours before the concert with his head in his hands. Nevertheless, Ramiro was the star of the show and when he was on stage, he didn’t show even a glimpse of being under the weather.
On one of the coldest nights out in Huancayo, Ramiro showed his fans in Huancayo his appreciation by providing a more intimate experience with just his voice and his guitar. He talked to his audience as if they were old friends, sharing anecdotes about his life and encouraging questions.
A large part of his draw is his humility and this couldn’t have been more apparent in his concert. In the video below, he shares advice he learned from Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner. You’ll also find his rendition of Soul Asylum’s “Runaway Train” and Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.”
One singer and imitator, who shall remain unnamed, came as part of the “Yo Soy” Peru group; he was the first to sing at the concert and the first to be forgotten. He wore designer sunglasses all evening and was the only singer out of the group of 7 that had a marketing team following him around, handing out posters of him. Ramiro didn’t have all that; he exudes the opposite of flashiness and he is the one who will be remembered.
How has humility played a role in your life lately?
Tags: dave pirner, david pirner, kurt cobain huancayo, kurt cobain peruano, peruvian kurt cobain, ramiro saavedra, ramiro saavedra yo soy, soul asylum, yo soy huancayo, yo soy kurt cobain, yo soy peru
Vinny T.
I actually saw that guy imitate Kurt Cobain and his performance couldn’t have been better. I think Roy was very lucky to meet him and hope that Roy might, someday, become equally famous for his dancing talent.
Samantha Bangayan
Yeah, it seems like Ramiro’s got a great future ahead of him.
Aww! Thanks, Vinny! =) Roy sends his gratitude too. =)
Abe Palmer
As I get older I find that my prinsipals have evolved in such a way that it is nolonger the things of this world that bring me joy but it is the things I can take from this world (my experiances, knowledge and wisdom) which humble me in such a way that not much more maters. Just the other day I was ask by a senior manager over me at work regarding my religious faith. With deep humility I began to answer his questions and share with him my testimony in my beliefs. I could see he was captivated by my words and for those few minutes I felt as though I was the teacher insted of the studant.
We’ll be in Huancayo july 23 to Aug 10. hope to meet you during our stay.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s something I’d always like to remind myself, Abe. It’s so easy to get carried away with the material things in life that quickly disappear versus the long-term things that we can hold in our minds and hearts. You must have had such a life-changing conversation with your senior manager. I bet he was glad he asked you because it’s those very conversations that seem to make life meaningful. =)
Wish I could have seen you during your trip here, but I’m sure we’ll meet soon! =)
Ruth Porter
Dear Sam,
I love this post. You always give us such an interesting window into life in Peru, and Peru seems to me to be one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Here is an example of a person who has lived Saavedra’s advice about humility. My brother is Perry King. He is an actor who lives in Hollywood. He’s had some success, although he isn’t a superstar. Years ago he was with a man who was a friend of his who was a very famous actor. There was some dispute with a man on the street. I can’t remember what it was about, maybe something about parking. Anyway, the actor got furious. He said to the man, “Do you know who I am?” He thought it was outrageous of the person to argue with him, because he was so important. Perry was watching, and he thought to himself that he didn’t care how famous he got, he was never going to let himself think like that. He was never going to be so self-important. He isn’t that famous, of course, but the thing you notice about Perry is what a kind and generous person he has always been and still is, even to people he hardly knows. He’s worked hard to stay humble. Saavedra is right. It is the most important thing.
Ruth
Samantha Bangayan
That’s the kind of anecdote I was searching for, Ruth. Thank you so much for sharing that about your brother! =) Sometimes, I wonder if it naturally becomes increasingly difficult to stay humble, the more power and fame we gain, whether we mean to or not. In that case, I wonder if it may almost be to our advantage to always have something to strive for and to never really reach “perfection.”
I’ll definitely remember this story about your brother. =) Thanks so much for reflecting with me, Ruth! Miss ya!
Li @Flash Fiction
Thanks for the video clip and doing your bit to promote him! 🙂 I wish this young man the best of everything, for it’s rare for someone of his talent to not be self -centered or consumed by becoming “famous”. BTW, I think I forgot to mention in a previous post comment how much I love the red dress in your wedding photo. You looked lovely!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I didn’t even realize that I was promoting him. I guess I’m a fan. =P
I know what you mean. I think we need more celebrities like him. =)
Hugs! Thanks soo much for the kind words about my dress! =) You’re the best, Li!
Gregory McGuire
Hi Samantha,
Ramiro sounds like a rare individual indeed. Humility is quite rare in most performers these days. I would love to hear more of his music. Please keep us updated if he releases any CD’s that can be purchased here in the US. Thanks for all you do! Talk soon.
Gregory
Samantha Bangayan
Will do, Gregory! I hope I meet more performers like him too. I think this is what true inspiration is about. =)
Adeline Yuboco
First off, I have to say that my jaw also dropped when I saw the picture. He does look like a younger and cleaner version of Kurt Cobain.
Being humble is definitely really hard as you continue to gather one success after another. I have to say that it’s my faith that has kept me grounded regardless of whatever success comes my way. Everything I enjoy now is because of the gifts and opportunities I’ve been blessed with. Without these, I wouldn’t enjoy what I have today.
PS. I know it’s late, but Congratulations to you and your husband, my friend. Enjoy married life! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! =) It really helped when he dyed his hair to better imitate him as part of the contest. =)
I hadn’t thought about that, Adeline. Faith and considering life as a gift, as blessing after blessing, that can truly keep us humble.
Thanks so much for the congratulations! =) Glad to hear from you!! <3
Penelope J.
Love your story about Ramiro and how his performance and speech about humility garnered all the attention vs. the flashy imitator who was soon forgotten. I watched the video and the applause was deafening. I can see why he appealed to the crowd.
I also like the way you linked his story with insights into the weather conditions that night – the altitude, the cold night. snow – and how Ramiro overcame his altitude sickness to perform. He’s a real trooper.
Samantha Bangayan
He was definitely the crowd favorite! And they didn’t even do much marketing for the concert. I don’t know how so many people heard about it. I went to the pre-concert press conference and hardly anyone was there. =P
I hadn’t even thought about that connection I made, Pennie. It was a natural story, I guess. =)
Hope all’s well with you and your writing! =)
Hilda
humility plays a big role in my life. I believe that we have to be cautious of what we say or do for karma lurks around us. It’s kind of funny that you blog about this because a couple days ago my parents and I were talking about humility. I find that karma does not work immediately, but in in the long rum. For example, if you are always encouraging, modest, loving, and giving positive things to people. Then positive things will come back to you in the long run. If you are always hurting others, saying negative things, and discouraging others, then it would practically be impossible for you to reach your goals. The celebrity you are talking about receive great reviews because of his good karma and connection he has with everyone. In some ways I guess we live symbolically with mirrors around us. Whatever we say or do reflects back two-folds. It may not happen today, tomorrow, next week, but it does eventually.
Samantha Bangayan
I think that’s why a lot of people shoo-shoo away karma — because they don’t consider how it might work in the long run. I love that idea of positivity generating more positivity. It’s like a placebo. =) You’re so right. Ramiro probably connects with his audience because of his very positivity. Love that! =)
Viola Tam
Hi Samatha,
Congratulations for your being nominated for the prestigious Sisterhood of World Bloggers Award by Catherine Alexandra!
What a refeshing blog post you have written! I appreciate your sharing!
For me, humility is embedded into my business. What buisness model in the world can allow an average person to achieve great freedom other than the Network Marketing platform? For example, isn’t it empowering for a stay-at-home mum being able to add an additional stream of income to the family?
Viola Tam
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Viola! It was a true honor!
I love that business outlook. It’s the kind of mindset that anyone can identify with and it’s so refreshing to think that we can all succeed without having to pull others down. Love your totally empowering example! =)
Peru
Well that young man was doing very well in Scho Soy, but the new winner, his imitation of Joey Arrollo was perfect. Due to the reason that he is a lot smarter than this Kurt Kobein type and working as policeman all day long in the peligro country of Peru.
Samantha Bangayan
Joe Arroyo was definitely excellent too. I don’t know how he could continually make his voice like that! =)
Pepper Tan
For a minute there, I thought he was Kurt Cobain…
As for humility… I don’t know. I can’t say if I have been living humbly. It’s a virtue I wish to instil in my daughter, though. If I want to do that, I should start being a role model.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I know what you mean! You should have seen his audition. =P No one has beat him since in terms of imitating Kurt Cobain, although there have been a lot who tried.
I think it’s nearly impossibly to be wholly good every single second of the day. I guess the point is that we continue trying. =) And I know you’re being the best mommy you can be!
Noch Noch - be me. be natural.
just recovering from depression has humbled me. the pride and over confidence I had…. now i look back and there’s more empathy and compassion
Noch Noch
Samantha Bangayan
Noch Noch, you know you completely inspire me. Thinking back on the most difficult times in my life is humbling too. I hadn’t even thought about that. Thanks for sharing that strategy and for being such a strong role model!