Today we’d like to introduce you to Guillermo Ortega.
Hi Guillermo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Marrocko: Latin Rock with Soul, Passion, and Purpose
Marrocko is a Spanish-language rock band founded in 2003 in Cali, Colombia, by Guillermo Ortega Delgado (Guile Gadel) and Alexis Zúñiga. Their musical proposal blends Latin rock energy with contemporary sounds and emotionally charged lyrics, establishing them as one of the most representative acts of their genre in Colombia.
In 2004, they released their self-titled debut album Marrocko, featuring standout tracks like “El Estar Aquí” and “Dame Emociones.” However, it was their song “Es Más Fácil” that became a true Colombian rock classic. Their electrifying stage presence led them to record Marrocko En Vivo (2006), a live DVD capturing the raw power of their performances. Two years later, they released their second studio album Desde Cero, expanding their artistic vision and reaching international audiences.
Between 2007 and 2009, Marrocko toured extensively across the United States, performing in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. During these tours, they appeared on major TV networks including Univision, Telemundo, and Telefutura, and shared stages with renowned Latin artists such as Luis Fonsi and Julieta Venegas.
After a brief hiatus, the band made a strong comeback in 2019 with the single “Quemándonos,” recorded in Miami, marking the beginning of a new creative chapter. In 2020, despite the global pandemic, they released “Jamás Lo Sabrás,” keeping their musical connection alive remotely. By 2021 and 2022, they had dropped several singles and the EP Todo Terminó, a six-track project accompanied by a series of music videos that reflect their evolving sound.
In 2023, Marrocko released “Cervecita Pal Calor,” a lively single that gained wide recognition across Colombian media, including Caracol TV. By 2025, the band had made its mark on Nashville’s Latin rock scene, performing at major events such as the Latin Indie Rock Festival held at Third Man Records, where their performance left the crowd buzzing with excitement. The event was produced by Íntimo Nashville, and it solidified Marrocko’s reputation as one of the leading Latin rock acts in the city.
That same year, guitarist Alexis Zúñiga was invited to perform a guitar solo at Nashville Soccer Club’s stadium during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, in front of thousands of attendees. Marrocko also headlined the CMC Festival, organized by the non-profit Music Neighbors, further showcasing their connection with the local music community.
In 2025, they released their single “Mi Cabeza Da Vueltas,” a catchy pop-rock anthem that quickly became a crowd favorite at their live shows.
Today, Marrocko continues to evolve, currently preparing their next release — a Spanish adaptation of the iconic song “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling. This upcoming single reaffirms their commitment to musical innovation and their mission to bring their unique Latin rock sound to both Nashville audiences and their loyal fan base back home in Colombia.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like most independent bands, Marrocko has faced its share of challenges — from navigating the ups and downs of the music industry to rebuilding momentum after moving from Colombia to the U.S. Starting over in a new country meant performing for new audiences, adapting to a different music scene, and finding ways to keep our Latin rock identity alive in a market dominated by other genres.
There were also long periods of uncertainty, especially during the pandemic, when live shows were impossible and the band had to rely on remote recording and virtual collaboration. But each challenge pushed us to evolve, to experiment with new sounds, and to strengthen our connection as a band.
Today, we look back with gratitude, because those struggles shaped who we are — a band that keeps moving forward with resilience, passion, and a deep love for music.
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Marrocko is the fusion of two creative souls — Guillermo Ortega and Alexis Zúñiga.
Guillermo brings the heart of Latin pop, with influences rooted in romantic ballads and classic Spanish boleros, while Alexis adds the raw energy of rock in English, inspired by the great bands of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s.
Together, they created Marrocko — a sound that blends emotion and power, melody and attitude. The result is a unique Latin rock-pop style that connects with audiences on both sides of the language and cultural spectrum.
What makes Marrocko special is that balance between intensity and emotion, between Latin warmth and rock edge. Every song tells a story that comes from real experiences, love, struggle, and passion for life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Marrocko is a Latin rock-pop band that blends heartfelt lyrics with energetic, contemporary sound. Our music is built on emotion, storytelling, and connection — a fusion of Latin rhythms and rock energy that speaks to both Spanish and English-speaking audiences.
We specialize in creating songs that carry depth and authenticity. Every lyric reflects real emotions — love, nostalgia, and resilience — wrapped in melodies that invite people to sing, dance, and feel. What truly defines us is our ability to bring passion to the stage: our live performances are full of energy, interaction, and sincerity.
We’re proud of our evolution. From our beginnings in Cali, Colombia, to now performing in Nashville — one of the world’s music capitals — we’ve stayed true to our roots while constantly reinventing our sound. Our recent singles like “Mi Cabeza Da Vueltas” and “Cervecita Pal Calor” have opened new doors, connecting us with the growing Latin community in Tennessee.
What sets us apart is that we don’t follow trends — we follow emotions. Marrocko is not just music; it’s a bridge between cultures, languages, and generations. Our goal is to make people feel something real every time they listen to us.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor starts with being genuinely curious and open to learning. For us, networking has worked best through real connections — sharing our music, collaborating with other artists, and supporting the local scene. When you give value first, the right people naturally come into your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marrockomusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marrockomusic
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/marrockomusic
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/guiordel
- Other: https://spotify.link/wNBMsP3pYXb
