Mercedes Sosa is called "The voice of Latin America". She was born in Argentina in 1935. She began her career in Argentina in the 60s and very soon became well known in all South America due to her exceptional voice. In the 70s, while Argentina was under a dictatorship her songs were charged with social and anti-government political messages.
The regime did not take lightly to her using music as political weaponry. Mercedes Sosa had to leave Argentina after she was harassed and placed under arrest by the police during a concert. She left for Paris, and later moved to Madrid. From there she developed a successful international career.
Only in 1982 she was able to sing again in Argentina and the public gave her a warm welcome: She appeared in the opera theater in Buenos Aires for 12 full house concerts.