Cesar-born Farid Ortiz built a Vallenato career out of his ability to use the percussive power of his voice, sounding every bit as punchy as the cowbell, drums, washboards and hand drums that support his singing. He began recording in the mid-'80s, and his early hit with Emilio Oviedo, "Se Acabron", came to life with an undulating beat and funky bass line coloured with vibrant accordion lines. Ortiz proved his versatility over the decades; more recent recordings pulse with same electric energy and wild abandon of his early works, showing an artist whose passion and joy is ever-present.