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Who Are the Four Friends Turning Morat Into Latin Pop Icons
Morat is ready to make history at the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Awards. The Colombian band, made up of Juan Pablo Isaza Piñeros, Juan Pablo Villamil Cortés, Simón Vargas Morales, and Martín Vargas Morales, will not only compete for Best Pop/Rock Album with Ya Es Mañana but will also deliver their first-ever live performance at the ceremony.
Though they have yet to win a GRAMMY, Morat’s career has been defined by consistency and evolution. Since their 2016 Latin GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist, their rise has been unstoppable. This year alone, they swept the Premios Juventud with wins for Favorite Group or Duo of the Year, Best Pop/Rock Song (for their collaboration with Camilo, “Me Toca a Mí”), and Best Pop Album for Ya Es Mañana. Their upcoming Coachella 2026 debut only adds to their unstoppable momentum.
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With over 14 million monthly Spotify listeners, sold-out tours across Latin America and Europe, and a new Latin GRAMMY nod, Morat continues to close out their Asuntos Pendientes Tour with major shows in Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Mexico, and Spain,proving that their story is far from over.
But who are the four lifelong friends behind the hits? Here’s a closer look at the members of Morat and the journey that turned them into Latin pop royalty.
Juan Pablo Isaza Piñeros
Morat’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Juan Pablo Isaza, was the one who first dreamed of forming a band back in high school. A natural leader and multi-instrumentalist, he plays guitar, piano, and ukulele. Born on August 9, 1994, he studied Business Administration and Music Technology at the Universidad de los Andes and co-founded the production company Mapache. Music runs in his family: his father, Luis Fernando Isaza, is a singer-songwriter, and his sister Susana is also a musician.
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Beyond his role as frontman, Isaza is also the band’s main composer and producer. He has penned many of Morat’s biggest hits, including “Cómo Te Atreves,” “Besos en Guerra,” and “No Termino”, and has written songs for artists like Sebastián Yatra and Aitana. Offstage, he’s a self-proclaimed magic enthusiast and amateur magician, a detail fans love almost as much as his melodies.
Juan Pablo Villamil Cortés
Known for his warm voice and distinct banjo sound, Juan Pablo Villamil is Morat’s co-vocalist and guitarist. Born on September 1, 1994, Villamil brings an unexpected folk texture to Latin pop with his use of instruments like the banjo and ukulele, a rarity in the genre. He studied Industrial Engineering at the Universidad de los Andes, but his true passion was always music.
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Villamil has helped shape the band’s romantic, heartfelt sound, co-writing many of their songs and blending his voice perfectly with Isaza’s. Outside of music, he’s a soccer aficionado with an impressive memorabilia collection and a published author: his book “Las Canciones Que No Escribimos” dives into the stories behind unrecorded songs and creative inspiration.
Simón Vargas Morales
Simón Vargas, bassist, vocalist, and one of Morat’s creative anchors, was born on October 24, 1993, in Bogotá. A multifaceted artist, he studied History at the Universidad de los Andes, but his interests range from music and literature to illustration. In 2020, he published his first novel, “A la Orilla de la Luz”, which he also illustrated. He’s also the co-host of the Spotify podcast “Simón Dice, Nath Contradice” alongside Mexican creator Nath Campos.
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Simón’s curiosity and intellect fuel much of Morat’s lyrical depth. His love for storytelling and emotional honesty defines many of their songs, giving the band’s pop an unmistakable soul. Known for his energetic stage presence and witty interactions on social media, Simón has become the group’s most outspoken and connected member.
Martín Vargas Morales
The youngest member of the band, Martín Vargas, is Morat’s drummer and percussionist. Born on July 25, 1996, he joined after the departure of original member Alejandro Posada, but quickly became indispensable. With his blend of folk, pop, and Latin rhythms, Martín is the heartbeat behind Morat’s signature sound.
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He studied Graphic Design at the Universidad de los Andes and co-founded the creative brand General Studios. Before joining Morat full-time, he briefly studied Medicine before realizing his passion for design and music. His creative eye and rhythmic talent help shape not only the band’s sound but also their visual aesthetic. On stage, he often adds backing vocals, enriching Morat’s harmonies and keeping their live shows dynamic.
To celebrate their Latin GRAMMY nomination, we invited Morat to create a playful video where the four friends quiz each other about their careers and personal quirks, a reminder that, behind the fame, they’re still the same childhood friends who started playing music in their Bogotá school.
Watch the video here.
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