He was born in the neighborhood of Monserrat , in the city of Buenos Aires , though he grew up in Paso del Rey , a city in the Moreno area of Greater Buenos Aires . His paternal family is of French origin , whereas his maternal grandmother was of Capayán indigenous origin , born in the Calchaquí Valleys , in the province of Catamarca . When he was young , he won the newcomer 's prize in the Cosquín Festival . Many of his songs address what he see as the social problems in Latin American and various human rights issues . In 1972 the singer turned into the first argentine entrant in the first edition of the OTI Festival which was held in Madrid . His song " Sabes que estamos aquí América ( You know we are here America ) ended last in a tie with other four entrants , his talent did n't go unnoticed . He has recorded with various artists , such as Joan Manuel Serrat , Mercedes Sosa , León Gieco , Milton Nascimento , el Cuarteto Zupay the Zupay Quartet , Silvio Rodríguez , and Pablo Milanés , amongst others
first edition
OTI Festival 1972
Victor Heredia