Rubén Blades

Blades served as Panama's tourism minister and head of its tourism authority from 2004 to 2009. The appointment gave the singer and songwriter a defined administrative role over several years, following an earlier presidential campaign. His official biography makes the dates and responsibilities clear. Start with that chapter for a career change involving more than public advocacy: an artist accustomed to telling stories about society took on the practical work of a government department, while retaining a wider life in music and acting.