Sin Bandera
| Company type | Duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 in Mexico City, Mexico |
| Headquarters | Mexico City , Mexico |
Key people | Leonel García, Noel Schajris |
| Products | Romantic ballad music |
Sin Bandera is a romantic ballad duo originating from Mexico, consisting of Mexican singer-songwriter Leonel García and Argentine-Mexican singer-songwriter Noel Schajris. Established in Mexico City in 2000, they achieved widespread acclaim after launching their first studio album, Sin Bandera, on November 20, 2001.
2000-2002: Origins and initial release
Before forming the duo, Leonel García embarked on a solo path, demonstrating his guitar proficiency and vocal talent while composing songs for prominent 1990s artists such as Lynda Thomas. Meanwhile, Noel Schajris was preparing to release his own solo album following his debut in 1999. The two singer-songwriters joined forces in 2000, discovering a strong creative bond fueled by shared musical interests and complementary instrumental skills—Noel on piano and Leonel on guitar.
During their initial collaboration, they co-created three tracks, quickly realizing the potential of their partnership. This creative synergy culminated in their self-titled debut album, produced by Aureo Baqueiro, which resonated strongly with fans of romantic music.
The name "Sin Bandera" (translated as Without a Flag) symbolizes their aspiration to overcome divisions such as ideology and language barriers, promoting unity through love and music. Their philosophy centers on fostering global connections without restrictions.
Their lead single, "Entra En Mi Vida" ("Come Into My Life"), penned by both members, captured the feelings of early love and became the theme song for the Mexican telenovela Cuando Seas Mía. Additional popular tracks like "Kilómetros" ("Kilometers") and "Sirena" ("Mermaid") broadened their reach to audiences in Spain, Argentina, the United States, and Costa Rica.
In 2002, Sin Bandera received the Latin Grammy Award for Best Group Album in Los Angeles. They also garnered several accolades including ¡Oye!, Lo Nuestro (Best Pop Album), and MTV Latino awards, confirming their commercial triumph.
2003-2004: De Viaje era
In 2003, Sin Bandera recorded "Amor Real," serving as the main theme for the soap opera sharing its title. They supported Alejandro Sanz during concerts across the United States and Spain. By late 2003, their sophomore album, De Viaje, again produced by Áureo Baqueiro, neared international sales reaching into the millions. The album remained on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart for 16 consecutive weeks. Standout singles included "Que Lloro," "Mientes tan Bien," and "Amor Real," with the first three topping charts in Mexico—a feat only matched by RBD and Shakira.
Throughout 2004, they toured extensively across Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, the U.S., and Spain. That year marked their second consecutive Latin Grammy win for Best Pop Vocal Group Album. After a successful mini-residency at Mexico City's Teatro Metropólitan with an audience of 3,300, they performed two shows at Auditorio Nacional in October before nearly 9,600 attendees.
2005-2008: Releases of Mañana and Pasado
Released on November 22, 2005, their album Mañana featured the lead single "Suelta mi mano" and included a collaboration with Italian pop artist Laura Pausini titled "Como tú y como yo."
Their subsequent album Pasado paid homage to international ballads from the 1970s and 1980s infused with soulful R&B elements. Produced by Baqueiro alongside Mario Domm and Jay de la Cueva, it offered reinterpretations of classics such as De Vita’s "Un buen perdedor," Sanz’s "¿Lo Ves?," Montaner’s "Será?," plus an English rendition of "Love Is in the Air."
García noted these selections reflected songs that influenced them during adolescence, including tracks like "Serenata Rap" and "Mis Impulsos Sobre Ti."
On December 4, 2007, they released their greatest hits collection titled Hasta Ahora, available both as a CD and a special edition featuring a DVD with music videos.
In 2007, Sin Bandera publicly announced their decision to separate in order to focus on individual projects but left open the possibility for future reunions.
2015-present: Reunion and Una Última Vez
On February 5, 2016, Sin Bandera made a comeback with the release of their fifth studio project and first EP, Una Última Vez. This album signified their reunion and featured notable tracks such as "En ésta no" and "Sobre mí," which includes a collaboration with Maluma. Later, on November 12, 2021, the duo introduced the single "Ahora Sé," accompanied by announcements of a forthcoming sixth album set for 2022.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Sin Bandera |
|
| De Viaje |
|
| Mañana |
|
| Pasado |
|
Compilations
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Hasta Ahora |
|
| Reanuedo |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Una Última Vez |
|
References