Musician César López works with UNODC to raise awareness about violence and firearms. (Nación Sana/UNODC)

NEW YORK, NY July 29, 2008 —Yesterday, we brought you a story about the strained political discourse among Colombian immigrants from the left and right.

Colombians Debate Politics With Difficulty

This morning, we talk with a young man who manages to denounce violence in Colombia without getting caught up in the name-calling.

35-year-old Cesar Lopez believes in music as a tool of peacemaking.

He spends much of his time traveling across Colombia, bringing music to places where violent attacks come from FARC rebels, paramilitary groups, drug dealers and gangs. Sometimes he plays an AK-47 turned guitar.

WNYC's Marianne McCune spoke with Lopez on a recent visit to New York. He says it all started when he began heading to the scene of a violent attack with his guitar in hand.