Music can carry stories across languages, places and communities. Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida” became a global hit in 2013, but its story begins with Khaled’s “C’est la vie,” a song shaped by Algerian raï, pop influences and Moroccan-Swedish producer RedOne.
Created by Yahya Essarir, our student intern from Morocco, this lesson helps Spanish students trace that musical journey from North Africa to the Americas and consider how music can express joy, resilience and cultural identity.
You can teach the full lesson or choose the listening, speaking and discussion activities that best fit your class time and students’ level.
Your students will:
- Explore how one song moved across languages, genres and cultures.
- Learn about RedOne, Khaled and Marc Anthony.
- Compare the musical styles and messages of two recordings.
- Practice listening, speaking and reflection in Spanish.
- Discuss how music can express personal and cultural identity.
FREE VIRTUAL EXCHANGE FOR YOUR SPANISH CLASSES
Let your students compare music and identity with a class in Spain
After exploring how “Vivir Mi Vida” crossed cultures, invite your students to exchange short videos with a partner class in Spain. Each class can share a school-appropriate song and explain what it says about their community or identity.
Connecting Classrooms is free, flexible and asynchronous. Forum provides the match, platform, activities and teacher support.
FREE FOR SCHOOLS • GUIDED ACTIVITIES • TEACHER SUPPORT
1. Introduction & Student video
- Hand out the student worksheet and read aloud the “Introduction” section together.
- Play “Vivir Mi Vida – Music that Inspires Joy | Forum by Prométour”on YouTube
- Ask: “What languages do you hear?” and “What does Yahya say about the song?”
- Transition: “Now let’s explore where this music comes from.”
2. Meet RedOne: Global Sound, Moroccan Soul
Your students may not recognize RedOne’s name, but they will probably know some of the artists he has worked with. Born Nadir Khayat in Tétouan, Morocco, RedOne moved to Sweden at 19 and built an international career as a songwriter and producer. His credits include work with Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
RedOne was also one of the writers and producers behind Khaled’s 2012 hit “C’est la vie.” The song combines raï, pop and dance influences with a message about choosing joy and living in the moment.
That song later became the basis for Marc Anthony’s Spanish-language salsa recording, “Vivir Mi Vida.” As students explore both versions, ask them to notice how a song can retain its central message while changing language, arrangement and musical style.
3. Listening – “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony
- Play “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony on Youtube
- Ask: “How does this song make you feel? What rhythms or instruments stand out?”
4. Marc Anthony Adds the Voice of Latin New York
Marc Anthony is a New York-born singer of Puerto Rican heritage. In 2013, he recorded “Vivir Mi Vida,” a Spanish-language salsa version of Khaled’s “C’est la vie.”
The new arrangement brings the song into a different musical setting through salsa rhythms, brass and percussion, while preserving its central message of living fully despite life’s difficulties.
Its journey from a North African raï-pop hit to a New York salsa recording gives students a clear example of cultural exchange. The song does not belong to only one place. It has moved across languages, genres and communities, gathering new meaning along the way.
5. Worksheet, Speaking Practice & Reflection
Students complete the worksheet questions, then use one of the speaking prompts below to share a short response with a partner or the class.
- “Vivir Mi Vida” es…
- La canción me hace sentir…
- Me gustaría visitar… porque…
- Una cosa que aprendí es…
6. Wrap-Up Discussion
Close the lesson with a short class discussion about how music can connect people, places, and identities. Use the questions below:
- How can one song belong to more than one culture?
- Why does music cross borders so easily?
- What does “Vivir Mi Vida” show about identity?
- How can music reflect someone’s culture or identity?
Take it a step further…
After exploring how music moves between cultures, invite your students to experience a region shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Our nine-day private tour of Andalusia and northern Morocco connects language learning with architecture, food, history and everyday life on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar.
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