In 1997, while a student at the
University of Miami,
Jorge Villamizar, a Colombian singer and guitarist, formed the band with fellow students André Lopes, a Brazilian bassist, and José Javier Freire, a Puerto Rican percussionist, after receiving a positive reception from playing a guitar outside of classes. They first played at student bars, parties, and on campus before expanding to small venues in Miami and Miami Beach. The band was the
opening act for
Alejandro Sanz in June 2002. It won a Grammy for best Latin pop album won best album at the Latin Grammy Awards. The song
Mi Primer Millón, a humorous account of trying to make it in the music industry, reached number 18 on the Hot Latin Charts in February 2003 In November 2003, Bacilos collaborated on an album with
Celso Piña and performed on the song "Bésala Ya".
Sin Verguenza, recorded in Brazil and Miami, was released in September 2004. It was produced by
Tom Capone and Juan Vicente Zambrano. The first single,
Pasos de Gigante reached number 8 on the Hot Latin singles charts in November 2004, It was nominated for a Grammy award for best Latin pop album. In July 2005, they were featured on ''
Late Night With Conan O'Brien''. Villamizar then launched a solo career. In October 2017, the band reunited. In April 2021, the band released their fifth studio album, "Abecedario," which includes two re-recorded hits,
Caraluna featuring
Carlos Vives, and
Tobacco y Chanel with
Morat. In 2021, José Javier Freire retired from the group. ==Artistry and influences==