Celebrating Latin American music in Colombia
A highly subjective rundown, from a British journalist living in the home of reggaeton.
In a spirit of transparency, I have no data to back up the popular claim that Medellín is the home of reggaeton, other than that the city gave rise to some of the genre’s stars, from J Balvin to Karol G. No offence intended to the other large centres, like San Juan in Puerto Rico.
In my work I usually focus on current affairs and politics in Colombia, but I spend a large amount of time listening to a range of incredible music coming out of this part of the continent.
Since my first visit to the country in 2015, I’ve found it unbelievable that music from Latin America doesn’t get more mainstream coverage in the UK.
That trip to see friends who were studying in Bogotá was my first serious exposure to the range of genres, styles, and cultures of Colombia. It was also my introduction to reggaeton, which is a genre I love, despite the prejudices its lyrics can contain.
In the meantime, before coming to work here, I learned more about the country’s musical and cultural history, from salsa, vallenato, and bolero to champeta and salsa choke.
I don’t pretend I’ll be able to do justice to the diversity of this country and its music. This is an attempt to celebrate great music either made by Colombians or popular in Medellín, which doesn’t get widely covered on British radio/media.
Though music from Colombia, and around Latin America, doesn’t often get airtime in the UK, that’s not to say it doesn’t reach a huge, international audience.
From huge hits with billions of Youtube views to the more experimental, I’m here for it all.
NB. This is a Reggaeton Lento and Despacito-free space.
In no particular order:
1. Ghetto Kumbé — Eso No Me Falla
Ghetto Kumbé describe their music as a mix of ‘House Caribeño’ with futuristic beats.
“Rhythms that come and go like a ritual, lyrics that are immersed in the unconscious mind to make the body move and bang to the rhythm of percussion,” they say on their Soundcloud.
Their latest single, Eso No Me Falla, mixes thudding percussion with a haunting flute, synths, and echoing lyrics. They shot a video for it around Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
The three musicians grew up along that coastline, and are strongly influenced by a range of Caribbean styles, particularly the sounds of their shared afro-Colombian heritage.
I first heard about them through the UK’s Movimientos radio show, presented by Cal Jader. They put on brilliant nights in London and are well worth a follow.
2. Nicky Jam — Si Tú La Ves
Nicky, Nicky, Nicky Jam, as his musical signature goes, has long been running the reggaeton world. If you go out in Medellín currently, you will hear Si Tú La Ves, alongside fellow Puerto Rican Wisin.
It came out on his album Fénix at the beginning of 2017, but got a new video and a single relase in July. At the time of writing, the video has just over 70 million views.
Not bad. He may be less impressed, considering he has multiple videos hovering around the billion-view mark. For sure, I don’t pretend this is a groundbreaking, taste-making, hot take…
3. Quantic & Nidia Góngora — Que Me Duele
Nidia Gongorra released her first solo album, Curao, in May. It’s the first foray away from her group, Canalón de Timbiquí, and sees her sing over productions from British producer Quantic.
She gave this brilliant interview to the Guardian on pacific sounds, machismo and making music.
Further proof that Afro-Colombians are running it.
4. Mr Pauer — Pronto Vamo’a Llegá
From Colombia to Miami, by way of Venezuela.
Toto González, better known as Mr Pauer, makes incredible music that makes my spirit soar. Pronto Vamo’a Llega, with Tumbao, is one of my favourites.
5. Choc Quib Town — Somos Pacifico
Choc Quib Town are grammy-winning hip-hop royalty in Colombia, refreshingly fronted by Gloria Martinez, who is sure to go down as one of the best MCs going.
They have recently turned towards a more reggaeton-focused sound, though they have worked with a range of style in the past. Notably, for me, making stripped-back, classic hip-hop with Pacific influences.
6. Cali Flow Latino — Swagga
Music in Colombia is much more closely tied to dance than in the UK, probably because most people here can genuinely dance (no hate on other Europeans, I definitely can’t).
For urban salsa, highly popular among Colombians, Cali Flow Latino have had some huge hits. Ras Tas Tas was playing everywhere on my first visit to Colombia, though it’s the even more thumpingly discordant Swagga I’ve gone for here.
This genre, like its cousin reggaeton, can be highly misogynistic and homophobic in their lyrics and videos. It’s hard to reconcile that with its popularity — to be fair, it’s something music from the US and UK is equally struggling with, if Blurred Lines is any indication.
7. Sara Hebe — Esa Mierda, Puta
Sara Hebe is a rapper from Argentina. Since her first album, 2009's La Hija del Loco, she’s made two more that further showcase her lyrical talents, most recently with production by Ramiro Jota.
I first heard her music on the soundtrack to El Marginal, an Argentinian prison-drama I thoroughly recommend (I watched it on Netflix in the UK).
She engages with the realities of working-class life in Argentina, and speaks out on politics and corruption in her music.
Fuego.
8. Karol G — Ahora Me Llama
A reigning queen of reggaeton, Karol G’s Ahora Me Llama has caught me and is not letting go.
It’s super bacano and so. damn. catchy.
9. Dona Onete — No Meio de Pitiú
Dona Onete is a complete boss. The 78 year-old Brazilian comes from the Amazon and released her first album in her 70s. Her most recent album Banzeiro is just full of life.
Michelle Mercer has a brilliant, short analysis on NPR that goes beyond the obvious. Yes, she is a septuagenarian embracing her sexuality and living her best life, but her music has more to offer.
10. Bomba Estéreo — Duele
Bogota-based Bomba Estéreo is one of Colombia’s most successful bands, making what they describe as ‘psychedelic cumbia’.
Their music can be ‘experimental’, but they have consistently interesting videos. I’m a particularly big fan of this surrealist video for Duele, which is already a banger.
‘ Es como si Almodóvar y Dalí hubieran tenido unas vacaciones en Colombia,’ said one Youtube commenter, which I thought was particularly apt.
Thanks for reading. Please do let me know what you think — I’m completely open to hatemail. All likes/shares appreciated! I share the odd tune on my twitter, if you want more suggestions…
If you liked the pictures at the beginning of the story. I also have a Facebook page and Instagram where I post pictures…
I’ve ignored lots of brilliant music, and probably picked some divisive ones. Sorry to those who, for example, hate reggaeton and love punk/rock. It’s not for me, so I’ve ignored it.
