Everyone knows Colombia has one of the best music scenes in the world. The South American country has singlehandedly given us Shakira, Maluma, JBalvin, and Karol G, to name a few. It's a fact: millions across the globe love Colombian music. But, contrary to popular belief, there’s more to Colombia’s music than Shakira's cumbia or Karol G's reggaeton. From traditional genres to modern styles, Colombia has been dubbed the “land of a thousand rhythms.” In fact, the country is home to over a hundred musical genres stemming from its African, Indigenous, and European heritage. Chances are you’ve probably heard of – and maybe danced to – most of these music genres from Colombia. Not sure? Here's a list to jog your memory, get your foot tapping and, hopefully, body moving.
11 Music Genres from Colombia
While we love them all, here are just 11 of the most popular music genres from Colombia. One has even made it to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be preserved before it’s lost.
1 Cumbia: Cumbia originated from courtship dances among West African slaves during the colonial era. It combines African drums, indigenous flutes, and European melodies through it all. It’s a magical combination that makes hips of all ages grove, Just picture Shakira on stage dancing and shouting out “Cumbia de Colombia!”
2 Vallenato: Like an accordion-filled love letter to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Vallenato holds strong traditional ties. It's even on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage to be preserved for future generations.
”Traditional Vallenato music fuses cultural expressions from northern Colombia, songs of cow-herders from the Greater Magdalena region, chants of African slaves, Spanish poetry, dance from the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and European-style instruments,” UNESCO explains. “Performed at festivals, '’parrandas’ where friends and family gather in the street, and in academic settings, it is considered vital to regional identity.”
3 Salsa: With roots in Latin American styles like Chachachá and Mambo, salsa is one of the most danced music genres in Colombia. Colombian salsa, also known as salsa caleña or Cali-style salsa, is a type of salsa dancing that originated in Cali, Colombia. It's known for its intricate footwork, acrobatic moves, and rotational structure.
4 Champeta: Champeta, also known as “terapia,” is a musical genre and dance that originated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the early 1980s. The roots of champeta trace back to an earlier style called “chalusonga,” which emerged in Palenque de San Basilio during the mid-1970s. Chalusonga combined Colombian chalupa rhythms with Afro-Cuban percussive music popularized by Estrellas del Caribe.
5 Porro: Initially, porro was a folkloric expression from the Sinú River area of the country. Over time, it evolved into a lively ballroom dance. Brass bands or orchestras predominantly play porro music, creating an energetic and rhythmic sound. Couples dance to it, making it a social and celebratory experience.
6 Gaita: Hailing from the Atlantic coast, gaita is deeply rooted in indigenous traditions. It revolves around the gaita flute, which produces haunting melodies. Gaita music accompanies rituals, ceremonies, and communal events, connecting people to their ancestral heritage.
7 Merecumbe: This Afro-Colombian genre celebrates African heritage and rhythms. It combines percussion instruments like drums and maracas with soulful vocals. Merecumbe is a vibrant expression of resilience and cultural pride among Afro-Colombian communities.
8 Currulao: Currulao thrives in the lush greenery of Colombia’s Pacific coast. This genre features marimbas, drums, and call-and-response vocals. It’s both meditative and invigorating, reflecting the natural beauty of the region..
9 Joropo: In the vast plains (llanos) of Colombia, and in neighboring Venezuela, you’ll encounter joropo. It’s a fiery dance genre accompanied by harps, maracas, and cuatro (a small guitar). On YouTube, some call it the “fast” dance from Colombia. Joropo celebrates rural life, love, and the spirit of the plains.
10 Bambuco: Nestled in the Andes mountains, bambuco is poetic and nostalgic. Its melancholic melodies evoke love, longing, and the rugged landscapes. Harp, guitar, and flute create a soul-stirring ambiance. Colombian’s refer to this genre as “folkloric.”
11 Mapale: “Mapale is a Colombian musical genre and dance original of the Afro Colombian culture of the Pacific and Caribbean Regions of Colombia.The dance was introduced by African slaves brought in ships by the Spanish, who came mainly from Angola,” the Bino and Fino blog explains. Mapale is pure energy. Drums, maracas, and call-and-response chants drive this dance genre. It’s a celebration of life, sensuality, and community.
Featured image courtesy of Deposit Photos.
