For the Love of Music and Dance

Music is a big part of everyday life here in Colombia.  From the minibuses to the tiendas (corner stores), everyone is sharing their favourite tunes for those around to enjoy.  Music is very important to me, so I can appreciate their love of music and have taken full advantage of having radio access on my cellphone here!  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am rarely caught not listening to music and that I will develop a nervous tic if I don’t go out dancing at least once a week!  There is an impressive supply of talented Colombian artists, much like in Canada, and I am sure I don’t know the half of it.  Straddled by both the Pacific and Caribbean, Colombia has been affected by so many different musical genres and influences over the years, it is not surprising that there are many different musical styles found within the country representing a very dynamic musical environment.

For those who have never been to Colombia, or Latin America, or for anyone just interested, I would like to share some of my favourite Colombian artists, as well as some of my roommate, Angela’s favourites.  So, in the spirit of Hillside Festival, which I am sad to be missing this weekend, and in preparation for a Saturday night out dancing, enjoy!

P.S.  Please feel free to comment on your favourite or post your own favourite local artists and songs, or of any Colombian greats that I have missed (for my Colombian and expat friends reading).

Artist J Balvin (hottest Colombian Reggaeton artist at present) in Sin Compromiso, with plenty of bikini-clad women in Me Gustas Tu, and with Jay & El Punto (also Colombian artists), Bailemos Otra Vez.

Golpe a Golpe, singing No Se Como se Llama.  I spent a month trying to find out who this artist was, every time I heard the song I would ask anyone around!  Obviously they are not well known yet but with songs like these, they will be…

Amazing videos from Choc Quib Town (Hip hop group nominated and pending results for Best Artist of 2011 in Colombia and won several awards in 2010), that give an interesting look at the Colombian people and countryside – Songs Somos Pacificos, El Bombo (song of Fifa 2011), De Donde Vengo Yo (won several awards in 2010), and Oro (nominated for a Grammy in 2011).

People go crazy on the dancefloor when they hear this song, Fuego, by Bomba Estereo.

An example of the famous Colombian Cumbia, Armando Hernandez with La Zenaida.  And multiple-time Grammy-winner, Carlos Vives, performing the popular style Vallenato, in Carito.  Typical Colombian salsa, En Barranquilla me Quedo, performed by Joe Arroyo.

Artist Jorge Celedon whose song Esta Vida brought me great joy during my last Colombian trip. And another good one of his, Parranda en el Cafetal, with more traditional Colombian sounds.

A very different sound, popular Aterciopelados singing Bolero Falaz.

A nod to Colombian artists would not be complete without mentioning Juanes.  I had Juanes’ A Dios Le Pido on a mixed CD I made in about 2003, around the time he  broke away from his heavy metal band to begin his solo career.  Juanes has won so many musical awards worldwide, here are a few of his hits:  Me Enamora and La Tierra.

Of course, last but not least, Colombia’s most famous singer, Shakira and her lastest tunes, Loca and Rabiosa (English version – I don’t think most locals like her English songs though).

I have really only scratched the surface here and I’m sure I’ve missed many amazing Colombian artists, so please feel free to put your two cents in.  Hope you’ve enjoyed this musical look into the Colombian culture!