colombia’s mix of music genres and dance styles is in large part due to its african population. cartagena, being a coastal city and thriving port during spanish conquest, became a forced entry point for enslaved africans, who brought with them their own rituals, instruments, and cultures they kept alive despite the horrific oppression they endured.

many people think colombians look a certain way, and it is hugely important to understand how diverse colombia’s population truly is. many of colombia’s most iconic dances and musicians come from this painful lineage. as we listen to this music and learn these beautiful dances, let’s acknowledge their origins.

beginning with…
joe arroyo - legend of salsa and born in cartagena, he began singing in brothels in cartagena’s red light district at age eight. he wrote and performed “la rebelión”, an international hit and one of the most important salsa songs ever. it tells the story of a 17th century slave revolt in cartagena. we’ll be shocked if we don’t hear it at some point on the trip.

totó la momposina - a living legend, she grew up traveling from vilage to village in cartagena’s department of bolívar. she is now the voice of folkloric music in colombia, which spans everything from cumbia to bullerengue and mapalé. her music is constantly sampled from artists around the world… maybe you’ll find her hit, el pescador, familiar.