FEEL IT
Vallento is perhaps Colombia’s most
emblematic folk music genre. During the
Vallenato Legend Festival in April, the city
of Valledupar takes their passion for the
accordion to a whole new level as the
top vallenato musicians duel it out to be
crowned the country’s best accordion player.
Where to go: The Museum of the Accordion
in Valledupar.
Vallenato
The rhythm of Colombia’s Eastern Plains
is played on stringed instruments like the
harp and the cuatro, a small four-stringed
guitar, with maracas providing the beat.
The cowboys of this region often sing
joropo songs while crossing the plains
on horseback.Where to go: The International Joropo
Tournament in Villavicencio.Joropo
A mixture of indigenous and African musical
influences, cumbia is traditionally played
by three different drums and the gaita flute.
It’s one of the most iconic genres of the
Caribbean coast and is especially popular
in Santa Marta and the Guajira Peninsula.Where to go: Tayrona National Park.
Cumbia
Currulao is played on marimbas handmade
from the wood of the Chonta palm and
is the most important genre of the Pacific
region. Dancing to the rhythms of currulao
on the Pacific coast is a magical musical
experience in Colombia.
Where to go: Petronio Alvarez Festival
in Cali.
Currulao
Originating from Afro-Colombian
communities nestled along the Caribbean
coast, champeta has evolved from its early
folkloric roots to become one of the most
popular genres in the discos of Cartagena
and Barranquilla. Champeta parties often take
place on the street, with the music booming
out of soundsystems known as picós.Where to go: Cartagena.
Champeta
The new-kid-on-the-block is an intoxicating
blend of dancehall and hip-hop.
Many reggaeton artists like J. Balvin, Maluma
and Karol G have found international fame
in recent years and taken the genre from
the streets of Medellin to dancefloors
around the world.Where to go: Medellin.
Reggaeton
Barranquilla, Colombia. Tayrona National Park, Colombia.PARTNER CONTENT FOR COLOMBIA