Dubbed “The Land of a Thousand Rhythms”, Colombian music is influenced by a mix of Caribbean, African and European sounds, and indigenous folk. In WAT’s latest Picks of the Month, we’ve got infectiously catchy salsa, dreamy electro cumbia and traditional Colombian música popular meets reggaeton. (Spotify playlist is at the bottom of the article).
Karol G – Provenza
PROVENZA has a hazy feel to it. Produced by Ovy On The Drums (María Becerra, Micro TDH, Anuel AA / Ozuna), the rolling calypso-style bass and muted tropical beats mirror the late afternoon warmth of a sun-drenched beach or the mellow feel of the post-3am wind down. The most-awarded singer at the Latin AMAs this year, Karol G’s year is off to a good start as PROVENZA replaced her previous single MAMIII ft. Becky G at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart – the first time a woman has replaced herself since the charts were launched in 1986.
Salsangroove – Negros
The Bogotá-based trio are revolutionising the salsa scene with their fusion style of traditional instruments and modern electronica. Negros has a lot going on. It’s spicy enough to flirt with chaos but has enough precision to keep it from falling over the edge. Think feverish drumming, anthemic chanting and ecstatic saxophone improv.
Blessd – 10 pm
Blessd’s new single is inspired by Colombian Música Popular, drawing on mariachi, ranchera and corridos. It’s a departure from his previous album, Hecho En Medellín (2021), that heavily focused on reggaeton and this new direction highlights his versatility an an emerging artist. 10 pm opens with melancholy trumpets, then it’s joined by guitar and accordions. Finally, the reggaeton beat lands for an extra rhythm boost in time for the chorus. The song tells the story of two strangers who meet in a bar, one looking for a one-night-stand and the other getting over an ex.
Bad Bunny ft. Bomba esteréo – Ojitos Lindos
A seismic release in the world of Latin music, Puerto Rico’s Bad Bunny Un Verano Sin Ti can’t go unmentioned. Ojitos Lindos (Pretty Eyes) featuring Colombian electro-cumbia band Bomba Estéreo is one of the album highlights. Li Saumet’s echoing vocals float atop the distant trumpet hook and compliments Bad Bunny’s lower register. Ojitos Lindos is dreamy and vibrant, and the fade out sounds of seagulls and waves cements its status as a chilled summer hit.
Anddy Caicedo – De Quibdó a Nueva York
De Quibdó a Nueva York (From Quibdo to New York) is a love letter to salsa and it brims with jazzy infectious rhythms, guaranteed to get you moving. Caicedo started his career as the singer of the Guayacán orchestra and is best-known for Te Voy a Olividar ft. Casanova. De Quibdó a Nueva York is the first track of his new album Sin Fluctuar, and other standout tracks include the smooth love song Mi amor para siempre.