Emerging artists face an uphill battle in today’s music landscape. Their success often hinges on algorithms, digital streaming platform playlists, viral moments, or signing with the right label. Platforms like NPR’s Tiny Desk (check out our post on 5 Colombian Artists Who Rocked the Tiny Desk Stage) and Sofar Sounds have played crucial roles in showcasing new talent. IN this space, A COLORS SHOW has emerged as a powerful cultural force, offering a minimalist, monochromatic setting for music lovers to discover fresh, under-the-radar sounds.

A COLORS SHOW is a cultural hub where music, fashion, and entertainment collide. Unlike Tiny Desk or Sofar Sounds, A COLORS SHOW emphasizes substances over interaction. There is no live audience, and artists typically perform just one track, often unreleased, which makes each performance intimate and focused on the music itself. The fuss-free format allows the artists to shine in an era that often rewards short attention spans and flashy viral moments.

What really sets A COLORS SHOW apart, though, is its commitment to diversity. The platform showcases musicians from all around the world, offering a global stage for Black, Brown, LGBTQ, multilingual, and multi-ethnic artists who are often underrepresented in mainstream media. A COLORS SHOW is a disrupter, celebrating individuality and authenticity—qualities that resonate deeply with today’s audiences and are often lost in mainstream music platforms.

For emerging Colombian artists, performing on A COLORS SHOW can be a game-changer. The platform’s global reach helps them build fanbases well beyond Colombia’s borders. With this exposure, they’re able to connect with new listeners while staying true to their unique identity.

Here are 5 Colombian Artists Who Have Left Their Mark on A COLORS SHOW

Lido Pimienta

The monochromatic backdrop of the performance is essential to A COLORS SHOW’s aesthetic and Lido Pimienta’s performance was no exception. The orange-brown hue creates a warm earthy vibe that might also reflect a deeper connection to nature and earth, potentially linking her to her indigenous heritage. The performance was timed before the release of her album Miss Colombia, a body of work that is a bold protest against Colombian society. While the studio version of the song features Li Saumet from Bomba Estéreo, Pimienta’s solo performance on A COLORS SHOW showcases her individual power, placing the focus entirely on her voice and presence.

Lido’s choice of attire—an oversized, flowing dress that blends with the set, paired with fun, flower adorned white platform shoes—makes a clear statement. A duality that mirrors the themes of her work: navigating multiple identities, embracing her indigenous roots, and standing firm against the forces of colonialism. Her long braids nearly touching the floor, are a powerful symbol of identity, and become an extension of her body and her performance. She uses them as part of her dance, adding movement, and grace. Lido Pimienta’s A COLORS SHOW performance is a masterclass.

Delfina Dib

Delfina Dib is Argentinian, but her long-standing residency in Colombia had deeply influenced her music. This blending of cultures is evident in her sound, which incorporates Colombian urban characteristics and reggaeton rhythms.

The performance is set against a light blue backdrop that brings to mind a crisp, cold sky—a subtle, calming contrast to the fire and passion of the song. Delfina’s silver outfit, plays off the cool blue hue of the set, creating a visually striking contrast. This silver look can also be seen as a an armor, protecting her emotionally as she navigate the themes of heartbreak and loneliness in the lyrics.

Juliana

The set design for this performance features a pinkish hue, which gives the space a warm, soft feeling that contrasts with the heaviness of the song’s narrative. “Narices Frias” tells a vivid, cinematic story reminiscent of Willie Colón or Rubén Blades. The song is a story about a mix of fleeting love, crime, and consequence, all wrapped in the gritty realities of the streets. The song builds slowly, starting with a reflective tone that mirrors the somber storytelling, before transitioning into a vibrant salsa rhythm. Her vocals amplify the drama and emotion behind the lyrics, making the performance unforgettable.

Juliana’s choice of a bold, bright red leather bell-bottom outfit immediately commands attention. The bright red not only reflects her confidence but also ties into the them of passion, danger, and intensity that are woven throughout the song. Juliana’s performance of “Narices Frías” on A COLORS SHOW is a masterful blend of storytelling, style, and stage presence.

Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Gabriel Garzón-Montano opens his set draped in a dramatic white overcoat, performing “Someone,” an R&B track that explores love, loss, and reconciliation. The overcoat evokes a ghostly presence, fitting for a song about past emotions. He sheds this ghost, seamlessly transitioning into “Agüita,” an upbeat, reggaeton swag track that blends his streetwise confidence and cultural nods to Colombia and Brooklyn. He closes his medley with “Bloom,” a stripped-down acoustic track, accompanied by a guitar and women playing violins, and violoncello, emphasizing the emotinal depth of the final piece.

His voice adapts fluidly, moving from soulful in “Someone,” to raw, bold, and confident in “Agüita,” to tender and delicate in “Bloom.” This range showcases range and command of both musical styles and emotional storytelling.

What makes this performance captivating is Garzón-Montano’s versatility, both visually and musically. He shifts effortlessly between genres—R&B, reggaeton, and acoustic balladry—each performance distinct but cohesive.

Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis brings a hauntingly soulful rendition of “Killer” from her Isolation album to A COLORS SHOW, enveloped in a striking and symbolic blood-red backdrop, amplifying the theme of betrayal and heartbreak in the song.

Dressed in a burgundy halter top, matching dark red skirt, and matching Air Max 97s she balances elegance and edge, much like the song’s mix of beauty and darkness. The backdrop, her attire, and her soulful voice work together to powerfully represent the pain and betrayal in the lyrics.

Kali Uchis’ voice is the heart of this performance. Her slow, deliberate pronunciation of the lyrics allows every word to sink in, making the emotional weight of the song more palpable. This slow delivery, coupled with the minimalistic set, allows the audience to focus fully on the emotions behind the lyrics.

The simplicity of her movements—swaying slightly to the rhythm, the occasional glance toward the camera—only adds to the intensity of the performance, allowing the focus to remain on the emotional depth of the song.

The Power of A COLORS SHOW for Colombian Artists

As A COLORS SHOW continues to grow, it offers a powerful platform for Colombian musicians to share their sounds with the world. By providing a space that focuses on authenticity and diversity, A COLORS SHOW not only reshapes how we discover music but also ensures that underrepresented voices are heard loud and clear.

For those of you looking to explore more exciting talent, I highly recommend checking out the sounds of Alexis Play, Lalo Cortés, Thaissa, and ¿Teo?. Much like the artists featured in A COLORS SHOW, they offer a fresh take on genres ranging from urban rhythms to Afro-Colombian beats. Each of thing bringing something new to the table, continuing to push the boundaries of the Colombian music scene.

If I could travel back in time, I’d go straight to the late 60s and 70s in New York City, the birthplace of salsa as we know it. Although the origins of salsa have generated some controversy and credited to NYC, its roots lie in the Cuban and Antillean sounds—its the remix of the Cuban 50s. But that is neither here nor there. Salsa is the definition of a cultural movement that brought together Latinos in the United States and also connected the community in the U.S. to Latin America. And this is precisely what music has done fore me my entire life—bring me closer to my roots.

Salsa’s first sounds in Colombia were heard in the coastal cities and in Cali; radio helped spread it to the rest of the country. Bogotá was likely one of the last major sities to embrace salsa but has played an important role in the development of the genre. Though Cali is universally recognized as the “Salsa Capital of the World” and the genre’s cultural hub, Bogotá’s contribution to the development of Colombian salsa has often been overlooked.

Driven by economic factors, many musicians from Colombia’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts relocated to Bogotá in the 1970s. Among them was Aristarco Perea “El Moro,” who established La Casa Folclórica del Chocó. This space became a hub for musicians to meet, including Jairo Varela, founder of Grupo Niche, and Alexis Lozano, who would later create Orquesta Guayacán. Influential figures like Aristarco and venues like La Casa Folclórica del Chocó played a crucial role in shaping Bogotá as the birthplace of iconic groups such as Grupo Niche, Orquesta Guayacán, and the country’s first all-women salsa band, Cañabrava (Gómez, 2014, p. 40).

Though these groups ultimately returned to Cali to further their legacies, their impact on Bogotá is undeniable. Immigration and technology helped shape the city’s distinctive salsa sound, which continues to thrive today. Bogotá now hosts Salsa al Parque, a celebrated annual event held every October since 1997, providing a platform for both national and international artists.

Bogotá’s salsa has developed its own unique sound, influenced by modern genres such as rock, hip hop, and punk, as well as the city’s gritty urban atmosphere. It takes inspiration from artists like Markolino Dimond and the salsa brava movement of New York. The lyrics don’t often dwell on love; instead, they reflect the street hustle, rivalry, and the relentless grind of city life. The music pulses with the energy of Bogotá, frequently incorporating collaborations with other genre’s. Unlike in Cali, where salsa is intrinsically linked to dance, Bogotá’s salsa is defined by the city’s raw energy, not the dance floor.

Here are five salsa groups and artist from Bogotá that embody these sounds:

La-33

La-33 was founded in 2001 by Sergio and Santiago Mejía. The group is famous for blending traditional salsa with elements of jazz, funk, and rock, creating a unique and modern sound. They have gained international recognition with their hit “La Pantera Mambo,” a salsa version of the classic Pink Panther theme.

One of my favorite collaborations is La-33’s performance with the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra. They teamed up to celebrate Bogotá’s 485th birthday at one of the country’s most prestigious venues, Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo. The show was led by musical director Rubián Zuluaga, with arrangements by Leo Morales.

Pablo Watusi

This blog post was inspired by a conversation I had last year with Pablo Watusi. He spoke about how Bogotá has been largely overlooked in the history of Colombian salsa, which pushed me to dig deeper and do my own research. Pablo was one of the original members of La-33, but in 2016, he started his own project, Salsangroove. In 2017, their self-titled debut album was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Fusion Album.

Pablo Watusi’s music embodies the cultural blend that defines Bogotá. His songs invite listeners to reflect on real issues, but with a touch of his own magic, all through the lens of salsa. He truly represents the afrocachaco spirit—a fusion of sounds and experiences that capture the city’s rich multicultural vibe. With each track, Watusi brings the heart and hustle of Bogotá to life.

La Pambelé

They came, they saw, they conquered. Named after Colombia’s legendary boxer Kid Pambelé, La Pambelé entered the scene with a fighting spirit. Drawing heavy inspiration from salsa brava icons like Markolino Dimond and Orquesta Zodiac, the group is a reflection of the post-pandemic world. Formed in 2021 by Camilo Toro and Miguel Rodríguez, and joined by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Lorena Contento, La Pambelé captures the resilience and frustration of urban life in Bogotá. Contento’s presence adds a much-needed feminine touch to a genre in Colombia that often lacks female representation. Their music resonates with the struggles of contemporary metropolises, embodying the spirit of a city facing its own battles.

Recently, they had the honor of opening for Marc Anthony, showcasing their dynamic presence and the depth of their salsa sounds.

El Clan del Solar

El Clan del Solar, formed in 2018 by Germán Ruiz, better known as “Germán el Trombón,” is a standout in Bogotá’s salsa scene. Much like the early days of salsa in the capital, the band has become a rotating collective of talent from across Colombia, especially from Cali. They’ve worked with renowned artists like Mauro Castillo—famed for his role as Félix in Encanto and his participation on “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”—as well as Charlie Cardona, former lead singer of Grupo Niche, and César Mora, among others. Winners of Salsa al Parque in both 2021 and 2022, El Clan del Solar sets itself apart with a more diverse sound. Rather than focusing solely on salsa brava from the ’70s, they’ve explored cha-cha-chá, salsa caleña, and big band styles, showcasing their musical versatility.

La Radio Bembé Orquesta

La Radio Bembé Orquesta was formed in Argentina in 2015. Founded by Juan Camilo Camacho, Sebastián Poveda, and Joshua Soruco, the band combines storytelling with dark humor to capture the realities of life in Bogotá. They take their inspiration from the salsa brava from New York in the 1970s and blend these influences with contemporary sounds, incorporating elements of hip hop and punk into their music. This fusion creates a fresh take on salsa, reflecting both the past and the pulse of modern urban life.

Sources:

Gómez, L. S. (2014). El Buenartista Social Club (Historia de una promesa). In Fuera zapato viejo: Crónicas, retratos y entrevistas sobre la salsa en Bogotá. IDARTES.