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.
