Colombian music artists are as diverse and rich as the country itself. The following artists have given Colombian music an exclusive spot in the Latin music. This list features a vibrant collage of talent that touches a full spectrum of rhythms ranging from Salsa and Vallenato to Latin Pop and Rock music.
Joe Arroyo
Photo Courtesy Discos Fuentes/Miami Records
Joe Arroyo is one of the most influential artists from Colombia. He had a long career defined by the sounds of Salsa and different Caribbean rhythms such as Merengue, Soca and Reggae. In fact, he created his own musical brand, which was known as 'Joeson.'
Alvaro Jose Arroyo gained exposure in the Latin music world thanks to the time he spent with the legendary Colombian band of Fruko y sus Tesos. Some of the best hits produced by Joe Arroyo include titles such as "La Rebelion", "La Noche," "P'al Bailador" and "Suave Bruta."
Carlos Vives
Photo courtesy Philips Sonolux
Before Carlos Vives became an international star, he was mainly known to Colombians through soap operas. It was, indeed, from a popular soap opera that Carlos Vives took the idea of trying Vallenato. His first Vallenato album, Clasicos de la Provincia, was a compilation of classic songs and it soon became a hit around the country.
The sounds were so catchy that the album soon moved beyond the Colombian borders. Since then, Carlos Vives has been producing Vallenato albums playing around this rhythm with innovative sounds that have shaped the singer's cross-over style. Carlos Vives has enriched Latin music with an important part of the Colombian folklore.
Grupo Niche
Photo courtesy Sonu U.S. Latin
Throughout history, Colombians have developed a taste for music coming from the Caribbean. In particular, Salsa found a prosperous place in the Pacific region and cities like Quibdo, Buenaventura and Cali became infatuated with this vibrant music.
Jairo Varela, a Quibdo native, was a young and talented musician interested in producing authentic Colombian Salsa. That idea gave birth to Grupo Niche, a band that brought to Salsa a new and exhilarating flavor. During the 1980s, Niche built its sound thanks to albums like No Hay Quinto Malo and Tapando El Hueco. After Cielo de Tambores, the band consolidated its image as one of the best names names in Salsa music.
Juanes
Photo courtesy Universal Latino
This singer and musician started his career as a member of the local Rock band Ekhymosis. After that experience, the hard Rock singer decided it was time to evolve in a different way. His debut album, Un Dia Normal, became an enormous success in Colombia and throughout Latin America thanks to songs like "A Dios Le Pido," "La Paga," and "Es Por Ti."
His next album, Mi Sangre, confirmed the talent of this already big Latin Pop star. From this work, the single "La Camisa Negra" became a number one hit in more than 43 countries arond the world. One of the most innovative Latin Pop singers, Juanes is one of the best Colombian music artists.
Aterciopelados
Photo courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
Aterciopelados is a genuine example of Colombian creativity and diversity. Born with a heavy Punk flavor, the band soon perceived the need for incorporating new sounds into its Rock music. With this idea, in 1995 Aterciopelados produced El Dorado, one of the best Latin Rock albums and the one that brought the band's music to the world.
Aterciopelados music includes a collection of hits like "Bolero Falaz," "Florecita Rockera," and "Cancion Protesta.". Thanks to the talent of Andrea Echeverri (singer) and Hector Buitrago (bass player), the band has been able to create a cross-over style that is both dynamic and harmonious. Aterciopelados is at the very top of the Latin Rock genre.
Shakira
Photo courtesy Sony
Shakira has produced an incredible repertoire that has been shaped by her unique talent as a singer, songwriter and producer. Thanks to this and her global approach to music, Shakira has been able to open up the world to herself bringing the best of Colombia to every corner in the planet.
Shakira met success at a very young age. Her album Pies Descalzos took Colombia and Latin America by storm. After Donde Estan Los Ladrones and Laundry Service her career has been filled with worldwide hits that include songs like "Hips Don't Lie," "La Tortura," and "She Wolf.". A cross-over style artist who has captured audiences with her sensual dancing, Shakira tops the list of the most influential Colombian music artists.
