Colombian artists who captivate audiences with their voices and talent

Colombia is a country of talent. From the ancestral rhythms of the Greater Caribbean to the most contemporary pop and urban fusions, music has been a profound way to tell stories and celebrate diversity. In every chord and every lyric beats the voice of Colombian artists who have raised the name of the country of beauty high. Over time, different singers have taken that legacy to new territories, blending tradition with modernity and leaving an indelible mark both inside and outside the country. Below we present some of them so you can learn about their history and impact.

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Claudia de Colombia

Claudia de Colombia established herself in the 1970s as one of the most emblematic voices of romantic music and bolero in Colombia and Latin America. In 1970 she debuted with the single “Llévame contigo”, achieving great popularity with hits like “Tú me haces falta” and “Amor se escribe con llanto.” She was a pioneer, becoming the first Colombian singer to succeed in international recitals, performing at venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas. She also reached top chart positions in Latin America and the United States, sharing stages with figures like Roberto Carlos, Sandro, Leo Dan and José José. Her legacy transcended generations and borders, establishing her as a key figure in Colombian music.

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Andrea Echeverri

Andrea Echeverri became known as the vocalist of Aterciopelados, one of the most emblematic bands of Colombian rock and later as a solo artist. Her international breakthrough came in March 1996, when she accompanied Gustavo Cerati on the emblematic MTV Unplugged of Soda Stereo, performing “En La Ciudad De La Furia.” As a solo artist, Echeverri consolidated a proposal spanning musical genres such as rock, pop-rock and Latin folk, with lyrics exploring ancestral, environmental and feminist themes. Throughout her career she has become one of the most influential female voices in Colombian rock and a fundamental figure in Latin American music.

María Mulata

María Mulata represents the sound art of Colombia. Her repertoire includes genres such as bullerengue, bambuco, cumbia, porro, guabina and torbellino, the result of deep research into the oral traditions of the Greater Caribbean and the Colombian Pacific. In 2007 she won the Silver Seagull at the Viña del Mar Festival for “Me Duele el Alma,” a bullerengue that consolidated her international presence. She has also been nominated twice for Latin Grammys in the best folk album category and, more recently in 2023, for her children's album Colcha de Retazos, which aims to 

. With tours across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and the United States, María Mulata has established herself on the Colombian and international music scene.

Karol G

The Paisa artist Karol G is one of the most influential figures in reggaeton and Latin urban music. Her international success began with the track “Ahora Me Llama” with Bad Bunny in 2017 and was cemented with hits like “Tusa,” which reached number one on Latin and global charts. In 2023 her album Mañana Será Bonito made history as the first Spanish-language album by a woman to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. Winner of multiple awards, including Latin Grammys and a Grammy, the artist has taken her talent to international stages characterized by energy and charisma, becoming a new musical icon in Colombia and worldwide.

Shakira

Shakira is one of the most successful Colombian singers in history and one of the most influential artists in Latin pop. With over 125 million records sold, her career took off in the 1990s with albums like Pies descalzos and Dónde están los ladrones. Throughout her career, the Colombian singer-songwriter has fused genres such as pop, rock, reggaeton and electronic music, collaborating with artists like Mercedes Sosa, Alejandro Sanz, Gustavo Cerati, Rihanna and Beyonce. Her Super Bowl LIV performance and appearances at three FIFA World Cups have cemented her as a global icon. In 2023 she broke 14 Guinness records alongside Bizarrap thanks to BZRP Music Sessions #53, which became the most-streamed Latin song in 24 hours on Spotify and YouTube. With over 400 awards, including 15 Latin Grammys and 4 Grammys, Shakira remains a musical icon in Colombia and worldwide.

Totó la Momposina

Totó la Momposina is one of the leading exponents of traditional Colombian music. In 1964, together with her parents and siblings, she formed her first musical group, starting her professional career. Over the decades she has brought Colombian music to international stages, notably participating in the Nobel Prize in Literature ceremony in 1982, where she accompanied writer Gabriel García Márquez in Stockholm. Her discography includes albums like La Candela Viva. In recognition of her career, she has received awards such as the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the National Life and Work Award in 2011. Her legacy endures as a symbol of Colombia’s cultural wealth.

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Paola Jara

Paola Jara, from Antioquia, is one of the most prominent artists in Colombian popular music. Her career on the Colombian music and international scenes began when she opened for Vicente and Alejandro Fernández in Medellín, which increased her visibility. Throughout her trajectory she has shared stages with artists such as Darío Gómez, Marbelle, Jhonny Rivera, Las Hermanitas Calle and Helenita Vargas. She has released albums like Inigualable, En tus manos and Pa’ Olvidar, consolidating herself as one of the most representative voices of the popular genre in Colombia. Her influence and ability to connect with audiences have made her a reference for new generations of Colombian artists.

Adriana Lucía

Adriana Lucía is a Colombian singer and songwriter who has explored traditional genres such as cumbia, porro, tropipop and vallenato. Her album Porro Nuevo, in collaboration with Carlos Vives, established her as one of Colombia’s most innovative artists and a musical promise, fusing porro with urban and contemporary sounds. Throughout her career, she has worked with artists like Aterciopelados and Fonseca, and has received nominations for major awards such as the Latin Grammys, Premios Shock and Nuestra Tierra, standing out for her unique voice and commitment to Colombian music.

Catalina García

Catalina García is the charismatic lead voice of Monsieur Periné, a Colombian band known for blending genres like jazz, pop, folk, bolero and tropical music. Her first album, Hecho a Mano, attracted attention on alternative radio stations, while their second record, Caja de Música, earned them the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Catalina and the band have continued to reap success; their eclectic and innovative style has consolidated them as a Colombian musical proposal with international projection. Her voice and authenticity have made her an original and outstanding figure in the Latin American music scene.

Thus these Colombian singers have not only shaped the country’s musical history but also taken their talent to international stages, demonstrating Colombia’s strength, diversity and cultural richness through their voices.