91Èȱ¬

Colombia is home to some of the most popular music in the world, most notably Cumbia, a sultry, hypnotic rhythm that is almost impossible not to dance to. Natalio Cosoy shares his pick of the new crop of artists and talks to them about the state of their nation. After 50 years ravaged by conflict between the Farc left wing rebels and government forces, peace is finally in sight.

Featured musicians include Jeihhco and C15, a hip hop outfit who are using their music to galvanise the youth of Medellin, once the base for one of the biggest drug cartels in the world.

Masilva, is a self-styled ‘electrovador’ – electro-troubadour in English. He sees himself as a socially conscious artist and prides himself on his wide ranging musical borrowings, from Colombia and beyond.

Cumbia gets a dub make-over from Mario Galeano’s Frente Cumbiero. The Rolling Ruanas take a modern twist on the folk music of the Andes, and Nelda Piña, who has spent her long life keeping alive the distinctive vocal style of the Carribean coast region, now performs with the fresh young Bogotá Orquesta Afrobeat. Finally, Herencia de Timbiquí, from the Pacific Coast, reflect on the essence and the future of the country.

(Photo: Colombian hip hop artist Jeihhco Credit: Natalio Cosoy, 91Èȱ¬)