Among the plethora of genres that have shaped Colombian music, champeta stands out as a vibrant and energetic expression of the country’s rich cultural fusion. Originating in the Caribbean coastal region of Colombia, specifically Cartagena de Indias, champeta is a musical genre that embodies the cultural intermingling that has defined the country’s history.
Champeta music: A dialogue between Africa and the Caribbean
Champeta traces its roots to the transatlantic musical dialogue between the Caribbean and Africa. Its story begins with son cubano, a genre born in eastern Cuba that blended Spanish guitar traditions with Afro-Cuban rhythms. In the mid-20th century, Cuban records traveled across the Atlantic and found enthusiastic audiences in Central and West Africa, particularly in the Congo, where local musicians reinterpreted son cubano through electric guitars, Lingala lyrics, and a faster, more percussive pulse.
Decades later, those Congolese soukous and other African styles made their way back to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, especially Cartagena, carried by sailors, traders, and sound system culture. There, Afro-Colombian communities transformed the imported sounds once again, adding a heavier beat, sharper percussion, and an intensely rhythmic, dance-driven style that became known as champeta.
The genre is characterized by its infectious rhythms and upbeat melodies, often driven by the sound of drums, guitars, and other traditional instruments. The lyrics of champeta songs touch on a wide range of topics, from love and everyday life to social and political issues, reflecting the diverse experiences of the people who create and enjoy this music.
From marginalized to mainstream genre
Champeta was initially seen as a genre of the marginalized and lower-income communities.
Its informal origins and the fact that it was often associated with the working class led to its exclusion from mainstream music scenes. However, over the years, champeta’s infectious beats and dynamic dance moves captured the attention of a wider audience. Today, the genre has not only become popular in Colombia but has also gained international recognition.
Champeta isn’t just about the music; it’s also about dance. The dance style is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements. Dancers often move their hips, shoulders, and feet in sync with the music’s pulsating rhythms, creating a mesmerizing display of motion.
The highest recognition ever given to champeta came from Shakira, Colombia’s biggest star, who danced and showcased champeta music during her Super Bowl LIV halftime performance in 2020
As with any living musical genre, champeta continues to evolve. Contemporary artists have infused the genre with modern elements, blending it with genres like reggaeton, hip-hop, electronic music, and even South African amapiano. This fusion has propelled it to new heights of popularity, especially among younger generations who are drawn to its dynamic and versatile sound.