For decades, Colombia has dominated global charts with numerous hits. From Juanes to Karol G, Colombian songs have conquered the world since the beginning of the century, with talented artists who have gained international recognition. From rock to pop, with a stop at reggaeton, you’ve undoubtedly heard some of these hits that put Colombia on the map.
Given the difficulty of choosing, we’ve compiled a list of 12 global hits by Colombian artists that have made the world dance. We’ve selected only Spanish-language songs, excluding Shakira’s English hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” despite their lasting impact. We’ve only included songs where a Colombian artist leads, leaving out collaborations like Ritmo by J Balvin and the Black Eyed Peas, despite the commercial success.
Top 12 global Colombian songs
La Camisa Negra – Juanes (2005)
Released on April 11, 2005, “La Camisa Negra” was part of the album “Mi Sangre.” Written by Juanes, it blends Latin rock with elements of traditional Colombian music and tells the story of a man abandoned by his lover. It became an international hit, especially in Europe, topping charts in Germany, Italy, France and numerous countries. “La Camisa Negra” won the Latin Grammy for Best Song in 2006. The song notably sparked controversy in Italy due to the association of its title with fascism, though Juanes clarified that its meaning was purely sentimental.
La Tortura – Shakira (2005)
Released on April 12, 2005, as the lead single from album “Fijación Oral, Vol. 1”, “La Tortura” is a collaboration between Shakira and Alejandro Sanz. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who suffers betrayal from her partner and his subsequent regret. The song was a huge success, reaching number one on Billboard Hot Latin Songs, topping the char for 25 non-consecutive weeks. Globally, it was one of the best-selling and most-played songs on Spanish-language radio. The song won the 2006 Record of the Year Latin Grammy.
Me Enamora – Juanes (2007)
On September 3, 2007, Juanes released “Me Enamora” as the lead single from “La Vida… Es un Ratico.” This upbeat Latin rock song expresses deep love for a romantic partner. It was a global hit and reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, topping the ranking for 20 non-consecutive weeks. The song won multiple awards, including three Latin Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video, as well as the Gold Torch and Silver Seagull at Viña del Mar.
Ginza – J Balvin (2015)
Released on July 17, 2015, as part of “Energía, Ginza” became a modern reggaeton hit. The title comes from an Instagram filter used by J Balvin and references a neighborhood in Tokyo. The song reached number one in the U.S. Hot Latin Songs, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, breaking records for longevity on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Internationally, “Ginza” was the artist’s first Latin song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated Shazam charts in Asia and the Middle East. Its music video, filmed in Medellin and directed by Juan Pablo Valencia, features an urban and colorful aesthetic.
Chantaje – Shakira & Maluma (2016)
Released on October 28, 2016, as the lead single from “El Dorado,” “Chantaje” is a reggaeton track with pop influences explores emotional manipulation in a romantic relationship.
A commercial success, “Chantaje” topped the charts in the U.S., Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and more, earning multi-platinum certifications. It won awards at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Premios Lo Nuestro. Shakira performed it during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020, cementing its global impact.
The music video, directed by Jaume de Laiguana, features a seductive urban atmosphere, with Shakira’s provocative dance moves and Maluma following her in a bar. The video amassed billions of views on YouTube, making it one of Shakira’s most-watched clips.
Mi Gente – J Balvin (2017)
“Mi Gente,” by J Balvin and French producer Willy William, was released on June 29, 2017, becoming a global hit. The song blends reggaeton with moombahton, and its infectious rhythm made it go viral on social media and streaming platforms.
The Colombian song broke records by surpassing 3.4 billion views on YouTube and was performed during Super Bowl LIV. This global hit, along with Despacito, paved the way for the popularization and success of reggaeton outside of Latin America
In September 2017, J Balvin released a remix featuring Beyonce to support victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Beyonce donated all proceeds from the remix to humanitarian aid organizations, adding a philanthropic impact to the song.
Tusa – Karol G (2019)
Released on November 7, 2019, “Tusa” was a collaboration between Karol G and Nicki Minaj. The song blends reggaeton, pop, and Latin trap, telling the story of a woman trying to get over an ex. It became a viral sensation, reaching number one in 17 countries, including the Netherlands and US Hot Latin Songs. It also had a significant impact by debuting at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 42. Additionally, it became the first female collaboration to top the Hot Latin Songs and Latin Streaming Songs charts.
In 2020, it won Best Urban Song award at the Latin Grammys.
Hawai – Maluma (2020)
Released on July 29, 2020, Hawai was a preview of Maluma’s album Papi Juancho. This smooth reggaeton track explores heartbreak in the social media era. Maluma performed it at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Latin Music Awards. In November of the same year, he released a remix featuring The Weeknd, expanding its global reach.
Telepatia – Kali Uchis (2020)
Released on November 17, 2020, as part of “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios),” “Telepatia” is a bilingual R&B and Latin pop track about a deep spiritual connection with someone far away. The song went viral on TikTok and topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, making Kali Uchis the first solo female artist to do so in nearly a decade. The music video, directed by Kali Uchis, was filmed in her hometown of Pereira, Colombia.
Provenza – Karol G (2022)
Released on April 21, 2022, as the lead single from “Mañana Será Bonito,” “Provenza” was written by Karol G, Daniel Echavarría, and Kevin Cruz. Inspired by Medellín’s Provenza neighborhood, the song reminisces about a past love. It reached number one in multiple countries and surpassed 1.4 billion streams on Spotify.
TQG – Shakira & Karol G (2023)
Released on February 23, 2023, as part of Karol G’s album “Mañana Será Bonito,” TQG was written by Karol G, Shakira, Keityn, and Ovy On The Drums. This reggaeton anthem conveys themes of empowerment and personal growth.
The lyrics describe a woman who has transformed and grown stronger after a failed relationship, rejecting her ex’s attempts to return. TQG became one of the most viral songs ever, especially on TikTok and YouTube, where the official video surpassed one billion views, ranking among the most-watched videos of the year.
Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido – Karol G (2024)
Released on June 21, 2024, as the lead single from “Mañana Sera Bonito”, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” is a merengue-mambo track reflects on regret and what could have been in a missed relationship. The song topped charts in Latin America, Europe and the U.S. Its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics resonated with many listeners, making it one of the year’s most popular songs.
The music video, directed by Mike Ho, features Karol G in a vibrant and festive setting, celebrating and dancing along with a group of performers, capturing the joyful spirit of the song.