8 To Watch at Festival Cordillera: The Pulse of Latin America’s Next Wave

As it’s become habitual around this time of the year, Festival Cordillera is back. This year’s lineup promises a stacked and vibrant mix of continental talent that spans generations, genres, and territories.

From iconic legends to rising stars, we picked eight projects that are set to leave an indelible mark on the grounds of Bogotá’s Parque Simón Bolívar during the coming 14th and 15th of September, reflecting the diverse pulse of Latin America’s ever-evolving music scene.

Systema Solar

Systema Solar embodies the vibrant energy and eclectic sounds of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Formed in Santa Marta, this collective has become known for their party-oriented music, deeply rooted in the picó/soundsystem culture of the region. Since their inception in 2006, they’ve been blending Caribbean rhythms like champeta, cumbia, and salsa with electronic beats, creating an innovative genre they call “berbeneutika”.

Their music, a fusion of traditional Colombian sounds with modern electronic influences, has taken them from local stages to major festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. Their albums, praised for their social and political commentary, make them more than just party starters—they’re messengers of change.

Trueno

Emerging from the heart of Buenos Aires’ iconic La Boca neighborhood, Trueno has swiftly become a defining voice in Latin American rap. His journey from national freestyle battles to international acclaim has been marked by a relentless drive and a unique ability to blend sharp, socially conscious lyrics with infectious rhythms and beats. With roots deep in the streets and influences spanning from Eminem to Daddy Yankee, Trueno’s music captures the raw energy of his upbringing, while pushing the boundaries of modern rap.

His latest album, El Último Baile, is a testament to his growth as an artist, weaving together powerful narratives and bold, genre-defying sounds. Tracks like “Dance Crip” and “REAL GANGSTA LOVE” have dominated global charts during the summer of ’24, solidifying his status as a major player in the urban music scene. As he prepares to take the stage at Festival Cordillera, Trueno brings with him the spirit of a new generation of South American artists—ready to challenge, inspire, and ignite the crowd with his explosive energy.

Canalón de Timbiquí

Canalón de Timbiquí represents the living legacy of Colombia’s Pacific coast, blending ancestral sounds with modern sensibilities. Originating from Timbiquí, Cauca, and led by the powerful voice of Nidia Góngora, this group is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich musical heritage. Their music is a fusion of traditional instruments like the marimba, cununo, bombo, and guasá, all coming together to create a sound that is both deeply rooted in the past and forward-looking.

With over two decades of preserving and evolving the sounds of the Pacific, Canalón de Timbiquí has become a cultural beacon, earning them recognition as “the jewel of Colombia’s Pacific”. Their album De mar y río was nominated for a Latin Grammy, a testament to their role as guardians of the region’s musical traditions.

Los Mirlos

Los Mirlos are the undisputed pioneers of Amazonian Cumbia, a genre that blends the rhythms of the Peruvian jungle with the infectious beats of cumbia. Formed in 1973 in Lima, but with roots in the city of Moyobamba, this legendary band has spent nearly five decades spreading the sound of the Amazon across the globe. Known as “Los Charapas de Oro”, their sound is a vibrant celebration of the Peruvian Amazon, capturing the spirit of the jungle through both instrumental and vocal tracks.

Having released close to 30 albums, Los Mirlos have become world class cultural ambassadors, taking their unique sound on tours across Latin America, the United States, and beyond. Their influence extends to new generations of listeners who are drawn to the psychedelic cumbia they helped to popularize.

Omara Portuondo & La Failde

At 93, Omara Portuondo, a living legend of Cuban music, continues to captivate audiences with her timeless voice and extraordinary legacy. Known as “La diva del Buena Vista Social Club”, Omara’s career spans over seven decades, during which she has become one of the most revered figures in Latin American music. Her influence stretches back to the late 1940s when she first began performing professionally in Havana, and her contributions to the “filin” style have made her an iconic figure in the world of boleros and Cuban son.

Omara’s journey has been marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards, and collaborations with some of the most esteemed musicians globally. Her latest album, Vida, released in 2023, won her the Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album, further cementing her status as a pioneer of Cuban music.

Joining forces with La Failde Orquesta, a vibrant ensemble dedicated to preserving and innovating traditional Cuban music, Omara Portuondo continues to breathe new life into the sounds of her homeland. Together, they bring an intergenerational blend of heritage and modernity to the stage, making their performance at Festival Cordillera a must-see for fans of Latin music and culture.

Lalo Cortés

Bogotá native Lalo Cortés has been an active figure in Colombia’s Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul scenes since 2017. Her versatile career includes collaborations as a singer and backing vocalist with numerous projects, which led her to some of the country’s biggest stages, including Festival Estéreo Picnic and Jazz al Parque.

After launching her solo career in 2020, Lalo’s debut EP Paso a Paso quickly topped Colombia’s public radio charts, solidifying her as a rising star in the Neo-Soul genre. Her highly anticipated full-length debut, Re-Encuentro (2023), garnered critical acclaim, earning spots on several “best of the year” lists from publications like Rolling Stone and Shock. This album marked a turning point for Lalo, reflecting her journey of self-discovery and musical growth.

Now, with the release of her new EP Yo no sé querer poquito in September 2024, Lalo continues to push boundaries, blending Neo-Soul with influences of ’80s Hip-Hop, Trap Soul, and even Bolero. This EP explores her emotional depth, as she openly embraces both joy and heartbreak in her music. True to her introspective style, her performance at Festival Cordillera is sure to captivate, as she continues to explore new sonic territories while staying true to her soulful roots.

Juan Luis Guerra 440

A global ambassador of Dominican music, Juan Luis Guerra has revolutionized the world of Latin culture with his fusion of merengue, bachata, and social commentary. From his early days studying at Berklee College of Music to leading his iconic band 440, Guerra has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Caribbean music can achieve on the global stage.

His breakthrough album, Ojalá Que Llueva Café (1989), marked the beginning of his international success, blending social and romantic themes with the infectious rhythms of merengue and bachata. The title track became an anthem across Latin America, resonating with audiences for its poignant lyrics and danceable beat.

Guerra’s follow-up, Bachata Rosa (1990), solidified his place in music history. This album not only brought bachata to a global audience, but also earned him his first Grammy Award. Hits like “Burbujas de Amor” and “Bachata Rosa” became timeless classics, showcasing Guerra’s ability to infuse traditional Caribbean genres with a modern, sophisticated sound.

Besides his rich discography, Guerra’s influence extends beyond music. He’s a philanthropist and a voice for social change, using his platform to address issues like poverty and inequality. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including a Doctorate Honoris Causa from Berklee and recognition as a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

Duplat

A Bogotá-based musician with a rich and colorful heritage, Duplat is carving out a unique niche in the alternative music scene. His latest release, “Mosaico Pirata”, is a nostalgic homage to his childhood memories of listening to pirated CDs during family road trips. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Juan Pablo Vega, Duplat crafts an upbeat ballad that seamlessly blends his evocative storytelling with Vega’s seasoned production skills.

With roots that trace back to a family of intellectuals, artists, and even a Miss Colombia, Duplat infuses his music with a deep sense of history and identity. His work is a vibrant reflection of his lineage, making him a distinctive voice in Colombian music. As he gears up for his performance at Festival Cordillera, Duplat continues to captivate audiences with his masterful compositions and personal narratives.

Regardless of musical tastes and preferences, Festival Cordillera 2024 promises to be a musical journey like no other, celebrating the rich and diverse sounds of Latin America. With a lineup that spans decades, cultures, and all sorts of sonic landscapes, this year’s edition is set to showcase both legendary icons and the brightest rising stars.

If you don’t want to miss out on this monumental musical experience coming up on September 14 and 15, you can find more info on tickets and event details by clicking here.

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