GuacaMusic: Vallenato
posted in: Features • Latin
If you know any Spanish, you’ll know that vallenato literally means “born in the valley, and if you are familiar with this type of music, you’ll know it is simply irresistible.
Along with cumbia, vallenato is one of the most popular music styles in Colombia today. In 2006, both styles were added as categories in the Latin GRAMMY Awards.
Ask any anyone who loves vallenato and they will tell you about the greatness of this folkloric music that originated in the Colombian Valle de Upar. But what is it about vallenato that makes it so unique? Is it its African and European influences? The fact that famous artists like Carlos Vives and Gloria Estefan introduced it to international audiences?
The truth is, vallenato’s greatness lies in its capacity to captivate all kinds of audiences. From traditional music lovers to young audiences to trendy folks, vallenato appeals to everyone. Just think about what you feel when you hear Carlos Vives singing “La Gota Fría…”
The thing I love the most about vallenato is that it really transports you to the Colombia of magical realism. Novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said that his masterpiece One Hundred Years of Solitude was nothing more than a 400-page vallenato.
Here on OurStage, we have some great examples of catchy vallenatos that will get you hooked in this type of music for years to come. Take Maribel Diaz, for example, a native of New Jersey who included a vallenato on his first solo album Me Toca A Mi. And what about Dejame robarte un beso by CASANOVADEPR4U? This vallenato can lift my spirits anytime, anywhere. You should also check out OurStage artist Astor Torres, who describes himself as a true romantic and has written over 150 songs, among those some passionate vallenatos.
Are you hooked? So are we. Watch this video by Carlos Vives and see why we can’t get enough of this great music from the valley. ¡Provecho!