Meet the Artists Taking Colombian Popular Music to the World Stage

In recent years, Colombian popular music has gained significant recognition, not only within the country itself but also at the international level. Various performers have proudly represented Colombia through their talent and contributions to this musical genre. Below are some of the country’s most well-known popular music artists:

Las Hermanas Calle

Las Hermanas Calle, also known as Las Hermanitas Calle, are a popular music duo initially composed of Fabiola and Nelly Calle. Born in Ciudad Bolívar, Antioquia, the sisters were pioneers of the genre and performed extensively. During their career, the duo recorded over 80 songs. Among their most notable hits are “La Cuchilla,” “Borracho en la Esquina,” and “El Puente Roto.”

Dario Gomez

Dario de Jesus Gomez Zapata, known as Dario Gomez, was one of the most prominent artists in Colombian popular music. Born in San Jerónimo, Antioquia, Gomez is remembered for his deep and emotional “despecho” (“heartbreak”) songs, which remain popular to this day. Some of his most iconic pieces include “Nadie es Eterno en el Mundo,” “La Oveja Negra,” and “Sobreviviré.” His career began in the 1970s, and over the course of his life, he sold more than six million records, establishing himself as an important reference in the genre.

Arelys Henao

Luz Arelys Henao Ruiz, known artistically as Arelys Henao, is a popular music singer and composer. Known as ‘The Queen of Colombian Popular Music,’ Henao has been performing since the 1990s. Standing out for her powerful voice and stage presence, she has released numerous albums. Some of her most-loved songs include “No Me Hablen de El,” “Lo Pasado Pisado,” and “Amarga Despedida.” Her life and career were portrayed in the biographical Colombian television series, Arelys Henao: Canto para no Llorar.

Pipe Bueno

Andres Felipe Giraldo Bueno, known artistically as Pipe Bueno, is one of the most recognized performers of Colombian popular and ranchera music internationally. He was born in Cali and began his musical career at an early age. At 16, in 2008, he released his first single, “Recostado en la Cama,” which earned him international recognition. Throughout his career, he has recorded numerous songs, including “Te Parece Poco,” “Cupido Falló,” and “Guaro.”

Luis Alfonso

Luis Alfonso Rendon, originally from Popayan, Cauca, is a singer and composer of popular and ranchera music. He began his career singing in bars and events, which helped him gain recognition as an artist. His first single, “Amor Verdadero,” achieved great popularity. Today, Luis Alfonso is one of the most listened-to artists in Colombia. On platforms like Spotify, he has more than 2.9 million monthly listeners, and on YouTube, he has over 1 million subscribers. Among his most notable songs are “Chismofolia,” “Contentoso,” and “Mi Palabra Contra la de Ella.”

John Alex Castaño

John Alex Castaño, originally from Risaralda, Colombia, is known in the music world as “El Rey del Chupe” (“The King of Chupe”). He began his career at an early age and his prodigious talent quickly earned him recognition, transforming him into one of the most prominent figures in Colombian popular music. Among his most well-known songs are “Beber con Ganas” and “Pa’ Las Que Sea,” tracks that reflect his distinctive style and strong connection with his audience.

Jessi Uribe

Jessi Uribe is a Colombian popular music performer who has managed to gain recognition in a short time. He rose to fame in 2013 when he participated in the music reality show La Voz Colombia. Since then, he has recorded more than 50 songs. His most notable hits include “Dulce Pecado,” “La Culpa,” and “Repítela,” which have solidified him as a key figure in contemporary popular music.

Yeison Jimenez

Yeison Orlando Jimenez Galeano, known as Yeison Jimenez, was born in Manzanares, Caldas. He began his musical career at a very young age, participating in children’s and youth music festivals. By the age of 13, he was already composing his own songs. During his career, Jimenez released several hit songs, including “Aventurero,” “Por Que la Envidia,” and “Vuelve y Me Pasa.” He has now established himself as one of the most important singer-songwriters in the Colombian popular music genre.

Paola Jara

Paola Andrea Zapata Jaramillo, known artistically as Paola Jara, is one of the most prominent female performers in Colombian popular and ranchera music. Born in Apartado, Antioquia, she began her musical career at the age of 14 and has since released several hits, making her one of the most influential artists today. Her most popular songs include “Murio el Amor” and “Salud por El.”

Related: Colombian Popular Music: The Sound of a Nation