Colombia’s Caribbean Coast Leads a New Music Wave

Colombia has long been a powerhouse of musical innovation. From Medellín’s reggaetón revolution to Bogotá’s indie and rock scenes and Cali’s salsa legacy, artists from across the country have helped shape the sound of Latin America. Now, Colombia’s Caribbean coast is stepping into the spotlight, driven by a new generation of artists claiming their space with pride, creativity, and global ambition.

Home to vibrant cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Valledupar, the Colombian Caribbean is rich in culture. The region’s musical contributions include genres like vallenato, a traditional folk style known for its storytelling and distinctive use of the accordion, and champeta, an Afro-Colombian rhythm from Cartagena that blends African influences with Caribbean percussion. Many local artists got their start in champeta, which continues to shape their music. But their sound is evolving, now inflected with Afrobeats, reggaetón, pop, and experimental styles.

Afrobeats, in particular, are gaining momentum in Colombia—in both listening and local production. Colombia is becoming a regional leader in Afrobeats-inspired music, especially in its Pacific and Caribbean regions. Artists are fusing traditional rhythms with Afrobeats, creating new sounds that are reaching audiences far beyond the coast. In fact, streams of Afrobeats in Colombia have surged by more than 580% since 2022 on Spotify, a sign of just how deeply the genre is resonating with fans and creators alike.

Below, we spotlight seven standout artists from the region, each bringing their own style and energy to Colombia’s evolving music scene.

Meet the artists redefining Colombia’s Caribbean sound

Hamilton

Cartagena’s Hamilton is at the forefront of Colombian Afrobeats. With more than 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he blends sleek Afrobeats production with melodies rooted in his hometown. Tracks like “Mi Reina,” “A Poca Luz,” and “Madrid” have racked up millions of streams, while collaborations with artists like Justin Quiles and Ryan Castro have expanded his reach.

Aria Vega

Barranquilla’s ARIA VEGA brings a fresh perspective to urban music, merging contemporary pop with her Colombian roots. Her 2025 single “Costeñita,” a collaboration with DEKKO, was created at Casa Spotify Medallo and has topped 1.5 million streams. Another standout, “La Última” with Juan Duque and Kapo, has reached 2.4 million streams.

Luister La Voz

Cartagena’s Luister La Voz (Luis Carlos Cabeza De Ávila) is known for his heartfelt vocals and a strong coastal identity. Drawing on champeta and romantic melodies, he’s struck a chord with younger listeners. With hits like “Otra Cosa (Remix)” and “Espacio,” his appearances on Colombia’s Viral 50 chart highlight his impact.

Zaider

With more than a decade in music, Zaider is one of the most recognizable voices of the Colombian Caribbean. He started in champeta and now blends Afrobeats into his sound, bringing a distinct coastal style to his tracks. His hit “Alma” with Kapo has been streamed more than 20 million times, and collaborations with artists like Goyo and Blessd have helped him reach new audiences.

Criss & Ronny

Twins from Cartagena, Criss & Ronny first broke onto the scene as dancers—a physicality that comes through in their music. Their fusion of champeta and Afrobeats is made for the dance floor: bold, rhythmic, and catchy. Their viral hit “El Sticker” has amassed more than 12 million streams, and their fanbase continues to grow.

LuisRa

Valledupar’s LuisRa is breathing new life into the classic genre of vallenato. By blending his city’s storytelling traditions with reggaetón and Afrobeats, he’s reaching new generations of listeners. His top track, “Como Así,” has surpassed 5.5 million streams.

Barboza

Cartagena’s Barboza is a fast-rising star in Colombian Afrobeats. “Tus Labios,” his collaboration with Jheral, is his most-streamed track, and in 2025, his plays jumped by more than 5,000%. With a raw-yet-refined style, Barboza is helping bring the Colombian Caribbean’s newest voices to a global audience.

To discover even more of Colombia’s sound, press play on Spotify’s Made in Colombia playlist.