Her last performance included classics like ‘El Pescador’ and ‘Yo me llama cumbia’, performed before an audience that applauded her at the 2022 Cordillera Festival – credit @juliademiamoor/ TikTok
Farewell to a Colombian Legend
Totó la Momposina, an illustrious figure in traditional Colombian music, passed away in Celaya, Mexico, at the age of 85. Her death sent ripples of shock across Colombia and beyond, marking the loss of a voice that resonated with the pulse of Latin American culture.
Final Performance at Cordillera Festival
On September 24, 2022, Totó la Momposina bid adieu to her fans during a poignant performance at the Cordillera Festival in Bogotá. This concert was not just a farewell but a celebration of her incredible journey, featuring a medley of her most cherished hits, including the beloved classics El Pescador and Yo me llama cumbia.
Adorned in vibrant yellow and red attire, complemented by a turban and a red shawl, Totó took the stage alongside her granddaughter, Talita Oyaga, and fellow artists such as Adriana Lucía. The audience responded with thunderous applause as she shared her musical legacy one last time.
A Tribute from Fellow Artists
The farewell concert served as a tribute to her remarkable career, featuring guest appearances by notable artists like Nidia Góngora and Mónica Giraldo. Giraldo, in an emotional speech, thanked Totó for her dedication and spirit, stating, “Those of us who have the honor of accompanying you on this stage today represent just a small fraction of your beloved audience worldwide.”
Moments of Emotion and Celebration
The atmosphere at the Cordillera Festival was charged with heartfelt emotion. During the concert’s closing segment, Totó performed La Rosa, roaming the stage and celebrating her illustrious career. The evening culminated with a heartfelt farewell as she waved goodbye to an audience that had embraced her music for decades.
Legacy and Impact
Totó la Momposina dedicated her life to promoting and preserving Colombian Caribbean music, blending African, indigenous, and Spanish influences in her performances. Her album The Living Candle played a pivotal role in introducing cumbia and porro to international audiences, solidifying her position as one of Latin America’s most celebrated musical figures.
Her contributions to music went beyond performance; she actively worked to promote Colombian cultural identity and encourage new generations of artists. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the Musical Excellence Award from the Latin Recording Academy in 2013, Totó’s legacy will endure.
A Heartfelt Farewell from the Festival
In response to her passing, the Cordillera Festival expressed its grief with a poignant message, saying, “The voice born on the banks of the river returns to the water. Totó la Momposina taught us that music is not simply sung; it is inherited, honored, and shared.” This encapsulated the sentiment felt by many who revered her artistry.
Conclusion: An Indelible Mark
As Colombia mourns, Totó la Momposina’s music continues to resonate, reminding all of us of her enduring impact on folklore and cultural identity in Latin America. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who cherished her songs, making sure the vibrant rhythms of cumbia and porro will never fade.