By: Diego Aranda
“I was born mestizo
And in my veins runs the blood
Mixed from my ancestors
And I speak the language brought by the white oppressor”
Vinyl continues to capture the attention of music audiences today. Bands from around the world are once again turning to this format as their main vehicle for releasing music.
Bogotá has produced notable salsa orchestras over the years, and one of the most distinguished is La Pambelé, led by Camilo Toro, Miguel Rodríguez Rebolledo, and Lorena Contento. Thanks to their unique musical style and strong visual aesthetic, they’ve secured a place in the hearts of younger audiences.
La Pambelé began its recording journey with their 2022 release La Pambelé, under the Names You Can Trust label. Their vintage style and captivating live performances are also reflected in their album presentations. The influence of the 1970s is clear in every aspect, and musically, this path has led them to showcase the virtuosity of each member.
Their latest vinyl release, Nací Mestizo, continues their tradition of delivering richly flavored salsa. All the key elements of hard salsa are present in this production.
The Bogotá-based orchestra, known for its powerful approach to salsa brava, launched the project with a grand concert at the Roberto Arias Pérez Theater on April 5, 2024. The album was officially released on November 27, 2024, and features nine tracks. Rooted in the sound of 1970s salsa, the album carries a distinctly Latin American urban flavor, accompanied by lyrics filled with diverse messages.
The album opens with “Para No Olvidar” (To Not Forget), a reflective song about the violence experienced by many in Colombia, contrasted with the beauty of its landscapes. The track ultimately concludes that love rings louder than bullets, all over a powerful rhythm and an outstanding piano solo by Camilo Toro. Next comes “La Bella y la Bestia” (Beauty and the Beast), a moody and sensual montuno.
Track three is a salsa-style cover of “Ghost Town” by The Specials, translated and adapted for Latin audiences. The fourth track, “El Mañana” (Tomorrow), offers a joyful, upbeat message about appreciating life’s simple pleasures and embracing the present while being open to whatever the future brings.
The title track, Nací Mestizo (I Was Born Mestizo), is a powerful declaration of Afro-Colombian pride—honoring a heritage marked by both pain and joy, blended into one identity. The song features the contribution of Nicolás Emilio Rodríguez Córdoba, also known as “Nicoyembe”, an Afro-Colombian folklorist with over 50 years of experience, born in Chocó.
“Amargura” (Bitterness), the album’s first promotional single, is a guaguancó that speaks to the hardships that often fill us with sorrow, anxiety, and despair.
The seventh track is a fresh salsa take on a classic Bogotá rock song originally performed by Aterciopelados. This bolero-cha adaptation, titled “Maligno”, features Lorena Contento’s evocative vocals.
The eighth track, “Son Cimarrón”, is a vibrant montuno that captures the essence of Afro-Latin sabor, highlighted by a powerful trumpet solo from Andrés Castrillón.
Closing out this feast of salsa is “Perdí mi Corazón” (I Lost My Heart), another strong vocal performance by Lorena. The song delivers a rebellious message wrapped in heartbreak and spent several weeks in Latina Stereo’s Top 15 “Salsa Éxitos del Mundo” chart.
With Nací Mestizo, La Pambelé delivers their second production full of flavor, originality, and the same commitment to their signature style—winning over fans not only in Bogotá, but also in Medellín, where they’ve built a loyal following.
Andrés Castrillón – Trumpet
Leonardo Zambrano – Trombone
Lorena Contento – Flute
Jhon Edward Arrechea – Congas & Backing Vocals
Nicholls Rodríguez “Nicoyembe” – Timbales
William Durán – Bongos & Cowbell
Guillermo “Memo” González – Baby Bass
Miguel RoRebolledo & Lorena Jiménez – Vocals
Camilo Toro – Piano & Musical Direction
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