Totó La Momposina / Mariachi Flor de Toloache

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Totó La Momposina

Totó La Momposina

Sonia Bazanta Vides, well known by her lavish stage name, Totó La Momposina, has spent her life cheerfully spreading the native music of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. She was raised on an island off the coast, called Mompox (this is where she derived the “Momposina” of her moniker). A place where African, Indigenous Indian and Spanish cultures mingle, the resulting musical potpourri there is resplendently diverse, and has informed Vides’ vast work (herself of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous descent). Totó is not only a world famous singer, but an accomplished dancer as well. Learning from her mother (who directed a dance troupe in Bogotá), Totó branched out on her own and started a band in the 1960s. Taking the international stage by storm, she began touring the globe in the ‘70s. By the 90s she launched a WOMAD tour over three continents and released the album La Candela Viva, which catapulted her into the worldwide limelight of Latin-crossover music. The following albums Carmelina in 1996 and Pacanto in 1999 further cemented her iconic status as a Colombian ambassador of the heritage rich, salsa-esque Cumbia & Bullerengue music styles. Totó is not only the form’s greatest interpreter, she’s also an effervescent innovator.

Mariachi Flor de Toloache

Latin Grammy nominees Mariachi Flor de Toloache make New York City history as its’ first and only all-women mariachi group. Founded in 2008, Mariachi Flor de Toloache is led by singers Mireya I. Ramos (founder) & Shae Fiol (original member). Reminiscent of the early days of mariachi the group started as a trio with harp, violin and vihuela. Today, they perform as a full Mariachi ensemble. The members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the U.S. This defines their unique flavor and sound. The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They cast a melodic spell over their audiences, not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion. While working to preserve centuries old traditions of mariachi, their mix of the traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings mariachi music to new audiences. Over the course of the last few years, Mariachi Flor de Toloache’s performances have illuminated world renowned stages in Europe, India and North America.  Their critically acclaimed self-titled debut received a Latin Grammy nomination for “Best Ranchera Album” of 2015. With numerous collaborations in the works, Mariachi Flor De Toloache has been touring and performing at major festivals (Coachella), and are always a thrill to see live.