Folk Music of Colombia

In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we head to the vibrant country of Colombia—a place full of colorful landscapes, rich traditions, and joyful rhythms! Part of our special summer series Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music, this musical journey introduces your child to the diverse folk styles that make Colombian music so special.

From the African-influenced drums of the coastal regions to the haunting melodies of Indigenous flutes and the lively accordion tunes of vallenato, we’ll explore how Colombia’s music reflects its unique blend of cultures: Indigenous, African, and Spanish.

🎶 Highlights from this episode include:

• A deep dive into cumbia, one of Colombia’s most iconic musical styles.

• Listening to the gaita—a traditional Indigenous flute—and how it’s used in folk ensembles.

• Learning about the tambora, a drum essential to Afro-Colombian rhythms and celebrations.

• Discovering the accordion’s role in vallenato and its European roots.

• Exploring how Colombian folk music is still a vibrant part of everyday life—from school songs to street parades!

📌 Episode Resources:

• 🎟 Download your free Colombia Passport Stamp here

• 🎵 Curated YouTube Playlist of Colombian Folk Music featuring cumbia, vallenato, and more

🗺️ Previous Stops on Our Around the World Series:

• Folk Music of Ethiopia

• Folk Music of Ukraine

• Folk Music of South Korea

📍Next stop: Our final destination of the summer series—don’t miss it in two weeks!

This episode will transport your family to Colombia through the power of music. Don’t forget to grab your musical .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}