Honoring Black History Month With New Generation of Afro-Colombian Artists

Numerous musical genres, including popular music, salsa, champeta, vallenato, and more, are part of Colombia’s well-known and diverse culture.

Colombian artists have produced works that have greatly influenced the identity of the country by utilizing these musical genres.

In celebration of Black History Month, we present below a new generation of Afro-Colombian musicians that you should be aware of.

50thy

Born in Santa Marta, Freddy Steven Sierra, a rising star who goes by the name 50thy or Fifty, started performing music when he was thirteen years old.

He was among the first artists signed to ArteFino Music, the urban division of Mexican indie label AfinArte, in 2022.

His songs “Sello o Cara” and “Llora,” which have clear, cheerful, and introspective lyrics, showcase his “samarian flavor,” which combines dancehall, reggae, and Afropop melodies with the urban genre.

Despite still being a rising talent in the industry, he stands as a testament to the new breed of Colombian musicians who are pushing boundaries and playing on stages around the world.

DFZM

Dylan Zambrano, a teenage artist from the coastal city of Buenaventura, can move fluidly from a strong freestyle to an engaging chanteo with the help of his deep, sweet voice.

He is a member of Keityn’s management hub, La Creme, and joined Seven Music, Inc. in 2023.

Zambrano’s music, which regularly incorporates elements of Latin pop, trap, and reggaeton, has caused his popularity in the Latin music scene to increase dramatically.

With a growing fanbase on social media and streaming platforms, Zambrano has begun to build devoted followers who appreciate his sincerity and musical prowess.

Hamilton

Since 2019, Hamilton, who was born in Cartagena and currently resides in Medellin, has been advancing the Afro-Caribbean and Amapiano rhythms.

By dropping collaborations with Ryan Castro (“A Poca Luz”), Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez (“Atardecer”), and De La Ghetto, he started to strengthen his concept last year.

The light and cheerful sentiments of his afrobeats are reflected in his debut EP, “Los Reyes del Mar.”

Jossman

gained popularity in the mid-2000s due to the help of the Latin American reggaeton movement.

Born in Timbiquí, on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, he has spearheaded the Latin Afrobeat movement with hits like “Todita” from 2020.

His music often blends reggaeton with other urban and Caribbean beats, making it catchy and danceable.

In 2015, he released his debut studio album, Sublime, showcasing his versatility in a variety of musical genres, including hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and more.

Junior Zamora

His seductive R&B melodies and smooth vocals have caught the attention of both fans and industry heavyweights.

He officially signed a record contract with Sony Music Colombia in 2024, and the label issued his first studio album, “Joyas del Barrio,” which captures his neighborhood life.

“This may be the most significant year so far for the project because of what it represents for a city, for the neighborhood, for the people,” he said regarding 2024.