Las Flores del Sol

As one of the main gateways into Latin America during the slave trade, Colombia owes a lot to Africa, as anyone who has heard its music – particularly its coastal cumbia – can attest. Though cumbia has since morphed into many different shapes, in its purest form it just needs a simple beat and a melody. Nilamayé prove that here, using just percussion and female vocals, evoking the work of Totó La Momposina. Yet what's clever about this group is that they share the album between Afro-Colombian music of the Caribbean coast (cumbia and bullerengue), as well as the Pacific. This area has always been more isolated due to its topography, resulting in styles such as currulao and juga that have a clearer West African influence, especially due to the marimba (xylophone). Here, we can hear the country's diverse heritage through festive and sombre rhythms that give a glimpse into Afro-Colombian life. Lyrics concerning religion, Colombia, love, and fruit (the last track is a corker about a mango festival) are paired with simple yet delightful music. The marimba playing is simply stunning.