Totó La Momposina – “La Candela Viva” (video) (premiere)

The Queen of Cumbia, Totó La Momposina made waves worldwide when Peter Gabriel released her album La Candela Viva in the early ‘90s on his Real World label. Nearly a quarter century later producer Michel Cleis and Totó’s producer son-in-law John Hollis took it upon themselves to restore and expand one of the most important album in Colombian music history. Renamed Tambolero, the classic music has been re-imagined, re-edited, and re-dubbed, with her extended family even chipping in with additional vocals and instrumentation.

At the heart of it all, though, is the powerful voice of Totó, who for nearly 60 years has been a source of great inspiration for many. PopMatters is honored to premiere a special performance of “La Candela Viva” from Gabriel’s Real World studios in 1981. Accompanied by musicians who both make and play traditional instruments, the folk music of the Atlantic coastal region of Colombia bursts to life.

Tambolero will be released in North America 7 August on Real World.