The Carranga Kids, a group of talented young musicians, have been making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of Colombian folk music. It all started when they won the reality show La Voz Kids Colombia 2024. The excitement was palpable as Sara Lu exclaimed, “Long live carranga!
” This victory marked a significant milestone for the kids who had already released an album prior to their competition stint.
But what exactly is carranga? This musical genre originates from regions like Cundiboyacense and Boyacá in Colombia, blending Indigenous, African, and European influences. It celebrates themes like love for the countryside, ecology, good humor, and social critique. Jorge Velosa stands out as one of its pioneering figures.
Sara Lucía, one of the Carranga Kids who plays requinto guitar and sings backup vocals, shares her journey of discovering carranga. Despite listening to various modern genres like reggaetón and vallenato, it was her grandfather who introduced her to this traditional Colombian music. She emphasizes the importance of preserving this cultural heritage: “
It’s a genre that’s purely Colombian, and we feel the need for young people to learn more about it.
”
The origins of Carranga Kids can be traced back to a tribute Contreras wanted to pay to his late grandfather through music. What started as occasional jam sessions during school breaks evolved into a full-fledged musical group. Other members like Jerónimo Arias Villamizar joined in after realizing the magic of playing together despite initial reservations about carranga.
With their diverse musical backgrounds and influences ranging from mariachi to Mexican legends like Ariel Camacho, Carranga Kids bring a fresh perspective to traditional music. Their first EP titled Huellas Coloridas laid the foundation for their success before they went on to win La Voz Kids Colombia prize—recording an album with Universal Music Colombia.
Their debut studio album “
A Bailar Carranga
” featured hit songs like “Coquetica y Juguetona” and “Al Campo Me Fui,” which resonated with audiences across streaming platforms. The group’s ability to appeal to both traditional carranga enthusiasts and younger listeners sets them apart in the industry.
As Sara Lu reflects on their journey so far, she envisions taking carranga beyond borders: “
Now…taking carranga to the international stage is much easier.” With plans for new collaborations and albums on the horizon—including a project with Latin Grammy winner Andrés Cepeda—the future looks promising for these talented Carranga Kids as they continue enchanting audiences worldwide.
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