An in-depth NPR visual series by photographers Karla Gachet and Ivan Kashinsky documents the cultural footprint of cumbia music from its Colombian roots to its evolution across six American nations.
Oct 1, 2025
Source:
North Country Public Radio
Visual Project Chronicles Cumbia's Journey
An ambitious documentary project, featured in an NPR visual series, captures the vibrant spirit of cumbia. Renowned photographers Karla Gachet and Ivan Kashinsky have spent years tracing the rhythm of one of Latin America's most influential music genres.
Their work provides an in-depth look at cumbia's cultural footprint across six nations: Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and the United States. Through compelling photography and storytelling, they reveal the heart of a musical tradition that connects communities across borders.
The Photographers Behind the Lens
Both Gachet, an Ecuadorian photographer, and Kashinsky, an American, are celebrated for their long-term cultural documentation in Latin America. Their work has been featured in major publications, including National Geographic and The New York Times, underscoring their expertise in capturing stories of culture, identity, and social change.
Karla Gachet: Known for her focus on culture, territory, and Indigenous rights.
Ivan Kashinsky: Acclaimed for his photojournalism covering social and environmental issues.
Their joint portfolio can be explored further on platforms like Panos Pictures.
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Source:
NPR
From Colombian Roots to Global Phenomenon
Cumbia's story begins on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the acknowledged birthplace of the genre. It emerged from a rich blend of African, Indigenous, and Spanish musical influences.
From there, its infectious rhythm spread throughout the Americas. Gachet and Kashinsky’s project meticulously documents this expansion and the genre's subsequent evolution.
A Diverse Musical Landscape
The photographers illustrate how cumbia has been uniquely adapted in different regions:
In Mexico, it became a cornerstone of urban "sonidero" culture.
In Peru, it fused with psychedelic rock to create "chicha."
In the United States, it serves as a powerful cultural bridge for Latino immigrant communities, maintaining heritage while creating new forms of expression.
Each country has woven its own local instruments and styles into the fabric of cumbia, resulting in a diverse family of regional sounds. The project highlights the local variations, dance traditions, and colorful celebrations that define each community's relationship with the music.
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Source:
NPR
