Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a major visual series documenting the journey of cumbia from its Colombian roots to its modern forms across the Americas, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program.
Oct 1, 2025
Source:
North Country Public Radio
A Journey Through a Continent's Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a sweeping visual documentary series that traces the roots and evolution of cumbia, one of Latin America's most influential musical genres. The project, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program, chronicles the sound's journey from Colombia to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the United States.
The Cradle of Cumbia
Cumbia was born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression. It emerged during the colonial era from a powerful fusion of three cultures.
African: The driving rhythms come from African percussion instruments.
Indigenous: Melodies are traditionally played on Indigenous flutes known as gaitas or chuanas.
European: Spanish influences are found in the dance forms and lyrical structures.
This tri-cultural heritage created a sound that was initially the music of the working class and a form of cultural resistance.
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Source:
North Country Public Radio
From Local Tradition to Global Symbol
Once viewed as rebellious music, cumbia’s infectious rhythm spread with migrating communities, transforming into a potent symbol of Latin American identity and resilience.
The Matriarchs of a Movement
The tradition of cumbia has been largely preserved and transmitted by Black and Afro-descendant women. Figures such as Emilia Reyes Salgado, Pabla Flores, and Petrona Martinez, who won a Latin Grammy in 2021, have been central to keeping the genre's oral and musical traditions alive for new generations.
An Evolving Sound
As cumbia crossed borders, it absorbed local influences, creating distinct regional variations. From the Andean highlands of Ecuador to the bustling bars of Los Angeles, the music adapted, proving its remarkable versatility and widespread appeal. This evolution is a core focus of Gachet and Kashinsky’s work.
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Source:
NPR
