Totó la Momposina, known as the “Queen of Cumbia,” died at age 85. The Colombian Ministry of Culture announced her death and praised her global travels through cumbias, porros, mapalés, and bullerengues. Her children confirmed she died on Sunday, May 17, in Celaya, Mexico, surrounded by family, and cited myocardial infarction as the cause of death. They described her as a dedicated carrier of Colombian culture and memory, whose voice and virtues affected many lives. Born Sonia Bazanta Vides in 1940 in Talaigua Nuevo, she came from a family with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous roots. Her music incorporated percussive and melodic instruments tied to her cultural identity.
"Totó was a woman who, with her voice and extraordinary dedication, carried the culture and memory of the Colombian people to the far corners of the world. Her joy, light, wisdom, talent, generosity, and many other virtues touched the lives of countless people. She shared with the world the music, culture, dances, and essence of Colombia's Caribbean coast."
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