Bomba Estéreo, a vibrant Colombian band founded in Bogotá in 2005 by Simón Mejía, has made significant strides in the music industry with their unique blend of “electro tropical” and “psychedelic cumbia”. The band’s roots trace back to 2001 when Mejía was part of A.M. 770, a collective that sought to merge traditional Colombian rhythms with modern electronic sounds. Their early work culminated in the track “Ritmika” featured on the 2002 compilation album Colombeat, which showcased this innovative musical style.
In 2005, Mejía transitioned A.M. 770 into Bomba Estéreo, releasing the mini-album Vol. 1 in 2006. This project marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he secured an international distribution deal with Nacional Records, allowing the band to reach a broader audience. The collaboration with vocalist Liliana “Li” Saumet and percussionist Diego Cadavid led to the creation of their second album, Estalla, which was released in 2008 and later rebranded as Blow Up for the U.S. market. The hit single “Fuego” propelled the band to international fame, earning them the title of “Best New Band in the World” by MTV Iggy in 2010.
Bomba Estéreo’s dynamic performances at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, along with their innovative music videos, have solidified their reputation as a leading force in Latin music. Their third album, Elegancia Tropical, released in 2012, further showcased their evolution, while the 2015 album Amanecer featured the popular track “Soy Yo”, which became an anthem of Latinx identity and garnered millions of views online.
The band’s continued success is evident through their collaborations with prominent artists, including Bad Bunny on the track “Ojitos Lindos”, which has amassed over a billion streams. With multiple Latin Grammy nominations and a commitment to blending traditional Colombian sounds with contemporary influences, Bomba Estéreo remains a powerful and influential entity in the global music scene, captivating audiences with their infectious rhythms and vibrant performances.
