Viva Colombia! with London Vallenato Legends at Jamboree

About the show

Ushering in 2026 in style with a Fiesta Vallenata all the way from Colombia, a night of accordion melodies, popular Cumbia and Caribbean rhythms from the Colombian power combo the London Vallenato Legends!

Bringing the legacy and origins of Cumbia and Vallenato, the band plays the rural roots style from the Montes de Maria region of Colombia's Caribbean north - a famous sound from the city of Valledupar, located on Colombia's Atlantic coast. It is also a tribute from London from the all-Vallenato legends (Juglares) of this unique musical genre, with a special nod to UK Vallenato King Nirk Molina on his day of remembrance.

The band is led by the powerful voice and the sounds of Javi Molina (Cartagena) on Caja vallenata, alongside the accordion sound of BBC Radio3 World Routes Academy 2012 protégée Hernando Arias, providing sweet melodies to flesh out the sound and rhythms. Joining Jose and Hernando is Seychelles' Londoner David Morel with his bold bass guitar sound. David will also provide the rhythmic pulse of the rasping guiro/guacharaca, a key part of the Vallenato sound, while Maracas from San Jacinto will come from the Wiro hero Mr Nino and special guests.

The band also invite suitable musicians to jam with them for more Cumbia vibes, and contribute with Latin percussion, gaitas and tambores sound. Often dubbed the "land of a thousand rhythms," Colombia is home to a dynamic, unforgettable and ever-evolving musical environment. Its music, much of which is a blend of Spanish and European influences with indigenous sounds and African beats, is a passion that reflects the great cultural, regional and ancestral diversity of its people and geography.

The night is hosted by DJ Carlitos Nino from Colombia, bringing the original sounds of alternative Latin music and modern rhythms, and tonight bringing the past and present of Colombian folklore, Afro-latin music, chucu-chucu, with a connection to Cartagena nights of parranda, gaitas y tambores, and Latin American music with a global twist.