The Magdalena river and its music is a mirror of Colombia and its social and political contradictions. The river has been a silent witness of Colombia’s history. The most powerful music in this country generally comes from beautiful but endangered natural places, which are also hit by Colombia´s violence and an urgent environmental crisis. The influence of the Magdalena river is felt all across Colombia and its cultural importance has also travelled across the globe. It is the river in Gabriel García Marquez stories and the river inhabited by musicians, who are trying to keep their musical roots alive, as traditions that have passed orally for generations. As the river is slowly being mistreated and in peril, so is its music. These living legends are remarkable elders who by continuing this long cultural heritage are helping us understand its importance. The Magdalena river has witnessed the beautiful and tragic history of Colombia. We believe as long its history is safeguarded, its culture and music will survive forever.
