Live: Totó la Momposina at St. George’s Bristol

Totó walked on stage to rapturous applause from the audience, who came ready to sing along and dance. The crowd listened intently as she set the scene for the show by speaking in Spanish about her lifelong relationship with the folk music of her home in Colombia, a tradition which is informed and inspired by a rich cultural mix combining elements from African, Native Indian and Spanish cultures. “Music that is sold doesn’t last very long,” she said, “but the music of my ancestors will last forever— and this is the music we bring to you tonight.” And with affirmative cheers from the audience, the show began.

Tuesday night’s extraordinary World Cup game between England and Colombia did not go unmentioned, with a local school boy slipping in a ‘thank you’ to Colombia for letting England win the penalty shoot-out during his introduction to one of the songs.

The stage was animated throughout the whole show, with the guest performers demonstrating the efforts of their dance workshops with Totó and her band. She and the many members on stage descended on the audience for a rousing finale, and after a standing ovation and encore chants, Totó returned to the stage to close the night with a powerful, heartfelt acappella piece.

Totó and her band have a limited run of shows in Europe this summer— click here for full details. She has also just released a collection of her best known songs on the vinyl compilation La Verdolaga.