Totó la Momposina: The Flower that Appears and Disappears
Tatiana Spencer explores the world of Colombian folk music legend Totó la Momposina.
Wed, 25 November 92
Totó la Momposina (1940-2026)
Colombia has lost a great cultural icon, Totó la Momposina, who died aged 85 on 18 May in Mexico. She leaves behind a huge musical legacy.
Peter Gabriel paid tribute to Totó on behalf of Real World Records and WOMAD in a social media post yesterday:
“I was so sad to hear of the death of Totó la Momposina. She was a giant of the Colombian music scene we have so many wonderful memories of her both in the studio and at many WOMAD festivals around the world. She always lit up the stage with her warmth, musicianship and that extraordinary voice. Her band had a wonderful mix of different folk influences, great rhythms and produced a magical blend. She leaves behind many friends and fans here at Real World and WOMAD.” — Peter Gabriel
Toto la Momposina first performed at WOMAD in 1984 at Ashton Court, returning to play at many more WOMAD events around the world. She recorded at Real World Studios in Wiltshire and took part in the legendary Real World Recording Week releasing La Candela Viva in 1993 — one of a number of albums that established Toto’s international reputation. The album was restored, remixed and reissued as Tambolero in 2015.
A full statement was issued by her family yesterday to share the news.
Hasta siempre querida Madre Totó la Momposina
Con profundo dolor, nosotros sus hijos Marco Vinicio, Angelica Maria y Euridice Salome Oyaga Bazanta, anunciamos el fallecimiento de nuestra madre Sonia Bazanta Vides, más conocida como Totó la Momposina, rodeada de su familia en Celaya, México, el domingo 17 de mayo. Causa, infarto al miocardio.
Totó fue una mujer que con su voz y entrega extraordinaria, llevó la cultura y la memoria del pueblo Colombiano a los rincones del mundo. Su alegría, luz, sabiduría, talento, generosidad y muchas otras virtudes marcaron la vida de innumerables personas.
A lo largo de su vida, Totó nos dejó un legado inestimable, dejando su huella no solo a través de su carrera artística, sino también gracias a su calidez, su fortaleza, su alegría de vivir y el amor que transmitía en todo lo que hacía. Ella compartió con el mundo la música, la cultura, los bailes y la esencia de la costa caribeña de Colombia. Su nombre permanecerá para siempre en la memoria de quienes la admiraron, la acompañaron y la quisieron.
Con inmensa tristeza, pero también con profundo orgullo y gratitud, nosotros sus hijos y toda la familia la despedimos con la dignidad y el amor que merece. Gracias, Totico, por todo lo que nos regalaste, por tu ejemplo, tu entrega y tu inmenso legado.
Se hará el traslado desde México a Bogotá el día 27 de Mayo y se realizará un homenaje póstumo en cuerpo presente para celebrar su vida y obra. Hora y lugar a confirmar.
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A goodbye to our mother, Totó la Momposina
It is with deep sorrow that we, her children Marco Vinicio, Angelica Maria and Euridice Salome Oyaga Bazanta, announce the passing of our mother Sonia Bazanta Vides, better known as Totó la Momposina, who passed away surrounded by her family in Celaya, Mexico, on Sunday 17th May.
Totó was a woman who, with her voice and extraordinary dedication, brought the culture and memory of the Colombian people to all corners of the world. Her joy, radiance, wisdom, talent, generosity and many other virtues touched the lives of countless people.
Throughout her life, Totó left us an invaluable legacy, leaving her mark not only through her artistic career, but also through her warmth, her strength, her joie de vivre and the love she brought to everything she did. She shared with the world the music, culture, dances and essence of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Her name will live on in the memory of those who admired, accompanied and loved her.
With immense sadness, but also with deep pride and gratitude, we, her children and the entire family, bid her farewell with the dignity and love she deserves. Thank you, Totico, for everything you gave us, for your example, your dedication, and your immense legacy.
She will be transferred from Mexico to Bogotá on 27 May, and a ceremony will be held to celebrate her life and work; the time and venue are to be confirmed.
Acompañala acompañala (Stay with her, stay with her)
Brilla en la noche acompañala (She shines in the night, stay with her)
Allá está la luna hermosa (Behold the beautiful moon)
Y el lucero la acompaña (And the morning star accompanies her)
Las estrellas la rodean (The stars surround her)
Para verse más hermosa (Making her look even more beautiful)
Further listening
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Released 09 September 1993
La Candela Viva was the album that ignited Totó la Momposina’s international career and saw her recognised as a star in her native Colombia. It was partly recorded during the Real World Recording Week of 1991 and partly in 1992 with legendary producer Phil Ramone, and presents three distinct musical styles - Tambores, Sextetos and Gaitas – in a set of inspired performances. -
Released 25 June 2015
You don't normally get the chance to go back in time and reimagine a classic album like La Candela Viva but creating Tambolero has been a challenge and a delight. It’s become a celebration of Totó's career: six decades dedicated to preserving, researching and developing an ancestral tradition, the identity of a people, passed down through the generations.
MAILING LIST
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Further reading
Totó la Momposina in Paris: a Colombian refugee becomes a star
How the Colombian musical icon’s career blossomed in the 70s and 80s in France
Fri, 22 June 18
Real World Sessions: Totó la Momposina, 18 August 1991
A look back on The Wood Room session with producer Phil Ramone and mix engineer Richard Blair.
Sat, 22 September 18