Marimba Maestro Jose Antonio Torres “Gualajo” turned over his title of Marimba King to Carlos Enrique Riascos, member of Grupo Cangrejo from Guapi, earlier this week.
The 2nd Annual Marimba Festival closed with performances by singer Benigna Solis and by Pacific Legend Yury Buenaventura accompanied by Hugo Candalario, Grupo Bahia and a seventeen-piece orchestra.
Artists from Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño united for three consecutive days of tambores and sabores.
Heriberto Arrechea, the Afro-Colombian candidate for the Cali Chamber of Commerce said, “I hope that the world will continue support marimba culture. I invite people from other countries to look at Colombia not just as a place known for illicit markets. We are happy people, with clear initiatives and we hope to grow. Especially, the Afro community which is constantly strengthening.”
16 groups competed for the title of Marimba King, including a young lady aspiring to Marimba Queen, a first for the festival.
According to presentors at the event, there are 65 existing marimba groups in the region. It is estimated that almost 20,000 people enjoyed the show, which was broadcasted by TelePacifico. More than COP22 million were awarded to artists competing at the festival.
