mmmm...... Colombian music *rubs chin*....
In such a diverse country, it is very difficult to define a "national music" but I will try. In the andean part of the country, the traditional music (bambuco, guabina, pasillo, etc) includes "guitars" of all kinds (six-strings, twelve-strings and even an eight strings guitar called bandola) and very few drums or flutes. I do respect this music because it is very hard to play and because it remainds me my roots. Although, the lyrics are usually cheesy as hell, they talk about love, about how beautifull the Colombian girls are (which is true
), and about how nice and peaceful our country is (*sighs*).
In the caribean part of the country you can listen from cumbia (the real one!) to reggae. I have more problems accepting this music because it is very noisy and repetitive. Although from the lyrics point of view you can find it very interesting, especially the very old vallenatos (acrodions, guitars, maracas and congas) from Escalona. We are also very prolific in salsa, which used to be very good back in the 50's and 60's but not anymore. Now it is just a repetitive stuff with "funny" or sexy lyrics.
In the Pacific part of the country, the music is more like the traditional African music (much of the descedants of the slaves live still there). I do respect A LOT this music, it has its own energy and it is very special when you listen to it in the proper context.
And well, we also have the modern pop stupid colombian music which i dislike A LOT. It is void and senseless. Actually I would give the same description posted by many of you when you were talking about your contry's music.
Concerning Colombian Metal, hell, we have a bunch of very good groups especially in Bogotá and Medellín. They are not known outside of the country but you should give them a try if you can:
Eternal, Underthread, Masacre, Petilencia, etc.
Well that's all for my part. Perhaps other fellows Colombians can give further advise
.
NTSMS has gone Miskolc! 