Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives Unite for “La Samaria”: A Love Letter to Santa Marta on its 500th Anniversary
Colombian music icons Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives have joined forces to release a powerful new single, “La Samaria,” a vibrant homage to their shared hometown of Santa Marta. The track, released on October 10, 2025, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the coastal city as it celebrates the significant milestone of its 500th anniversary. This collaboration marks a profound connection to their roots, blending the distinct styles of both artists into a celebration of identity, pride, and belonging.
A Musical Tribute to Santa Marta’s Soul
“La Samaria” is more than just a song; it’s a deeply personal expression from artists who grew up breathing the air and absorbing the culture of Santa Marta. For Li Saumet of Bomba Estéreo, the song holds immense significance, describing it as “a song from my homeland—where I grew up, where I was born and raised, and where I became the person I am.” She emphasized Santa Marta as a “sacred place” and invited Carlos Vives to collaborate because he “embodies that same Samarian spirit and love for the land.” Vives echoed this sentiment, stating, “Sharing this song that celebrates the Samarian spirit with Bomba Estéreo fills me with joy. It is a song of unity, pride, and a sense of belonging to Santa Marta, reflecting the nostalgia that Li and I feel every time we return to our home.” The song captures the essence of Santa Marta, a city where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, a place rich in history and mystical energy.
The Sonic Landscape of “La Samaria”
Produced by a team including Carlos Vives himself, along with José Castillo and Andrés Leal from Bomba Estéreo, and Casta, “La Samaria” masterfully blends tropical rhythms with contemporary soundscapes. The production was further refined with mixing and mastering by Lewis Pickett, known for his work with acclaimed artists like C. Tangana. The resulting track is a rich fusion that showcases the vibrant spirit of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, incorporating organic elements with electronic textures that are characteristic of Bomba Estéreo’s innovative latin music approach. This release solidifies Bomba Estéreo’s reputation for pushing musical boundaries and creating captivating, genre-bending music.
Visualizing the Essence of the City
The accompanying music video for “La Samaria,” directed by Cristian Saumeth, further immerses viewers in the spirit of Santa Marta. The visuals capture the colorful pulse of the city, showcasing its dynamic coastal life, its people, and the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings, from the beaches to the majestic foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The video serves as a visual love letter, mirroring the song’s message of pride and deep spiritual connection to the land.
A New Chapter for Bomba Estéreo
“La Samaria” marks Bomba Estéreo’s first single release since their critically acclaimed ASTROPICAL project with Rawayana, which garnered significant attention earlier in the year. This new collaboration highlights the band’s continued evolution and their commitment to exploring diverse musical expressions. For Carlos Vives, a true icon of latin music, this partnership represents a celebration of his heritage and a contribution to the ongoing narrative of Colombian musical excellence.
Legacy and Connection
This release arrives at a time when Santa Marta is celebrating its 500th anniversary, a significant historical marker for Colombia. Carlos Vives, who has consistently championed his hometown through his music and philanthropic efforts, including his foundation “Tras La Perla,” sees this as a key moment to honor the city’s enduring legacy. “La Samaria” not only celebrates the present vibrancy of Santa Marta but also connects its rich past with its promising future, solidifying its place as a cultural cornerstone.
The release of “La Samaria” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect people to their roots and to celebrate their heritage. Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives have delivered a song that resonates with a deep sense of place, offering listeners a piece of Santa Marta’s soul and marking a significant moment in contemporary latin music, with the potential for this single to lead into future album releases or projects.
