by Marvin Ramírez
Colombia’s legendary Guayacán Orchestra continues to prove why it remains one of Latin America’s most influential salsa groups. As the band celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is touring internationally and promoting its latest album, Salsa de Barrio Caleño, a production that pays tribute to the neighborhoods, culture and musical traditions that helped make Cali one of the world’s salsa capitals.
The orchestra recently completed successful performances in Amsterdam and Paris before traveling to Mexico for SalsaFest Veracruz 2026, one of the largest salsa festivals in the world. The event drew hundreds of thousands of salsa fans from across Latin America, North America and Europe, reaffirming the enduring popularity of a musical genre that continues to unite generations.
Founded in Cali, Colombia, by musician and producer Alexis Lozano, Guayacán emerged during the 1980s as one of the leading voices of Colombian salsa. Over the years, the orchestra built a loyal international following through songs that combined the energy of street life, romance and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with the distinctive sound of Cali’s salsa movement.
Among the group’s best-known recordings are Oiga, Mire, Vea, Cada Día Que Pasa, Invierno en Primavera, Te Amo, Te Extraño and many other songs that became staples of dance floors throughout Latin America and Hispanic communities in the United States.
For many Central Americans, especially Nicaraguans, Guayacán also brings back memories of singer Cali Alemán, who performed with the orchestra during one of its most memorable periods. Alemán, a Nicaraguan vocalist whose career included appearances with the legendary Sonora Matancera, collaborations linked to Celia Cruz, performances with Cuban flutist José Fajardo and associations with artists connected to the Fania movement, became one of the most recognizable voices associated with the band among Central American audiences.
One of the highlights of that era was “Torero,” a song that remains closely identified with Alemán’s time in Guayacán. The recording enjoyed widespread popularity and helped strengthen the orchestra’s presence among salsa fans throughout Latin America and the United States. Even today, many longtime listeners continue to associate the song with some of Guayacán’s most memorable years.
Although Alemán eventually left the orchestra, his contribution helped introduce many Central American listeners to Guayacán’s music and broadened the band’s appeal beyond its traditional Colombian fan base.
Recently, Alemán spent more than a week in the San Francisco Bay Area assisting his longtime friend César Ascarrunz, the Bolivian musician, pianist and former owner of the historic Caesar’s Latin Palace nightclub. Once considered one of the most important Latin music venues on the West Coast, the club hosted leading salsa, jazz and Latin performers during its heyday.
According to Alemán, he traveled from Miami to help Ascarrunz following serious vision complications. The singer said he felt a deep sense of gratitude toward his longtime friend.
“I am very grateful to César,” Alemán said. “When I arrived in San Francisco, he opened doors for me and gave me opportunities to perform at Caesar’s Latin Palace, where some of the best salsa, jazz and Latin musicians of that era appeared.”
Alemán explained that assisting Ascarrunz was his way of repaying that friendship. During his stay, he helped with daily tasks and remained by his friend’s side until relatives and other caregivers were able to take over. Though the visit was brief and largely private, it was appreciated by those familiar with the longstanding friendship between the two musicians.
And he mentioned that there was a sad part of his trip: not being able to speak with his children, who live in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I tried, but I couldn’t speak with them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Guayacán continues writing new chapters in its history. The release of Salsa de Barrio Caleño serves both as a celebration of the orchestra’s roots and as a reminder that salsa remains a living, evolving art form. Four decades after its founding, Guayacán continues to perform before enthusiastic audiences around the world, proving that great music transcends borders, languages and generations.
From Cali to Amsterdam, from Veracruz to communities throughout the Americas, Guayacán’s music continues to carry the spirit of Colombian salsa to audiences everywhere.
