In the 1940s, popular Colombian bandleader Lucho Bermudez introduced black-identified music from the Atlantic Caribbean coast (la Costa) to the light-skinned, wealthy audiences in downtown Bogotá. It was the first time that Afro-Colombian music and culture would be recognized by the elite living in the Andean interior. Soon thereafter, music from "La Costa" would become identified as Colombia's national music. This program traces Costeño music -- its harmonious marriage of African, Amerindian, and Spanish roots -- back to the 17th century. Powerful Costeño styles such as gaita, cumbia, and porro -- along with vallenato, an accordion song-based form -- emerged and flourished throughout Colombia and South America in the 20th century. Costeño music would help transform and unify a multicultural nation. Professor Peter Wade, author of the book "Music, Race and Nation: Música Tropical in Colombia" and musician Martin Vejarano from the band La Cumbiamba Eneye join host Georges Collinet to tell the fascinating story. Produced by Simon Rentner. (originally aired 2007)
