Totó La Momposina: The Voice of Our Roots Lives Forever

Throughout her extraordinary career, Totó collaborated with artists from many cultures while always remaining deeply rooted in her origins. Whether performing at WOMAD festivals, accompanying Gabriel García Márquez during his Nobel celebrations, recording with international labels, or sharing stages with musicians from around the world, she carried Colombia’s traditions with authenticity, pride, and humility.

At Astar, our relationship with Totó was never only professional. We shared family, history, sacrifices, celebrations, and dreams. Every album, every concert, every tour, every recording came from a collective commitment to honouring the music and traditions she dedicated her life to preserving.

Totó never separated art from life. Everything she sang came from truth — from the river communities, from ancestral memory, from the strength of women, from celebration, from pain, from resilience, and from joy. Her voice carried stories that existed long before any of us and that will continue long after.

Ptoto: Quentinprod

Even in recent years, when health no longer allowed her to perform as she once did, her spirit remained luminous. She continued inspiring younger generations of musicians, dancers, producers, and cultural workers around the world. Her music crossed borders, languages, and generations while remaining profoundly Colombian at its core.

Today we mourn her absence, but we also celebrate a life lived with extraordinary purpose.

Totó taught us that music is identity. That culture must be protected. That tradition can evolve without losing its roots. She reminded us that the voices of our ancestors still live in every drumbeat, every dance, every river song, and every community that continues to keep these traditions alive.

At Astar Artes Recordings, and as her family, we promise to continue honouring her work with the same love, integrity, and respect that guided her throughout her life.

To everyone who loved her music across Colombia and around the world, thank you for carrying her voice forward.

And to our beloved Totó, mum, grandmother, mother in law:

Thank you for your music.
Thank you for your strength.
Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you for showing the world the beauty of where we come from.

Your voice will forever echo through the drums, rivers, and memories of our land.

Rest in peace, Totó La Momposina.

1940–2026

Euridice and John Hollis and family