Música popular colombiana — or “popular Colombian music” — made its debut with a big bang at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music awards with a performance by Luis Alfonso opening the show. The Colombian star kicked off the awards with a boisterous rendition of his hit “Tequila Con Cerveza,” originally recorded with urban star Blessd, followed by current hit “Chismofilia.” Dressed in leather pants and boots, Luis Alfonso sported his signature cowboy hat and performed backed by both banda and norteño instrumentation.
The Mexican influence is clear in both look and arrangements, but Luis Alfonso’s “popular Colombian” sound was unmistakable in the colloquial lyrics and traditional Colombian vibe. Luis Alfonso’s “Chismofilia,” which has become a runaway hit in Colombia and is also rising in the U.S.
charts (this week, it’s No. 19 on Billboard’s Latin Pop airplay chart), featured a troupe of country dancers doing the singer’s signature (and irresistible) head bop. It was enough to get the audience on its feet and setting the tone for the evening.
Earlier in the week, Luis Alfonso spoke about música popular colombiana at a panel during Latin Music Week that also featured country-mates Paola Jara, Yeison Jiménez and Pipe Bueno. “It’s an honor to represent my country, Colombia, but also the heritage of popular Colombian music,” said Luis Alfonso in an interview. The Billboard Latin Music Awards recognize the impact of Latin music on the globa.