Cali Pachanguero
Grupo Niche · 1984 · from the album No Hay Quinto Malo · written by Jairo Varela
The brass-heavy anthem of Cali, the Colombian city famous for its fast, proud salsa dancing.
- coro and soneo
- trombone
- trumpet
Why it matters
Jairo Varela, born in Quibdó, led Grupo Niche as its producer, songwriter and director. The band moved to Cali in 1982, and in 1984 it released No Hay Quinto Malo, with Cali Pachanguero as its signature song.
Cali is Colombia's salsa city, and this song is its anthem. It shows a different side of salsa from New York: faster, brassier and tied to one place. It was named the official song of Cali's fair that year, and made Niche famous across Colombia.
What to listen for
- The brass section: trumpets, trombones and a saxophone playing bright riffs together. It's Niche's signature sound.
- The fast, bouncy tempo. Cali is known for quick footwork, and this song shows why.
- The coro on the title line. Expect the whole room to sing it.
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