This first edition of Sonido Babel [Babel Sound] is devoted to one of the most famous Latin American musical genres: cumbia. Originally from Colombia, its rhythm and infectious energy can now be found on every corner of the earth.

Antonio shares with us some fascinating facts about rumba, a popular Cuban rhythm, from its African roots to its influence on other musical genres.

What is candombe? In this episode from Sonido Babel [Babel Sound], we'll travel to Uruguay to find out more about this musical style that is influenced by more than twenty different African cultures as well as the indigenous Charrúas and Guaranis, the Spanish, and the Portuguese.

Let's discover yet another upbeat Colombian musical genre with Antonio, porro, by listening to its melody and witnessing how it is danced.

Bienvenido al sueño is the first solo effort by the artist formerly known as Rubén Albarrán—of Café Tacuba / Café Tacvba fame. (‘Tacuba’ became ‘Tacvba’ after a lawsuit, according to this Wikipedia entry.) Check out Sizu’s wild video to the album’s title track. Nice hats, no?

Argentine artist, Silvina, explains to us how opening ourselves up to new cultures and expressing ourselves through art can generate profound changes in our physical and spiritual health.

The most famous Colombian hips belong to Shakira. In this video we see a lot of the sensual dance and catchy music that have made Shakira’s name known throughout the whole world. Beware the full moon when this lovely she-wolf is on the prowl.

Lo hecho está hecho means “What’s done is done,” and what’s done is another international hit from the bilingual diva from Barranquilla. The English language version is called “Did It Again,” and what it did was to give Shakira her 10th consecutive top-40 hit in the UK.

Shakira serves up another smoking, upbeat song. This one’s about a love triangle, as seen through the eyes of the other woman.

Sergio from Monterrey, Mexico, tells us about Mexico's great variety of amber as well as some of the ins and outs of the amber business.

A plethora of Colombian bike riders display their courage and chivalry as they embark on a long and challenging cross-country race.

Cycling prodigy, Miguel Angel, and his parents speak about how he got into cycling.

Miguel Angel's parents explain how he came to be known as "the Superman."

While young cyclist Miguel Angel Lopez showed promise from the outset, motivation and discipline are required to take his skills to the next level.

For some Colombian cyclists from humble backgrounds, cycling has been a manner for them to travel the world and better themselves.