From Bogotá to the world: La-33 and their salsa revolution
La-33 is a Colombian salsa orchestra founded in Bogotá in 2001. Drawing inspiration from the hard-hitting salsa and Latin sounds of 1970s New York, the band was created by brothers Sergio and Santiago Mejía Rocca, along with Guillermo Celis, in a house on Calle 33 in the Teusaquillo neighborhood, giving the group its name.
Blending rock influences, original lyrics, and fresh arrangements, La-33 has become a symbol of Colombian salsa. Over more than 20 years, they’ve performed over 1,500 concerts across five continents, establishing themselves as one of the most successful independent salsa groups of recent decades. Their most popular tracks include “Soledad,” “La Pantera Mambo,” “Que Rico Boogaloo,” and “La-33.”
Recently, La-33 expanded their sound through a collaboration with the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in the album La-33 Filarmónico. This fusion has introduced their music to new audiences and enriched their most popular songs. Throughout their career, they’ve recorded seven albums and collaborated with artists like Los Rolling Ruanas, N. Hardem, Pablo Watusi, Lianna, and JhonPri.
Now celebrating over 22 years in music, La-33 continues to surprise fans with tours and new projects, keeping their commitment to innovation in the salsa scene alive.”