Tot6 la Momposina: The Essence That Leads Us Forward

| have been involved with Toté’s music since | was a teenager in Colombia and she had just returned
from France after recording her 1993 album La Candela Viva, which she recorded for Peter Gabriel’s
Real World Records. This album was released with an unforgettable concert at a local theater, and |
immediately fell in love with her voice, drums, and her music, which | consider powerful, inspiring,
motivating, and a key representation of Colombia’s Caribbean tradition.

Later on, when | became a student at Berklee, | took my drums to Boston, and started transcribing
Totd's melodies and rhythmic patterns. This initiative led to an unforgettable student performance at
Berklee’s International Folk Music Festival, a strong student team participation at the Latin Culture
Week, and a live performance with a Berklee Latin Ensemble in a sold-out concert of a Youth
Colombian Ballet called Bajucol. The essence led us forward...

As Berklee Latino: Colombia came to Bogota, so too did the opportunity to invite Toté and
Marco Vinicio Oyaga, her musical director and son, to Berklee. | have no doubt their artistry will be
an inspiration for the Berklee community, and a motivation for the Berklee Latino initiative that will
share the college’s knowledge, and reach the best musical talent throughout Latin America. Once
again, let the essence lead-us forward!

From the song: “Asi lo canto yo”
“Soy del rio, vengo del sol, borro el olvido, traigo el calor, canto porque es lo mio pa’ alegrar
tu corazon...”

“I am from the river, | come from the sun, | erase the oblivion, | bring the warmth, | sing because it is
my call, to enlighten your heart...”

Ménica Giraldo ‘02
Board Trustee