Overview
- Her children and Colombia’s Ministry of the Cultures confirmed the singer’s death and said she died in Celaya, Mexico, on Sunday, May 17, of a myocardial infarction.
- The family announced the remains will be flown to Bogotá on May 27 and that a public, in‑body tribute will be held at the Capitolio Nacional with her ensemble Tambores de Totó.
- Totó la Momposina, born Sonia Bazanta Vides, spent more than six decades documenting and performing cumbia, bullerengue, mapalé and other Afro‑Caribbean rhythms and won a Latin Grammy lifetime/excellence award.
- Her last public performance was in September 2022 and relatives say a progressive degenerative aphasia forced her gradual retirement and required specialized care in recent months.
- Colombian leaders and cultural institutions issued official condolences and the planned state homage is likely to renew public attention to Afro‑Colombian musical heritage and the communities she represented.