Since the 1960s, Colombia has seen decades of warfare between leftist guerrillas, right wing paramilitaries and the army, claiming an estimated two hundred and twenty thousand lives. Since a polarizing peace agreement in 2016, protests and violence have increased. After a closely fought presidential election in June the country elected its first leftist leader, Gustavo Petro.

Always an important element of Colombian culture, music has brought citizens together in protest recently. Three-time Grammy nominated Bomba Estéreo, whose music fuses a unique blend of cumbia and champeta rhythms, use their platform to tackle political and environmental issues affecting the country. Beatriz de la Pava talks to founder band member Simón Mejía.

Encanto, the Disney animated film about a Colombian family with magical powers has been a global hit. Constanza Hola speaks to María Cecilia Botero, the popular actor who plays grandmother Abuela Alma, about how the movie has shown the world a different side to Colombian culture.

The conflict and its impact on Colombian society has featured heavily in the work of many of the country’s leading writers. Novelists Juan Gabriel Vasquez and Cristina Bendek discuss how Colombia’s history has shaped their work and the role of writers in today’s society.

Producers: Andrea Kidd and Kevin Satizabal Carrascal

(Photo: Protesters in Colombia. Credit: Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)

Amanda Weldon

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