Totó La Momposina, the Colombian cumbia singer known as the “Queen of Cumbia,” dies at age 85. Multiple outlets report that her death occurs on May 19, following ongoing medical complications, including heart-related illness, though the specific circumstances are described differently across accounts.
The Guardian and other reports say her three children announce her death on Instagram, describing her as someone whose voice and dedication carried Colombian culture and memory to audiences around the world. They attribute her passing to a heart attack. Rolling Stone similarly states that she dies amid continued medical problems.
Across coverage, Totó La Momposina is presented as one of Colombia’s most prominent musical figures and a major international ambassador for cumbia. She is widely known for her role in bringing the genre beyond Colombia as she performs internationally. All sources agree on her age at death, her stature in Colombian music, and that family members publicly confirm her passing.
