Voces Digital: 15 Songs from Colombia for Spanish Class

Voces Digital's Nuestra Historia 2 Unit 3 highlights Colombia's history, language, and culture, exploring how identity is expressed through art. Colombian music—from cumbia to vallenato—vibrantly reflects the country’s diverse traditions, emotions, and stories.

All songs below are in a Roxxem playlist with Spanish lyrics, videos, and interactive activities like slides, worksheets, and games.

1. "Ropa Cara" - Camilo

This upbeat track by Camilo humorously explores the idea that love and happiness don’t depend on expensive clothes or material things. It’s perfect for teaching vocabulary related to clothing and possessions, negation structures, and expressions contrasting appearance versus true value.

Explore "Ropa Cara" on Roxxem!

2. "Bonita" - Juanes and Sebastián Yatra

This vibrant collaboration between Juanes and Sebastián Yatra celebrates beauty and joy in everyday moments. It’s great for teaching descriptive adjectives, positive affirmations, and vocabulary related to feelings, nature, and celebration.

Explore "Bonita" on Roxxem!

3. Sebastian Yatra - "Dos Oruguitas"

This tender ballad by Sebastián Yatra, featured in Encanto, tells a poetic story of growth and transformation through the metaphor of two caterpillars. It’s perfect for teaching vocabulary related to nature and change, past and present tenses, and figurative language like metaphors and symbolism.

Explore "Dos Oruguitas" on Roxxem!

4. "Tacones Rojos" - Sebastián Yatra

This upbeat pop hit paints a vivid picture of admiration through a single item: a pair of red heels. Rather than focusing on status or trends, the song highlights how style can reflect someone’s spirit, energy, and presence. It’s an easy, feel-good way to introduce how clothing can become a personal signature and cultural symbol.

Explore "Tacones Rojos" on Roxxem!

5. "Ojos Marrones" - Lasso and Sebastián Yatra

This romantic duet by Lasso and Sebastián Yatra expresses admiration and deep affection through vivid imagery focused on brown eyes. It’s ideal for teaching descriptive vocabulary, expressions of emotion, and present tense verbs used to convey feelings and admiration.

Explore "Ojos Marrones" on Roxxem!

6. "La Plata" - Juanes

This energetic collaboration between Juanes and Lalo Ebratt blends rock and urban sounds to explore the complex relationship people have with money. It’s great for teaching vocabulary related to finance and emotions, expressions of desire and conflict, and informal language used in everyday conversations about wealth.

Explore "La Plata" on Roxxem!

7. "Cuando Nadie Ve" - Morat

This heartfelt song by Morat explores the private moments and true feelings people show when no one is watching. It’s perfect for teaching vocabulary related to emotions and introspection, reflexive verbs, and expressions describing hidden thoughts and behaviors.

Explore "Cuando Nadie Ve" on Roxxem!

8. "Como te Atreves" - Morat

This energetic song by Morat captures the surprise and frustration of someone daring to challenge a past relationship. It’s great for teaching vocabulary related to relationships and emotions, the use of the verb atreverse in different tenses, and expressions of confrontation and disbelief.

Explore "Como te Atreves" on Roxxem!

9. "Colombia, Mi Encanto" - Carlos Vives

This vibrant anthem by Carlos Vives celebrates the beauty, culture, and spirit of Colombia. It’s perfect for teaching vocabulary related to geography, cultural traditions, and positive adjectives, as well as practicing present tense verbs to describe places and feelings of pride.

Explore "Colombia, Mi Encanto" on Roxxem!

10. "Somos los Prietos" - ChocQuibTown

This powerful song by ChocQuibTown celebrates Afro-Colombian identity and pride, highlighting cultural heritage and resilience. It’s ideal for teaching vocabulary related to identity, culture, and social justice, as well as discussing themes of empowerment and diversity in Spanish-speaking communities.

Explore "Somos los Prietos" on Roxxem!

11. Ryan Castro, SOG, Selección Colombia - "EL RITMO QUE NOS UNE"

This energetic collaboration by Ryan Castro, SOG, and Selección Colombia celebrates the unifying power of rhythm and music across Colombia. It’s great for teaching vocabulary related to music, movement, and cultural unity, as well as commands and expressions that encourage participation and celebration.

Explore "EL RITMO QUE NOS UNE" on Roxxem!

12. "Soy Yo" - Bomba Estéreo

This empowering anthem by Bomba Estéreo celebrates self-confidence, individuality, and embracing one’s true self. It’s perfect for teaching vocabulary related to personal identity, positive affirmations, and present tense verbs that express qualities and emotions.

Explore "Soy Yo" on Roxxem!

13. KAROL G, Carla Morrison - "Mañana Será Bonito"

This upbeat, feel-good track from Karol G and Carla Morrison is about staying hopeful and looking forward to brighter days. It’s perfect for practicing future tense verbs, especially around expressing hopes and intentions.

Explore "Mañana Será Bonito" on Roxxem!

14. Shakira - "Sale El Sol"

"Sale El Sol" by Shakira is a lighthearted anthem about finding joy even after difficult times, capturing the essence of resilience. It’s a great song for practicing idiomatic expressions and discussing weather vocabulary.

Explore "Sale El Sol" on Roxxem!

15. Joe Arroyo - "Rebelión"

Joe Arroyo's "Rebelión" is a powerful salsa tune telling the story of historical resistance and the struggles of Afro-Colombian communities. It offers a rich opportunity to explore the past tense, especially preterite and imperfect conjugations, while discussing historical events.

Explore "Rebelión" on Roxxem!

🟣 Click here for the full Voces Digital curriculum, complete with reading, writing, and discussion activities.
🟠 Click to explore these songs in Roxxem, where you’ll also find Spanish lyrics, music videos, games, and classroom-ready materials for every song featured.