Her children announced that she died from a heart attack, describing her as a woman who carried the culture and memory of the Colombian people to the world through her music.
Born Sonia Bazanta Vides in 1940 in northern Colombia, Totó grew up in a family of musicians before becoming known internationally for performing traditional Colombian styles such as cumbia and porro.
Her music drew heavily from African roots found along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, mixing rhythms and traditions passed down through generations. She became known for preserving musical styles such as chandé, mapalé, bullerengue and fandango while introducing them to global audiences.
Totó began performing with her band in the late 1960s and later gained international recognition through collaborations with artists and producers including Peter Gabriel. Her songs were later sampled by major international artists including Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Major Lazer.
She spent part of her life in exile in France after being blacklisted in Colombia because of her political views.
Over the years, Totó received several international honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Grammys in 2013.
She often described traditional music as something living and evolving, saying it helped people preserve identity and dignity.
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