Totó La Momposina, the legendary Colombian artist who transformed Caribbean folk music into a global cultural force, died Tuesday in Mexico at the age of 85 after years battling neurocognitive health issues.
The death of the singer, born Sonia Bazanta Vides, was confirmed by Colombia's Ministry of Culture and by her family. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also paid tribute, calling her "an exalted figure of Caribbean Colombian art and culture."
