GUARDIAN OF TRADITION
Singer, researcher and the greatest living reference of the music of the Colombian Pacific.
Nidia Góngora is the most renowned singer from the Colombian Pacific coast. Founder and director of the Canalón de Timbiquí group, she has dedicated more than 26 years to composing and performing, building bridges between the traditional music of her native Timbiquí, Cauca, and other musical genres from around the world.
She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is also a singer and researcher of traditional music from the Colombian South Pacific. Her work combines academic training with the living heritage of her community.
Nidia carries a tradition inherited directly from her family and her environment: her mother, the midwife Libia Oliva Bonilla; her teacher Elizabeth Sinisterra; her father, Isaac Góngora; and the reference singers of her community.
MUSICAL AWARDS
AWARDS WON
Latin Grammy Awards: Winner of a Latin Grammy for the children's cultural preservation project "Canti Cuentos", adding to her historic nomination for her contribution to the international folk album "Ancestras" by Petrona Martínez.
Nuestra Tierra Awards: Winner of the award for Best Folk Song alongside urban artist Feid for their acclaimed collaboration on the song "Caferxxo".
Winner in the folk/avant-garde music category for her territorial fusion works.
India Catalina Awards 2026: Winner of Best Music Video for her independent audiovisual production "La María".
India Catalina Awards 2026: Winner of Best Music Video for her independent audiovisual production "La María".
Latin American Music Award ADIMI: Awarded in the Inspiration category by the Ibero-American Music Industry Development Association.
INSTITUTIONAL DECORATIONS AND HONORS
Tribute to Life and Work (Petronio Álvarez Festival 2025): Highest award and tribute in life granted during the 29th edition of the festival for her more than 25 years as guardian of the oral tradition of the South Pacific.
Medal of Cali Identity, Grand Cross Grade (2025): The highest official distinction awarded by the Mayor's Office of Cali to illustrious citizens for their social and cultural impact.
6-time winner of the Petronio Álvarez Festival
Ibermúsicas Program Selection (2024): Winner of the official call of Ibermúsicas and Mid Atlantic Arts to lead exchange missions and cultural diplomacy tours in the United States.
Inclusion in the Forbes List: Formally recognized by the prestigious economic magazine within its list of leading and influential women in Colombia thanks to her comprehensive cultural management.
The Ministry of Environment and National Parks of Colombia named an orchid in his honor: Lepanthes nidiagongorana.
BEYOND MUSIC
For the past 13 years, Nidia has led the Canalón School Foundation, a music education project for children in schools and communities in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca regions. She is also an entrepreneur and activist: founder of Viche Positivo, her hostel La Bella Sofía in Timbiquí, the Arrullo en el Barrio festival, the podcast Historias Positivas, and her record label Positivo Records. Through community kitchens and markets, she develops social projects in eastern Cali, especially benefiting children in the area.
Her career has been highlighted by Forbes Colombia, The New York Times, BBC and The Garden, among others, as one of the most important voices of the Colombian Pacific.