What began in 2018 in Barrio Fátima, Cartago as an informal musical gathering reached a national peak eight years later: Sonidero Barrio Fátima has officially won the Album of the Year award from the Association of Composers and Authors of Music of Costa Rica (ACAM).

The collective claimed the highest honor for their production “SBF vol. 3” during the gala ceremony held at the National Auditorium in the Children’s Museum, San José.

An Unexpected Triumph at the ACAM Awards

For several members of the band, the win came as a total surprise. Simply receiving their first-ever ACAM nomination after years of trying to participate felt like a landmark victory. Tears, emotional hugs, and celebration erupted as their name was called as the winner.

Beyond the trophy, the group views this national award as fuel to keep pushing creative boundaries in Costa Rican culture.

“It gives us the hunger to keep thinking about what we can contribute to the country’s culture—not just in quantity of songs, but in quality and talent.”

— Daniela Meza, Member of Sonidero Barrio Fátima

Rooted in Community and Cumbia

The origin story dates back to 2018 when a group of friends received an invitation to play at a festival in La Guaria de Pocosol. That experience turned cumbia into the starting point for an evolving musical project combining diverse voices and influences.

Naming the project after Barrio Fátima keeps their roots front and center—honoring the families, friends, and neighborhood bonds that nurtured the group from day one.

10 Musicians, Endless Influences

Today, the ensemble features 10 core members aged 27 to 38, hailing from various parts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Without rigid roles or formal music degrees, every member writes, composes, and contributes to the arrangement process.

Their rich tropical sound utilizes a diverse range of instrumentation:

• Percussion & Rhythm: Congas, timbales, drums, güira, and chachalaca
• Melodic & Harmonic: Accordion, electric guitars, synthesizers, and bass guitar

Rehearsals as a Community Ritual

The secret behind their chemistry lies in their Sunday routine. Every week, the band meets to rehearse, share coffee, and spend time with family and friends. For Sonidero Barrio Fátima, music making isn’t just about preparing for gigs—it’s a lifestyle rooted in community and connection.

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