sports
April 11, 2026
Maestro Pedro ‘Ramayá’ Beltrán, folklorist and Momo King of the Carnival 2002, has died
Carnaval de Barranquilla and the Colombian Caribbean deeply regret the passing of maestro Pedro ‘Ramayá’ Beltrán, Momo King of the Carnaval de Barranquilla in 2002, one of the most representative figures of the festival and one of the most important folk musicians of the region and the country.
TL;DR
- Pedro ‘Ramayá’ Beltrán, Momo King of Carnaval de Barranquilla in 2002, has passed away.
- He was a renowned folk musician, instrumentalist, and composer, celebrated as the "King of Millo" and "king of the crossed flute."
- Beltrán is credited with evolving cumbia by integrating orchestral instruments and diversifying its sounds.
- In 2023, he received the Ministry of Culture's Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Colombian music.
- He was a master of the flauta de millo and gaita corta, performing nationally and internationally.
- His notable songs include "El ratón," "La clavada," "Mico ojón pelú," and "La rebuscona."
- He was honored multiple times by Carnaval de Barranquilla, including in 2010, 2023, and planned for 2025.
- Juan Ospino, director of Carnaval de Barranquilla, highlighted Beltrán's role as a symbol of identity and a guardian of traditions.