music
March 3, 2026
The Cartagenans José David and Juan Diego Seeking to Conquer Their Dream
In a room where the echo of the accordion still resonates, José David Caraballo speaks with the serenity of someone who has a clear path. He is 19 years old, but he carries on his shoulders a story that began long before he learned to write his name. Today, he is not only the first youth king of the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata for Bolívar, but he is also starting a new musical phase with singer Juan Diego Simancas, in a group that promises to leave its mark on vallenato music from Cartagena de Indias.
TL;DR
- José David Caraballo, 19, is the first youth king of the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata for Bolívar.
- He has teamed up with 22-year-old singer Juan Diego Simancas, with whom he reconnected at university.
- The duo, from Cartagena de Indias, aims to make a significant impact on the vallenato music scene.
- Caraballo was inspired to play the accordion at a young age by watching Silvestre Dangond and Juancho De la Espriella.
- He persevered through seven attempts at the Festival before winning.
- Simancas is a lawyer whose passion for music drives him.
- They have performed together in Cartagena and won a university festival.
- Their next goal is to record an EP of original songs.
- They are open to receiving songs from young composers.
- They aim to create their own musical catalog while also playing classics.