Oiga, Mire, Vea: The Party Anthem of Cali (Colombia)
In this article we explore one of Cali’s most iconic salsa songs — ‘Oiga, Mire, Vea’. From its origins and meaning to its role in Cali’s famous fair, discover how this anthem reflects the spirit and joy of Valle del Cauca.
‘Oiga, mire, vea’: The Cali party anthem that embodies the salsa heritage, music, and cultural joy of the Valle del Cauca.
Discover the story and cultural impact of Cali’s party anthem and feel the rhythm and joy of the famous Cali Fair.
We’re here to grab your attention with a very Colombian expression. This linguistic expression can be said to come from deep within Cali. It’s part of the way the people of Cali speak, and it’s ingrained in each and every one of them. It’s none other than “Mirá Ve.” Although, as you know, other similar expressions are used in Cali, such as “mire vea,” “oiga vea,” etc.
But anyway, without further ado, we started working on our humble Hispanic‑Colombian blog with the party anthem of Cali (Colombia), which today, if you asked any Cali native, would be:
Returning to Cali’s party anthem “Oiga, Mire, Vea” by Guayacán Orquesta, it is worth noting that it is included in their sixth album, entitled “Sentimental de Punta a Punta,” which was released in 1990.
In 1991, the Colombian salsa song “Oiga, Mire, Vea” became the musical anthem of the Cali Fair.
In 1992, this legendary Colombian salsa song rose to international fame after a study conducted by the prestigious US magazine Billboard (which reports on news from the music industry). In this study, they proclaimed this Colombian salsa song to be one of the most important salsa songs worldwide. That same year, another salsa song by composer Nino Caicedo Cordoba called “Torero” won the Cali Fair.
Alexis Lozano Murillo (born in Quibdó on June 10, 1958, Colombian director and producer) was part of the group Niche until 1983 alongside Jairo Varela (born in Quibdó on December 9, 1949, and died in Cali on August 8, 2012, composer, was a Colombian composer, founder, and director of Grupo Niche) were the creators of the Guayacán Orchestra, which was formed in the Colombian city of Bogotá. Thanks to them and the song’s composer, Nino Caicedo Cordoba, we can enjoy this Cali festival anthem today.
To conclude, we leave you with a performance by the Guayacán Orchestra. Greetings to all the people of Siloco, Potrero Sangre, Charco Azul, Aguablanca, and all my beautiful people in Colombia.
Guayacán Orquesta and the Cali Fair
Long live the Sultana del Valle! - Long live the Branch of Heaven! - Long live the sports city of America! - Long live the World Capital of Salsa! Long live Santiago de Cali! And finally, long live Cali's party anthem Oiga, Mire Vea by Guayacán Orquesta!
Lyrics to Cali’s party anthem
Si huele a caña, tabaco y brea Usted está en Cali, ay, mire, vea Si las mujeres son lindas y hermosas Aquí no hay fea, para que vea
Mi Cali se está adornando para su fiesta más popular Con caña dulce el melao hierve en la paila hasta amanecer Habrá corrida de toros y por la noche fiesta y rumba En Cali mira, se sabe gozar En Cali mira, se sabe gozar
De día su sol ardiente hace que mi Cali se caliente De noche sus callecitas con farolitos se ven bonitas Afinen bien las orquestas que este año si vamo’ a reventar La rumba empezó en la sexta y vamo’ a Juanchito es a rematar (and if you want to experience the Cali Fair with all your senses, don’t miss our article on Cali Fair gastronomy: sugarcane sweets, peanuts, raspados, and all the flavor that goes hand in hand with the rumba).
Con salsa de aquí, con mucho maní Con salsa de aquí, con mucho maní
Oiga, mire, vea, vengase a Cali para que vea Oiga, mire, vea, goce la feria para que vea Si uste’ va llegando váyase entonando Que de baile en balie se va acomodando De día en la plaza corrida de toros De noche casetas sin hembras, ni modo
Oiga, mire, vea, vengase a Cali para que vea Si va uste’ a Juanchito la pasa bonito Si va al barrio obrero se vuelve rumbero Si se me acalora, no mire la hora Tómese un raspao’ y cuento acabao
Oiga, mire, vea, goce la feria para que vea Aquí no hay problema, aquí no hay pelea Mi gente de Cali disfruta y rumbea Pida una botella pida una caneca Que en mi Cali bella mi gente respeta
Oiga, mire, vea, vengase a Cali para que vea Vaya despacito si ya va prendido Si va manejando, se mete en un lío Quédese quietico, ya está amanecido Y después de canse, váyase pa’ Pance
Oiga, mire, vea, vengase a Cali para que vea Oiga, mire, vea, goce la feria para que vea
Oiga, mire, vea, vengase a Cali para que vea Oiga, mire, vea, goce la feria para que vea
Qué-qué-qué-qué-qué
Querían que te cantara Cali te canto y te cantaré Después que pasa la feria La rumba sigue como es Así queda demostrado Y aquí queda comprobado
Que las mujeres de Cali tienen sabrosura Salsa Porque mueven la cintura Las mujeres de Cali tienen sabrosura Salsa Porque mueven la cintura
