7 Musicians You Need to Know From Nicaragua

Heading to Nicaragua? Listen to these famous musicians, who are some of the biggest musical stars coming out of the Central American nation.
Carlos Mejía Godoy and Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy
These two brothers were the biggest names in the Nueva Canción (New Song) movement of the 1970s, which was so successful during the Sandinista revolution. Their music is famous across the country and you can still hear them play live today at La Casa de los Mejía Godoy in Managua.
La Cuneta Son Machín
This contemporary band is part of the new wave of Nicaraguan music and three of its members are from the Mejía Godoy family. Though the band’s songs aren’t as overtly political as those of the older generation, they are just as popular.
DJ Craze
Though he left the country when he was three years old, DJ Craze has represented Nicaragua throughout his career. As winner of the DMC World DJ Championship for three consecutive years from 1998 to 2000, DJ Craze is one of the best turntablists in the business.
J Smooth
Reggaeton is popular in Nicaragua, but its artists haven’t gained as much notoriety as those from Puerto Rico or Colombia. J Smooth is perhaps the biggest name in Nicaraguan reggateon, born to native parents in Los Angeles.
Lya Barrioz
Singer Lya Barrioz has been making music since 1989, both as a solo singer and in various groups. She is also an actress and environmental activist who retains a high profile in her home country.
Hernaldo Zúñiga
The 62-year-old singer focuses on the traditional trova style and has released countless songs. He also runs his own record label, Zungu Music, and has performed around the world.
Luis Enrique
One of the pioneers of the salsa romántica movement in the 1980s, Luis Enrique has won multiple Latin Grammy awards for his solo work and his work with the group Sensation 85.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.