Ar Geles Puya

In addition to the festival, artist Omar Geles as well played a role in internationalizing puya through his talented accordion playing. Omar geles was born in Valledupar, Colombia, where the vallenato festivals are held. He is well known for playing his accordion and in fact won the title of the king of vallenato in the vallenato festival in 1989. Geles has released many puya inspired songs beginning in 1997. In addition, he was nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for best Cumbia/Vallenato album.(elvallenato.com, nd, pg. 1) All this recognition helped him to spread vallenato puya across and beyond Colombia. He now does play other styles of vallenato more frequently but he began with puya. Geles demonstrates cultural pride through his music because he utilizes his accordion in the traditional puya context, preserving tradition.

Vallenato merengue is not to be confused merengue from the Dominican Republic. Unlike merengue from the Dominican Republic is in fast duple meter, vallenato merengue has a triple meter. It has an accompanied dance and even though it is not as fast as puya, it is still practiced in neighborhoods and the valleys of Colombia. (Ayombe, 4). Vallenato merengue was believed to have its roots in very sub regions of Colombia, from the city of Riohacha to villages by the Magdalena River. It was one of the first rhythms to be touched with the accordion just like puya and the composure of the songs do not have a particular theme rather they are composed for fun even though most speak about experiences of the composers