hermanos mayores
“In August 2013, I had the honor of experiencing one of the most enriching moments of my life by attending a land blessing ceremony held by the Kogui community in the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta”.
The Kogui are an ancestral people who, during the colonial era, retreated to the Sierra to protect their culture and traditions. To this day, they have preserved their worldview and spiritual connection with nature, serving as guardians of the earth and natural balance.
The ceremony, led by the Mamo (spiritual leader), deeply inspired my creative work. No recordings were allowed during the ritual, this sacred moment ignited the idea for “Hermanos Mayores”, a project dedicated to reflecting the spiritual and cultural richness of the Kogui.
“Hermanos Mayores” combines traditional sounds with original compositions inspired by the Kogui worldview.
The resulting musical pieces aim to capture the essence of this ancestral community, their harmonious connection with the earth, and their message of balance and respect for the natural world.
This project is a tribute to the Kogui, their cultural resilience, and their invaluable wisdom, which has endured through time. This work invites reflection on the importance of preserving the traditions of indigenous peoples and their vision of environmental stewardship, reminding us all that the well-being of the planet is a shared responsibility.




All photos, music and videos by Federico Goes. All rights reserverd ®