Elcina Valencia

María Elcina Valencia Córdoba is an Afro-Colombian teacher, singer, songwriter, and poet. Dedicated to teaching the traditions of the Colombian Pacific, Elcina's texts deal with themes such as family, love, and traditions. She is engaged in rescuing the cultural identity of the African diaspora.

Valencia was born in Puerto Merizalde, Buenaventura Colombia on April 27th, 1963. Her family seeded in her their love for the verses and songs, as her mother and grandmother were singers.

Master in Education and Ph.D. in Arts, Elcina Valencia works in education and cultural projects. Specializing in education management and folk pedagogy, she is dedicated to the teaching and propagation of the cultural traditions of the Colombian Coast.

Her first book was published in 1992, Todos Somos Culpables, with the support of the Rayo de Roldanillo Museum's directors. Since then she has published several other books of poetry and musical albums.

In 2007, she received the title of Almanegra, the highest recognition granted to Colombian women poets who have achieved excellence in their poetic work.

From 2012 to 2013, she was appointed as coordinator of the Buenaventura Afro-Colombian Committee, a body from which she promoted a whole set of strategies that contribute to making visible and recognizing the contributions of Afro-Colombians to the development of Colombia and the world.

Youtube: @ElcinaValencia

Instagram: @

Soundcloud: María Elcina Valencía Córdoba