Trina, DJ Alex Sensation and More Honor Celia Cruz’s “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” as the Timeless Anthem of Miami’s Resilience and Pride

Tres Generaciones Tequila, a 50 year old brand introduced by the family that elevated tequila to a symbol of Mexican pride, and Billboard are partnering together for a year-long celebration of music’s transformative power to unveil the top songs that have energized, uplifted and excited six select cities, known as the ‘Get Up Anthems.’ These playlists are curated through a mix of editorial insight and data analytics, and honor the songs that define each city’s history and culture. 

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It’s a hot, sunny, quintessential Miami day. Inside a sleek studio nestled in North Miami, adorned with vibrant tropical accents, local legends Trina and DJ Alex Sensation joined forces with Billboard editors Jessica Roiz and Heran Mamo to celebrate the Magic City’s rich musical heritage. Over Tres Generaciones Tequila’s Coconut Ranchwater, Rocsi Diaz moderated a lively debate as the group sifted through a series of iconic local hits.

In the end, unanimously one song stood out above the rest: “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” by Celia Cruz. Released in 2001 and produced by Sergio George, this salsa-meets-reggaeton masterpiece became a cultural touchstone, seamlessly fusing Afro-Caribbean rhythms with an urban edge that resonated deeply with Miami’s diverse communities. Cruz’s bold declaration of self-love and confidence—“el que no tiene de Congo, tiene de Carabalí”—cemented her as a trailblazer who embraced her roots unapologetically.

The driving force of the track is the rhythmic energy that infuses both its lyrics and beats, mixing percussion with horns in a way that feels at once classic and contemporary. The song’s incorporation of reggaeton-style dembow rhythms gave it an added commercial edge that resonated with both younger and older Latin music fans.  In addition to its cultural significance, the song achieved commercial success, landing as a Top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2002 and soaring to No. 4 on the Tropical Airplay chart, helping propel the album to the Top 20 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.

For Miami, a city built on the vibrant interplay of cultures, “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” is more than a song; it’s an anthem of resilience and pride. Its infectious rhythm has kept it alive in clubs, family gatherings, and street festivals for over two decades, proving its timeless appeal. The song was embraced by fans across generations, from young listeners in Miami to long-time aficionados of salsa and Cuban music. 

Cruz’s powerful, unmistakable voice added a layer of authenticity to the record, as she became the embodiment of the song’s bold and self-assured lyrics. Her vocal delivery, infused with confidence and joy, matched the song’s theme of embracing one’s roots and identity with pride.

Miami, with its unique mix of cultures—particularly its large Cuban and broader Latin population—has always been a melting pot of musical influences. Celia Cruz’s music became a unifying force in the city, as her tracks transcended language and regional boundaries, connecting people from various Latin backgrounds and her impact on Miami cannot be overstated. As the Queen of Salsa, she helped shape the city into a global hub for Latin music, connecting diverse cultures and bringing people together through her music. The song, and Cruz’s entire catalog, is now woven into the fabric of Miami’s cultural consciousness, representing the city’s spirit of resilience, pride, and cultural exchange. 

Today, Celia Cruz’s legacy continues to shape the sound of Miami and the broader Latin music landscape. Her presence in the city remains a source of inspiration for artists across all genres, and her music continues to be played in clubs, on the radio, and in celebrations that define the rhythm of Miami. “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” isn’t just a song—it’s a powerful reminder of the cultural bridge that Celia Cruz built, one that continues to connect Miami to Latin America and the world.