Vancouver’s Empanadas Ilegales has been captivating audiences since 2017 with infectious rhythms and high-energy performances. Born from late-night jam sessions among friends with roots in Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, and Canada, they fuse deep-cut cumbia, salsa brass, surf rock, and psychedelia.

Their latest album, Sancocho Trifásico, is an adventurous fusion—layered with experimental synths, dub grooves, and dynamic percussion. Recorded in three studios and phases, the project features collaborations with Daniel Michel (Mambo Negro) and GRAMMY-winning Adam Ayan.The songs explore cultural preservation, folklore, traditional music, diasporic impact and third spaces that empower communities.

From underground shows to major evenets like the Vancouver and Montreal Jazz Festivals, Sled Island, and JUNOFest, they’ve shared stages with Killer Mike, Helado Negro, and Malkit Singh. Their music is a call and response across hemispheres—always fresh, never boxed in. Like your tía’s best soup, it’s crafted from scratch, rich with history, and always gets people dancing.