MUSIC is a family affair for Cachicamo Latin Harp.

The Columbian four-piece, who now live in Brisbane, are virtuoso musicians led by harpist Sandra Real.

Sandra, one of the most successful harpists in Colombia, introduced her own style and ways of making music to the Llanera Harp.

From the plains of Colombia and Venezuela, the Llanera Harp has 32 nylon strings that represent four octaves, while its appearance is attributed to the Jesuits of the 1600s.

Sandra says her harp represents much more than just an instrument.

“It is the sound of my soul singing,” she says.

“My harp is like a best friend.

“I give them names and treat them with deep respect and love.

“For me, when I play, it is like the sound of angels; the pure, bright notes that come from the harp.”

Cachicamo Latin Harp are husband Elkin on the Cuatro Llanero (a four-stringed guitar) and percussion, Thomas Real on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and electric bass, and Isabella on piano, percussion, and bass.

Thomas began learning music at the age of four at the Young Conservatorium of Music Griffith University.

Aged six, he moved to Bogota in Colombia and began to learn the piano.

Sister Isabella started her music development at the age of five when she was enrolled in a piano program in Colombia.

Sandra says the families musical adventure Down Under had surprised nobody more than the family itself.

“In 2001, we arrived in Australia with the intention of studying English,” she says.

“Little did we know that our journey would lead us to become ambassadors of Latin American music in this vibrant land.

“As professional musicians, we overcame language barriers and our dedication paid off, opening doors to exciting opportunities.

“Thomas and Isabella have developed their talents and love for our music while mastering Spanish; it is a perfect blend of cultures.”

Sandra says it was the harp that drew husband Elkin to her as young students.

“I was playing harp at a university concert,” she says.

“Elkin was playing in a different group on percussion when we first met.

“He tells me now that he fell in love with me because of the sound of my harp.

“I tell him, ‘no, you are not supposed to say that, it was because of my great beauty’.”

Cachicamo Latin Harp is rich with the sound of cumbia, the musical genre that traces its history to the 1800s.

With roots in Colombia’s African culture, cumbia began as a type of courtship dance style by enslaved Africans on the coasts of Caribbean countries and South America.

In Colombia, indigenous instruments such as drums and flutes were added to the sound as cumbia developed in the 1900s and later European influences would introduce the accordion.

Cumbia music is percussion-heavy with a signature double beat played on a maraca or drum and became popular in Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico; the rhythms and instruments of cumbia have inspired electronic, country, and hip-hop.

Cachicamo Latin Harp play the MusiQue Latin Night at Studio 188 on June 29.

Performing alongside them will also be Nelson Alvarez, and Abraxas plus The Knockout Collective’s very unique brand of karaoke.