Samir Varela

Samir Varela is a Colombian salsa director, composer, and musician originally from the Chocó region. The nephew of Jairo Varela, the founder of Grupo Niche, Samir established the orchestra Alma del Barrio in Cali, Colombia. The group was created following a recommendation from his uncle and was formed by neighborhood friends dedicated to performing a youthful style of salsa.

Serving as the director and primary composer for Alma del Barrio, Varela has written the majority of the group's repertoire, reflecting the experiences of Colombian youth. Over a musical career of more than thirty years, the orchestra eventually relocated from Cali to Bogotá. Some of the band's notable songs written by Varela include "Hermosa Compañera", "Viviendo de Prisa", "Alevosía", and "Mi Bogotá Bonita", a track dedicated to the Colombian capital after their relocation.