La-33 is a Colombian salsa orchestra founded in Bogotá in 2001 by brothers Sergio and Santiago Mejía, alongside Guillermo Celis. The band's name is derived from Calle 33 in the Teusaquillo locality of Bogotá, where the group held its first rehearsals in a local house. Drawing direct inspiration from the hard salsa and Latin music scenes of 1970s New York, the band established a sound that blends traditional styles with rock influences and contemporary arrangements.
Unlike many modern bands that heavily integrate urban genres like reggaeton or hip-hop, La-33 remains dedicated to classical salsa, cha-cha-cha, and son cubano. One of their most notable tracks is "La Pantera Mambo." Over their career, the band has performed internationally and released numerous projects, including their 2023 live orchestral album "La-33 Filarmónico (En Vivo Desde El Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo)."
The orchestra's recorded output extends through 2025. In recent years, they have released several singles, including "Olvidar Bailando" and "Ya no sé" in 2021, followed by "Dando Vueltas" and a single version of "La Pantera Mambo" in 2022. Their active release schedule continued into 2024 and 2025 with tracks such as "Al Son Que Me Toquen Bailo," "Qué Te Pedí," and "Entre Caníbales."
