Here are some of the most influential artists in the history of Cumbia:

Lucho Bermúdez: A Colombian composer, conductor, and arranger noted for popularizing Cumbia in its early days, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s.

Los Corraleros de Majagual: Formed in the 1960s, this band is one of the most influential traditional Cumbia groups from Colombia.

Celso Piña: Known as the "Rebel of the Accordion," this Mexican artist gained fame for his fusion of the traditional Colombian cumbia with genres like reggae, ska, and hip hop.

La Sonora Dinamita: This Colombian group is known for popularizing Cumbia internationally with their unique style and infectious rhythms.

Los Angeles Azules: A Mexican band formed in the 1980s, they became known for their synthesis of Cumbia with electronic music and symphonic elements.

Bomba Estéreo: A modern Colombian band that blends traditional Cumbia with electronic music, creating an energetic and danceable style.

Aniceto Molina: Known as "El Tigre Sabanero," Molina was a Colombian cumbia singer-songwriter and accordionist known for his significant contribution to the genre.

These artists, among many others, have played vital roles in the development and evolution of Cumbia, making it one of the most loved and widely listened to genres in Latin music today.

Cumbia songs and albums from the genre's origins to the present day:

1950s:
1952: Lucho Bermúdez - "Fiesta de Negritos" (song): A pioneer of Cumbia, Bermúdez set the stage for the genre with this lively, celebratory track.

1960s:
1962: Los Corraleros de Majagual - "Los Corraleros de Majagual" (album): This influential group introduced a whole new generation to the joy of traditional Colombian Cumbia with this album.

1970s:
1978: La Sonora Dinamita - "Se Me Perdió La Cadenita" (song): La Sonora Dinamita, renowned for their infectious rhythms, reached new heights with this international hit.

1980s:
1986: Los Angeles Azules - "Cumbia Pa' Gozar" (song): This band brought a new spin to Cumbia by incorporating electronic and symphonic elements, showcased in this popular track.

1990s:
1993: Celso Piña - "Cumbia Sobre el Rio" (song): Known for his fusion of genres, Piña achieved widespread acclaim with this track, blending Cumbia with sounds of reggae and hip-hop.

2000s:
2006: Juanes - "La Camisa Negra" (song): Juanes, a Colombian musician, released this song which, while not pure Cumbia, demonstrates the genre's influence on contemporary Latin music.
2008: Bomba Estéreo - "Blow Up" (album): With their fusion of electronic music and Cumbia, Bomba Estéreo's album represents a significant evolution in the genre.

2020s:
2020: Carlos Vives - "Cumbiana" (album): In this album, Vives explores the roots and magic of Cumbia, adding his unique flair to the traditional rhythms.

This list provides a glance at the rich tapestry of Cumbia music, showcasing its evolution through different artists and their interpretations of this enduring genre.

Several music festivals and events celebrate this vibrant and upbeat music style. In Colombia, the Festival de la Cumbia is held annually in the city of El Banco. This festival showcases traditional Cumbia music, dance, and costumes, and attracts musicians and enthusiasts from all over the country.

The Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, held in Valledupar, also includes Cumbia as one of its music genres.

In Mexico, the Festival Internacional de la Cumbia takes place in Monterrey and features live music performances, dance workshops, and cultural activities.

The Festival de la Cumbia Sonidera, held in Mexico City, is another event that celebrates this style of music.

Other notable Cumbia music events include the Feria del Hogar in Peru, the Festival de la Cumbia in Panama, and the Cumbia Festival in Chile. These festivals provide a platform for Cumbia musicians to showcase their talent, and for audiences to experience the energetic and infectious rhythms of this popular music genre.