Bemba Colora Lyrics in English Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz’s “Bemba Colora” is a playful Afro-Cuban anthem that turns friendly teasing into irresistible dance energy. In Cuban Spanish, bemba means “big lips” and colora signals a striking red color, so the repeated line “tú tienes la bemba colora” cheekily points out someone’s bold, attention-grabbing mouth. Celia tells this loud-mouthed character, “pa’ mí, tú no eres nada” (“to me, you are nothing”), while still inviting them to keep singing their rumba, son, guaracha and danzón. The song mixes sass with celebration, letting the pulsing horns and percussion turn a lighthearted roast into a party.

Beneath the fun banter lies a wink of Afro-Caribbean pride. By spotlighting the exaggerated bemba, Celia flips a feature once mocked in colonial society into something vibrant and powerful. She reminds listeners that confidence speaks louder than gossip, and that Afro-Cuban rhythms will always drown out empty bragging. The result is a song that feels like a friendly callout, a cultural embrace and a dance floor invitation all at once—exactly the kind of infectious spirit that crowned Celia Cruz the Queen of Salsa.