Who founded Grupo Niche with Alexis Lozano?

Jairo Varela founded Grupo Niche with Alexis Lozano.

Grupo Niche began in 1978 and became one of Colombia’s most influential salsa groups. Varela was the principal bandleader, songwriter, producer, vocalist, and musical director, while Lozano contributed as a trombonist and arranger during the group’s formative period.

The band’s early recordings included the album Al Pasito in 1979, followed by Querer es Poder in 1981. The group later became strongly identified with Cali, Colombia, and songs such as “Buenaventura y Caney” and “Cali Pachanguero” helped establish its international reputation.

A common mistake is to credit only Varela because he became the group’s enduring public face. Lozano was also a co-founder, but he later left Grupo Niche and formed Orquesta Guayacán. Varela remained central to Niche’s identity until his death in 2012, after which the group continued performing under his musical legacy.