Don Alririo

A Colombian picotero and vinyl archivist preserving Afro-diasporic sounds for modern dancefloors.

Carlos Mario Mojica operates under the moniker Don Alirio, serving as a selector, vinyl collector, and musical researcher dedicated to the preservation of Afro-diasporic sounds. Born in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Barranquilla and currently based in Medellín, he strictly identifies as a picotero rather than a conventional disc jockey, honoring the traditional sound system culture of the Colombian Caribbean coast. His vast archive of over ten thousand records spans vintage cumbia, soukous, highlife, and salsa, forming the foundation of his deeply historical sets. Recent years have seen him bring this coastal sound to international stages, including a notable appearance at WORM Rotterdam alongside Chupame El Dedo and a guest mix for Worldwide FM. Beyond his live selections at venues like London's The Carpet Shop, his influence permeates the broader Latin independent scene, inspiring the 2025 track "Don Alirio" by El Caribefunk. By treating the dancefloor as a space for living history, he ensures the foundational rhythms of the global south remain a potent educational force in contemporary club environments.