Drug trafficking has left not only economic and social footprints in countries where it has thrived, but it has inevitably created characters and stories that have permeated cultures. Colombia is no exception.

CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports from Bogota with Insight into the cultural impacts of the FARC conflict.

PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY: Criminal superstars of Colombian pop culture

Last week the Colombian government signed a ceasefire deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The process of disarming some 7,000 FARC fighters is underway. But both sides said long-term peace should be next, with a final deal within 180 days. If successful, it would end decades of conflict and bloodshed that’s claimed more than 220,000 lives and displaced nearly 7 million people.

This conflict has shaped so much in Colombia from politics to the economy, even forms of entertainment.

Giovanny Ayala is a Colombian singer and songwriter known for corridos, a type of folk music made most famous in Mexico.

Songs about narco traffickers, coca farmers, or making it big as a member of a cartel are just some of the topics of this controversial music.

It’s no secret Colombia has been trying to leave its dark past behind and disassociate itself from negative images such as cocaine and drug lords like Pablo Escobar.

But it seems that it’s violent past and present has crept up in more than just music.

In recent years, Colombian’s have been enjoying the larger than life stories of cartel leaders through soap operas.

Regardless of the reasons — pure entertainment or a reflection of society — there’s no doubt that narco trafficking has left its mark on Colombia’s artistic expression.

Imani Cheers on the societal impact of pop culture

CCTV America’s Asieh Namdar spoke to Imani Cheers, an assistant professor of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University about how Colombia is an example of news events impacting  pop culture  – and vice versa.

Colombian president, head of FARC rebels agree on cease-fire

Colombia will move closer than ever to ending a half-century of bloodshed when its president joins leftist rebels Thursday in celebrating a cease-fire and disarmament agreement at a dignitary-studd…