EL GRAN MONO

“There are some challenges with local government and authorities in Barranquilla connecting sound system culture to drugs and violence. One of the key reasons we wanted to involve the Barranquilla crew in the El Gran Mono project is to help them flip some of these negative narratives,” Noonan adds.

“Picó culture is viewed as a tool of resistance against Colonialism,” explains Jimenez. “The music played by these picós originally comes from Afro-Colombian communities who wanted to reconnect with their African roots. The physical picó is really a symbol of identity and culture, it’s a very powerful tool that represents music, art, dance and connection all at the same time.” terrified Melburnians washed in a surge of apocalyptic, acid-green paint. Bueno!

The group has been invited to perform at a string of festivals and events, including Womadelaide, RISING’s Heavy Congress, Vivid Sydney and Spilt Milk, in addition to their own verbenas (picó parties) like their recent Barrio Trópico New Year’s Eve party at Retropolis Studio in Melbourne.

“I grew up in Barranquilla, so I almost took the picó music and community culture for granted, it’s embedded in my being,” says Oscar Jimenez, singer, producer and one of El Gran Mono’s MCs. “El Gran Mono is not just about being a source of entertainment or putting on fun events. There is a deeper element of education to it. It’s about exposing people to what is happening in the Caribbean with sound system culture.

With plans to record and produce its own album, El Gran Mono has evolved organically towards being a creative entity that redefines sound system culture both locally and abroad. From Colombia, to Greece, to Italy and the UK, promoters, DJs, performers and fans are hearing about El Gran Mono’s initiatives and events, and the safe and inclusive environment they offer people who want to explore an authentic experience of picó culture. The group’s long-term vision is to produce an annual Caribbean Carnevale event in Melbourne, and a possible tour in 2024 that will see the EL GRAN MONO sound system taken back to Barranquilla with an Australian delegation.

“This music – Afro-Colombian dance music – doesn’t have a language. It’s universal, it’s about feeling and body,” Jimenez says. “Coming out of the pandemic, people have a lot of energy and an urge to release it, and I think the El Gran Mono experience encourages people to connect and celebrate life.”

Follow El Gran Mono @elgranmonomelb