COMO NO PRESENTS
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FEATURING
OMARA PORTUONDO & ELIADES OCHOA
WED 6 APRIL THE O2 Tue 2 Feb
Jorge Drexler
Bixiga 70 ‘Afrobeat meets Brazilian flair and leaves the listener gasping in admiration.’ Music News
Rich Mix Friday 29 January comono.co.uk
Hear the Uruguayan guitaristʼs Latin hooks and infectious rhythms taken to new heights as he performs with a full band in the UK for the first time
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I S S U E N0.8 WINTER GUIDE 2015
WELCOME TO London’s dreary winter doesn’t have to dampen your spirits; our first winter edition is here to make sure of that. We’ve got loads of Latin music to look forward to this season, not least a visit from one of our favourite artists, the wonderful Jorge Drexler, at the Barbican in February. We interview this Oscar-winning singer-songwriter, arguably the best of his generation, about his fascinating journey, beginning as son of German immigrants who fled Nazi Germany to Bolivia, to doctor and musician in Uruguay to the global stage. We also delve into the ever-complex relationships between Cubans and foreigners in Cuba, which takes an interesting turn as US tourists flood in. Finally, we are taken on another joyous tour, of Latin food in London, with our new food editor, The Latina Cook. All the ingredients you need to enjoy winter the Latin way! Amaranta Wright, Editor amaranta@latinolife.co.uk
CONTENTS 4
FRONT SECTION: The Latin Hotlist, News and Gossip
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Galeria - Livin’ the Latin vibe
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INTERVIEW: Jorge Drexler
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FEATURE: Love is Not All You Need in Cuban Relationships
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TRAVEL: Mexico Unlimited
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FOOD: Latin Super Foods
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London’s Best Latin Food Stalls
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Latin recipes
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MUSIC: Top Ten Latin Hip Hop Artists
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Latest CD reviews
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WHAT’S ON: Your listings guide to Latin London
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LATIN LONDONER: Royal Ballet Dancer Fernando Montaño
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26 Latinolife is produced by: Editor Amaranta Wright Music Editor Jose Luis Seijas • Food Editor Natalie Salmon Designer Antonella Perreca www.latinolife.co.uk • twitter.com/latinolifeuk • facebook.com/LatinoLifeWeb
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THE LATIN HOT LIST
Peruvian Baby-soft
Just looking at these Peruvian alpaca cushions makes you want to cuddle up to one by a winter fire. Handcrafted from luxurious suri alpaca fur, we think they are the ideal home accessory. Made with 100% Baby Alpaca fleece. Available from… www.samanthaholmes.com
Beyond Fairtrade
Purity in a Bottle
We had no idea the Mexicans were such purists, but apparently this Mexican beer is craft brewed in strict adherence to German Purity Laws of 1516 (The Bavarian Reinheitsgebot). Only four ingredients are used: water, hops, malted barley and yeast. Choice of Mexican or German moustache while drinking? Purely at drinker’s discretion. www.mexgrocer.co.uk
Eduardo decided to do things differently, by sourcing single-origin coffees direct from small Colombian farms, and then investing some of the profits back into those communities. His Colombian Coffee Company makes an effort to find rare, unusual coffees of outstanding quality, and to get to know the communities that make them. Anything that marries great coffee with truly good work is our idea of cool. www.thecolombiancoffeeco.org
Vampi-tastic From our favourite record label Vampisoul comes a DJ’s dream. This delicious Big Box of Afrosound vinyl box set, contains ten 45s with rare and hard-to-find tropical tracks from the 60s and 70s golden period of the seminal Colombian label Discos Fuentes. Twenty tracks, several reissued for the first time, covering a wide array of genres: salsa, cumbia, boogaloo, porro, tamborera...utter Latin retro bliss! www.munster-records.com
FRONT SECTION
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LATIN MOMENTS OF THE YEAR… Cementing Rugby History
When it comes to football, the English have long bemoaned being taken over by their prodigal children in Latin America. This year, as hosts of the World Cup, they had to witness being surpassed on the rugby pitch too, by their Argentine students. Employing that reliable Argy ingredient - viveza criolla - to disguise, deceive and dart though their opponents’ defence, Los Pumas provided the Latin cement that produced rugby’s first ever all Southern Hemisphere semi-final.
Beautiful Trio
Reviving the spirit of the 70s, Canción Social came back to London recently, in the form of astounding newcomer Marta Gómez. Those who were present at her concert got a beautiful surprise when she was joined on stage by two other socially-committed song-writers, London’s own Camilo Menjura and Venezuela’s José Delgado. Just to put the cherry on the cake, the world’s greatest living percussionist, Nene Quintero, decided to accompany them. Marta gave two performances and a special workshop about memory, testimony and songwriting in aid of Conciliation Resources, an organization dedicated to peace building and conflict resolution.
Miss Colombian Entrepreneur
When the secret Latin ingredient of this year’s BBC Apprentice finalist was revealed, it all made sense. Being both half Latina and Colombian, it was no surprise that Vana Koutsomitis showed herself to be a fine entrepreneur. Can it be a coincidence that in two consecutive years, Colombians have excelled in Lord Sugar’s search for a business partner? Of course not. It simply proves what we London Latinos all know, that Colombians are among the most hardworking, creative and entrepreneurial people on the planet. So take heart Miss Colombia, forget the Miss Universe title (you woz robbed) and take to business instead.
The León King
‘Tis a fairy tale indeed’. Discovered whilst singing in an Italian restaurant in Disneyland to taking centre stage at the Royal Albert Hall this November, Mexican tenor Jesús León has come a long way from singing at weddings in his native town of Hermosillo. For a country that has given Latin America many phenomenal singers, however, it’s not surprising. Jesús is just the latest star in a long line of great Mexican operatic tenors, such as Ramón Vargas and Rolando Villazón.
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Renaissance
man
Doctor, poet and musician, Jorge Drexler has taken the long and winding road to global success. Winning an Oscar at 41 – the first ever for a song not sung in English – was just the beginning. Now recognised as one of the finest singer-songwriters of his generation, the Uruguayan’s career is blooming. Amaranta Wright talks to the man in his musical prime, ahead of his second show in London in two years. When most pop-stars are looking back nostalgically, lamenting how their music was so much better than music is now and how no one appreciates real talent any more, Jorge Drexler was just getting on a train of delightful surprises; an unexpected Oscar, several Grammies, and an ever expanding global audience. But then, despite a Facebook page adorned with posts of love and affection, Drexler probably isn’t a pop star. Singer-songwriter? “I don’t like that word,” he says. Latin artist? Even worse. Drexler doesn’t do stereotypes. In his case, however, resisting them has paid off. He could even write a text book about how to have a long and upwardly-curving career in music. “I’m a slow person,” he says.”But I am stubborn and determined.” Another amazing fact in ‘Jorge’s Unlikely Guide to Success in Music’ is that he was a full time practicing doctor until he was 30. While many musicians dream of stardom, Jorge never even expected to earn from his art: the joy was in the playing. A chance encounter with legendary Spanish singer Joaquín Sabina, however, ended Jorge’s career in medicine and defined his destiny. After Joaquín heard Jorge while on tour in Uruguay, Jorge recalls: “he said to me, ‘what are you doing here. You need to come to Spain, the way you sing is going to go down very well right now.”
“At that time I didn’t consider myself a musician. I was completely unknown in Uruguay. When people told Joaquin that I was a full-time doctor, he said…“Doctor my arse.’” I’m curious as to why someone so musically talented would study medicine. “Were you bowing to parental pressure to do the sensible thing?’ I ask. “No, it was quite a natural thing, because my parents were doctors and they had passed down a lot of their knowledge to me. I liked medicine. For a while, after I became a successful musician I wondered if it would have been better to have started my career earlier. But in retrospect, I realise those years as a doctor had a big impact on my music. Working in a hospital, dealing with situations of healing and suffering, joy and pain, power and impotence, taught me a lot about relationships and people, and influenced my lyrics and my performances.”
“When people told Joaquín Sabina that I was a full-time doctor, he said… ’Doctor my arse.” Indeed, when Drexler sings about emotion, love, and relationships, you hear about membranes, cells and kinetics -“Dulce magnetismo, dos cargas opuestas, buscando lo mismo” -
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“It was only when I was in the limousine on the way to the ceremony that I realised I may have a chance of winning, because if I’d been on the border line I would have been pushed out in that recount.”
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not the kind of banalities you’d hear from a 19-year-old. And in concert his relationship with his audience is unusually natural and intimate. As an interviewee, his curious smile arrives on my Skype screen with the spontaneous comment “Ah! a blond Amaranta,” as if I have just walked into his consulting room and he’s about to add ‘what can I do for you?’ In Spain, on Sabina’s invitation, Jorge began writing for famous Spanish singers, but it took a while before his own solo career took off. “I didn’t really fit in to the Spanish idea of cantautor, you know the guy with the guitar, singing about love and politics, intense, meaningful and a bit humourless, I don’t like to be boxed in. I didn’t play the role I was supposed to. I wanted to be free to do what I wanted without being told what I should be.” Strangely, though signed to Virgin in Spain, it was Argentina that his music drifted back to and he started to play his first big gigs. “I finally got to play to an audience that understood me.” With the financial crisis in Argentina in 2001, Argentines flocked to Spain. His audience came to Spain and his Spanish audience began to grow. Then, in 2004, came the Oscar, awarded to Drexler for his song El Otro Lado del Rio from The Motorcycle Diaries, in not uncontroversial circumstances. Because the Uruguayan was unknown in the US, the producers of the show didn’t want to let him sing his song at the ceremony, as is customary for the nominees for best song. “At first they asked Marc Anthony and J-Lo to do a duet of the song. Then, to my relief, they asked San-
INTERVIEW
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tana and Antonio Banderas; at least he rang me and asked me how I felt about it,” recalls Jorge. “Anyway, I was absolutely convinced I wasn’t going to win until the last day. I knew Hollywood wasn’t happy with the fact I was nominated. That year Mick Jagger had a song in a film and people were shocked he didn’t make it, so they ordered a recount of the votes.” “It was only when I was in the limousine on the way to the ceremony I realised I may have a chance of winning, because if I’d been border line I would have been pushed out in that recount. So I thought, if I win, what will I do?”
“In Uruguay it was as if we’d won the World Cup. It was the only time that I felt uncomfortable in the streets in Uruguay, because I didn’t do that as some act of heroism.” And the moment when you bowed and kissed Prince’s hand on stage…?
“I don’t agree with Prince but it doesn’t surprise me that he has that view because, while he was at some point a revolutionary, he later cut himself off from the world and stopped listening.” What happened next surprised everyone. On receiving his award on stage from Prince, the Uruguayan sang 30 seconds of the song he hadn’t been allowed to sing, then said thank you and left the stage. The following day it was voted the best acceptance speech of the Oscars. “I didn’t want to make a speech about being the Latin American victim not allowed to sing his song etc. I hate that attitude, I was happy to be there, so why would I complain? That would be hypocritical. I was standing in front of Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, everyone I’d ever seen in a movie, like in a wax museum, but it’s actually them. And I did what came naturally to me, which was to sing.” It was inevitable after this elegant slap that Jorge would be hailed a hero across the continent.
“Yeah, I think he thought that was really weird!” Jorge laughs. Prince may not have known who Drexler was, but the two had more in common than most, belonging both to that rare breed of highly idiosyncratic song-writers. Although, meeting at this juncture, one of them was gravitating towards recognition and stardom, the other away from it. The latter recently lamented that there is nobody currently doing anything interesting in music, no one for young people to copy, like there was when he was young. Does Jorge agree? “No I don’t agree, but it doesn’t surprise me that Prince has that view because, while he was at some point a revolutionary, he has cut himself off from the world and stopped listening. That is the way a closed and narcissistic person sees the world, and it has happened throughout history that when people get older, they think that the only good things happened in the past, when they happened to be at the centre of things.” “I don’t think these times are better or worse. I think they are different and you have to be careful with what you do with your music and some people may say that there has never been a wider spectrum of musicians being able to release what they do, but of course if you live inside your fortress and you’ve been living like a star for 40 years and you don’t open your doors to people doing things differently, then you are not going to know that.”
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The irony of the song that won the Oscar was that it was the quickest song Drexler ever wrote, one morning, between 6 and 10am. “In general, I don’t have many hits.” He confesses, “I have a lot of songs that keep coming back to me over the years, that have an intense slow-burning relationship with the public. ‘La Milonga del Moro Judio’ (The Ballad of the Arab Jew), for example. That was never a single but it keeps coming back. In fact I am recording it again with an Israeli singer; I sung it with a Palestinian recently in Mexico. It’s about putting yourself in your enemy’s shoes. And I guess it keeps being relevant”
“I didn’t really fit in to the Spanish idea of Cantautor, you know the guy with the guitar, intense, meaningful and humourless, singing about love and politics.” One could say the long and winding journey of Drexler and his songs reflect his own history. The son of German Jews who fled the Nazis and were given refuge in Bolivia (one of thefew countries who did at the time), Jorge spent some years as a teenager in Israel, a country he has conflicting feelings about. He has not yet refused to play there, but works with an NGO that takes musical instruments to Gaza.
INTERVIEW
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“I find Israel more distorted every time I go. I have a love for Israel, and my criticism of it comes from that place.I’ve been to Hebron and I think the occupation is a terrible burden, not just to the Palestinians, but also to the Israelis.” It’s not surprising that with such a complex background Jorge resists the simplistic labels of the music industry. “People say to me, what are you doing putting electronic music into songs of a cantautor? And I’m like, well the problem is with the word cantautor not electronic. I’d prefer to take that out and leave the computer in.” And then there is the dreaded term ‘Latin artist’. And yet, Jorge’s affinity with Latin music in all its diversity is clear; his latest album, ‘Bailar en la Cueva’ (Dance in the Cave), recorded partly in Colombia, is a testament to this. “I love the extrovert and happy music of Colombia and Panama. In Uruguay and Argentina we are melancholic and intellectual. For me this album was an attempt to kill what Uruguay’s dictatorship left in me in me, 30 years later. What I couldn’t do in my youth, dance and be happy, I’m doing now.” And of course one thing that Jorge has in common with Latin America’s great artists – the likes of Charly Garcia, Caetano Veloso, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil - is his love of English music, especially The Beatles. “I think The Beatles had more influence on music in Latin America than anywhere else in the world. Actually, The Beatles were very Latin in some ways. There is a flexibility and freedom in their form and lyrics. Every record has multiple types of songs. I mean some of their songs are straight boleros.” At my disbelief, Jorge gets his guitar out and starts singing ‘Till There was You’. He’s right, it sounds straight out of the Armando Manzanero songbook. We have a discussion about how likely it was that The Beatles were influenced by Latin American boleros. I am sceptical. Five minutes after hanging up our skype call an email comes through. It is from Jorge and has a link to the Beatles singing ‘Bésame Mucho’. : There we go. It’s official: Latin America’s influence on Britain’s greatest pop band. All great music involves a journey, despite the static label. Jorge Drexler will be performing at the Barbican on February 2nd
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Love is not all you need
It is said that people of all cultures use the world ‘love’ to describe a feeling they get when someone meets their needs. So what is love between Cubans and Western visitors to the island? Leila Segal explores ‘What I keep noticing here is the eyes and warmth. I am drawn like a seed into the warmth. Human arms reach out to enclose me from the harsh detachment of my mother tongue.’ This is me, writing in my notebook at the start of it all. It was 2000 – I had gone to Cuba for a holiday. I stayed, on and off over the next six years, to write.
Cuba inspires love. If you stay for any length of time, you will become very close to the Cubans in your life. But make too many wrong assumptions and you could be plotting a rough course. Ordinary tests of a relationship are magnified and put
FEATURE
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under enormous stress by the economic and political inequalities inherent in your situation. Tourists and Cubans don’t necessarily want the same things when they get close – the desires for freedom, money and sex act as powerful incentives for each party to tailor their truth. Friendships can be hard to gauge, trust elusive, and authenticity measured according to different criteria by each party.
her – she’d given me a letter to deliver to him, come all the way out to Gatwick to put it in my hand. Jose’s Cuban girlfriend was very present – she lived with him, was there when we sat with friends late into the night. But as soon as the English girlfriend arrived, the Cuban one moved out. At my next lesson, the Cubana was there mopping the floor, reduced to the status of cleaner, incognito.
It was this inability really to know that made Cuba such a fascinating place for me as a writer – a place where every layer came away to reveal not ‘reality’ but another riddle. This is what inspired me to write Breathe, my short story collection about the struggle for intimacy and understanding between visitors to the island and the Cubans they encounter there.
It is impossible to know someone, or judge the reality of what you have with them after just one or two short visits. If you go back and forth, each trip will serve as a romantic distraction from your everyday life. Mostly, the tourist will get the Cuban out of the country early in the relationship, never experiencing the reality of their Cuban partner’s world.
Early on, I took dancing lessons from a teacher in Vedado – let’s call him Jose. He waited daily for his English girlfriend to arrive. I knew
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FEATURE
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Some of the best relationships are those that remain on the island – dependency can break even a strong bond once the couple is living abroad. Staying in Cuba is a good way to test your relationship. You can learn Spanish, talk to your partner’s family and friends – see what’s really going on. You get more Cuban, which is a pleasure, and they find ways to accommodate you. I lived with my novio in a flat in Havana. Later, we spent time with his family in the rural West – living in their home. It was a hard test for me, a way of life different from all I knew, but we learned to be close. I struggled with ways that charmed then confounded me. I adapted, and grew.
As soon as the English girlfriend arrived, the Cuban one moved out. At my next lesson, the Cubana was there mopping the floor, reduced to the status of cleaner, incognito.
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People warned me about relationships with Cubans who would try to exploit me, but I did not let them scare me; I trusted my judgment. Though we were from very different worlds, I an urban European, who made a living through writing, he a rural Cuban who made a living through fishing, I felt that I was capable of deciding whether he was a good man – and he was. Life in Cuba is hard and tourists may try to buy their way into people’s affections – it’s a possibility, with our relative wealth, where someone is earning £13 a month. But anyone tempted to do so should think carefully about how they want the relationship to go – will it be one of mutuality, or will the foreigner have control and the Cuban hide their feelings due to economic need? Inequality twists the dynamics of relationships.
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How you fare with a cross-cultural relationship depends on what you mean when you say ‘love’ – and whether both parties share that meaning. In Europe ‘love’ is delicacy – a consumer item that we use to define ourselves. Cubans, in my experience, take a more realistic view.
A trauma psychologist once told me that people of all cultures use the world ‘love’ to describe a feeling they get when someone meets their needs. He said he had asked an Ethiopian woman who had been trafficked whom she could turn to for support – whom did she love? She said, ‘my husband, I love my husband.’ The psychologist asked her why, and she answered, ‘because he brings me food.’ It’s not romantic, but it makes a lot of sense.
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The power differential can poison even the best of connections. Long friendships that seem solid can crumble in seconds – it usually involves money. You have to decide on a deliberate policy together – this way it can work. So, for example, the non-Cuban can pay when you do tourist things, and the Cuban in the peso shops and bars. I knew people who bankrolled their Cuban friends, out of generosity or guilt – and the problem was, neither party could be sure why the other was really there. Often, both felt betrayed in the end.
In Europe ‘love’ is delicacy – a consumer item that we use to define ourselves. Cubans, in my experience, take a more realistic view.
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FEATURE
Long friendships that seem solid can crumble in seconds – it usually involves money.
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Some people even dispense with the ‘love’ concept altogether. A close friend of mine, recently widowed, married a Cuban woman and brought her to England for a better life. There was no pretence of love between them, simply affection and respect. He did not expect her to love him; she made no promises to do so. But in the end, they have found a life in England together, quietly content. * Leila Segal’s Breathe – Stories from Cuba (Flipped Eye Publishing) is out on 21 January 2016. You can pre-order a copy at http:// www.amazon.co.uk
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MÉXICO 20
unlimited Amaranta Wright basks in the stunning combination of ancient civilisations and Caribbean luxury in a family trip to the Yucatán peninsular, combining road trip adventure and resort comforts. Even the name, Riviera Maya, betrays a paradox; sunbathing and ancient history? As if the stunning white sand lining that hems Mexico’s eastern peninsular isn’t enough, the combination of Caribbean paradise and Mayan culture quietly blasts the senses, leaving you tingling from head to toe. I was aware of none of this when I booked our flights to Cancún. Like many, I dreamt of all-inclusive paradise, where cooking meals and washing dishes magically disappeared. It was only an after-thought that led me to combine a resort holiday with a road trip that would take the family down the Riviera Maya to Tulum, then across the peninsula to Merida, stopping at the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itzá, then back along the northern coast via the island of Holbox. The resort experience, however, was more than welcome after a cross Atlantic journey, via Madrid, that lasted almost a day. On emerging from Cancún airport, salted moisture enveloped us, doting hotel staff offered cool face flannels and the crisp white cotton sheets was nothing short of bliss.
Crashing waves
Tulum
For the boys, a game of football on white sand. Awaiting me, a perfect running beach, which I splashed along barefoot into eternity, washing away the lingering film of musky plane cabin and London grime. Amidst the endless roman pillars and waterfalls of the Now Sapphire, a seamless operation catered to our every whim. Everyone has their own idea of holiday luxury, whether it’s drinking unlimited cocktails in the pool to music with mates, or watching the waves in silence from a beach lounger. And, here, every idea has been pre-empted. The space is so immense, servicing staff so abundant, that everyone’s holiday perfection co-exists perfectly; cappuccino cravings, midnight munchies, late drinking, early rising. Even if the Las Vegas-style opulence isn’t quite your thing, nobody does accessible luxury like the Americans; the idea that yes, you CAN have it all is very, very easy to enjoy. You could be forgiven for wanting to stay a week or two in such lush comfort, but my feet were itching and three days of it were enough to feel in perfect condition to start our family adventure.
Mayan Splendour Driving down the very well maintained coastal highway from Cancun to Tulum, I relished the empowerment of owning our destiny. Tulum was to be our first encounter with Mayan history, with the 13th century trading port perched on top of beautiful beaches. There was something Planet of the Apes-like about walking through the ruins, peppered with palm trees,
ort luxury’ Lapping up res
of an extinct civilization basking in a Caribbean sunset. We were in Mexico, land of great civilizations, who were trading, writing, inventing mathematical and astronomical systems at the same time as the Egyptians and Greeks. Before too much contemplating, the kids were darting down the cliff towards the best crashing waves they’d ever seen. They were in heaven, and I stood awe struck by the beauty of two boys hurling themselves in the sea under ancient fortresses: imagine Stonehenge, right there on your beach. Next we set off for Chichen Itzá, one of the main ancient cities in the region. We arrived at nightfall, just as the road was getting hairy, but found ourselves nested in a forest of 30-metre high palm trees and the beautiful 16th century Hacienda Chichen. This hotel comprised of a different kind of luxury, a Mexican colonial experience in a lush garden of tropical flora.
“Even if the Las Vegas-style opulence isn’t quite your thing, nobody does accessible luxury like the Americans” At dawn we were the first into the site of the ancient city, through an Alice-in- Wonderlandlike door at the bottom of the garden. The buildings from the back entrance were impressive enough: the temple of the table, with its intricately engraved altars, a Mayan steam bath complex, and the domed Caracol, thought to be one of the world’s first ever observatories. But the prize was the huge pyramid that stood in the centre, the Temple of Kulkukan, spellbinding in its size and perfect symmetry. By the time we were finished soaking in this great ancient city, the midday heat was blasting down, but a short stroll took us back through the gate into the magical garden that was our hotel, and we all jumped into the delicious fresh water of the pool.
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TRAVEL
Day of the Dead in Merida
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Familia K
atrina
Driving into the Yucatán capital at rush hour was a wake up call to the reality of modern urban Mexico. Noise and smoke crammed into narrow streets, buildings badly in need of a facelift, were a stark contrast to the bright turquoise of the coast and the lush jungle of Chichen Itzá. Yet, once we started walking the streets, the city’s heritage began to shine through its dusty veneer, like a beacon of colour. Merida is Mexico’s most indigenous city, with 60% of its inhabitants of Mayan descent, and the city wore this badge with pride. Men and women boasted indigenous costumes and guayaberas, as they hustled and bustled.
“There was something Planet of the Apes-like about walking through the ruins, peppered with palm trees, of an extinct civilization basking in a Caribbean sunset.” The city’s proud and positive spirit went into full bloom the next evening on the Day of the Dead, one of Mexico’s biggest holidays. Not knowing what to expect, we wandered out at about 5 o’clock looking for signs of this famous celebration. In the Plaza San Juan the boys joined a line of children to get their faces painted with the famous Catrina - the satirical skeleton that has become synonymous with the Day of the Dead.
Once painted, accompanied by live music, we followed the gradually increasing flow of people down an avenue, liberated from cars for the evening, lit up and decorated with paper flags. Lining the streets were table upon table of makeshift shrines, women in all their Mayan finery, standing proudly behind their displays - photos of loved-ones and carefully placed objects – and inviting passers by stop and admire them. As for the crowd, it was a chance for people to have fun with their versions of Catrina - originally the colonially dressed Catrina mocked the Europe-gazing Mexican upper classes. There were Catrina brides, Catrina policemen, drag queen Catrinas, even marathon-running Catrinas; weirdly scheduled on the same day. The medal? A weighty Catrina of course! os
Campesin
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Old Truman Brewery, Hanbury St, London, E1 6QR
Tottenham Court Road, 28-29 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 1BL
@dfmexicodiner Use the hashtag #WDF www.dfmexico.co.uk
25 Hippie Holbox Two things seemed to be in great abundance in the Yucatán, Mayan ruins and cenotes. Though we had no idea what the latter were, we couldn’t help notice the countless signs to them on the road. Finally we ended up in one; a huge underground pool of cool, almost florescent, turquoise water. What in Europe would be major tourist attractions, involving much hype, in this porous limestone peninsular, sink holes appeared literally in people’s gardens and opened to the public. Every cave we swam and snorkled in revealed a stunning landscape of bottomless rock world below and stalactites above. These refreshing interludes and listening to 1940s Mexican boleros on local radio, as we headed back east to Cancún, made the journey an absolute joy. To get to Holbox we had to turn off the road about 70km before Cancún, head for the northern point of the peninsular and then jump on a boat in the port of Chiquilá. When we arrived on the island, the sun was setting spectacularly on the water, shooting a gigantic splash of red across the yellow sky. Back to paradise. Holbox is a throwback to the resort-free, rustic beach life of yester-year, with cabañas, and hippy-style beach bars and hotels. During the whale-shark season people flock here to swim with them. Out of season, it is all about soaking up the island’s natural, tranquil beauty. The next day we spent lying in the water about 200 metres from the shore, still ankle-high, watching the flamingos that gather there, as the children splashed. It was one of those rare dream-like moments; no sound other than ourselves and the natural environment.
In the evening, travellers gathered to eat in the delightful little square, hemmed by colourful boutiques and restaurants. But my lasting memory will be after those dinners, lying on the beach outside our hotel, under a cloak of stars, as Rafa and Manu danced barefoot to the Latin rhythms drifting from the beach bar behind us. Pure happiness.
“What in Europe would be major tourist attractions, involving much hype, in this porous limestone peninsular, sink holes appeared literally in people’s gardens and opened to the public.” Back to Unlimited Rustic can also come with discomforts, and after three days we were ready for the cool marble floors and unlimited resort luxury that had left such a lasting impression on us. Dreams Riviera Cancún was the cushion after a stimulating adventure where we were often outside our comfort zone. As the infectious entertainments team dragged the kids from activity to activity, mum and dad indulged in some much needed ‘us time.’ And indulge we did, eating unlimited and relaxing unlimited into our last Caribbean days. Every diverse experience had been perfect in its own way. Merida’s immense cultural pride, the exquisite beauty of Holbox, monuments to astounding ancient civilizations, underground cave pools, stunning sunsets on white sand beaches and resort luxury - they all had their value and their place in this stunning adventure combining culture, history and nature.
lbox
Sunset Ho te
ng in Ceno
Rafa snorkli
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LATIN SÚPER FOOD
By The Latina Cook
I am half Brazilian but grew up in Venezuela and I’ve been itching to get the word out about healthy Latin American food which is absolutely delicious. Most people don’t know what Latin American food is (fajitas and burritos do not count) let alone how incredibly healthy it can be and I realised that few are totally aware of the delicious Latin American recipes out there…. so I set myself a challenge of making the recipes I grew up eating, which I knew my friends would love, using British Ingredients where native ones aren’t available. I also love spending my weekends scouting the latest Latin restaurants, pop-ups, food stalls and shops in our capital. So as well as suggesting recipes, I’ll be telling you about my latest gastronomic discoveries. By way of introduction, what better way to start that a guide to Latin America’s amazing superfoods.
The Stuff of Warriors Great ancient civilizations were built on them, so no wonder Latin America supplies most of the world’s many super-foods – products extremely high in nutritious value – now flooding into UK health stores. Most hail from the Amazon region, the eponymous forest that spreads across Brazil, (60%), Peru (13%), Colombia (10%,) as far as Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Some ingredients have not found their way here yet and others are still being discovered, but many you can find in your local Whole Foods and Holland & Barrett or online. Here are a few you need to be incorporating into your diet.
FOOD
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Lucuma
Maca
Lucuma is a sweet tree, growing fruit that has been harvested since ancient times in the highlands of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. Its flavour is a cross between maple syrup and sweet potato, but it is full of iron, calcium, beta-carotene and niacin. It’s available here in powdered form and is a great addition to smoothies as it’s a super low calorie sweetener.
OK, so this is the sexy one. It’s actually a root (like ginger) which increases energy levels, and is also believed to be an aphrodisiac. The Incas (the ancient clever clogs who also harvested Quinoa and Lucuma) used Maca for endurance and energy. Tastes great and buying it in powdered form transforms a bland smoothie into an amazing one.
Camu-Camu Camu Camu is a small riverside shrub that grows in the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. Its fruit is about the same size as a lemon, but orange in colour. 1 teaspoon of Camu Camu powder has 1,180% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, even more than acai berries and 60 times more per serving than an orange. Brazilians believe its medicinal properties cure cold sores, herpes, and the flu!
Cacao Like many others on the list, raw cacao has been cultivated by native South-Americans for thousands of years. When you hear the word cacao, you tend to think of the calorific dairy-ridden chocolate which is produced from it… but raw cacao is actually very good for you and the added milk actually neutralises its many health benefits. Cacao beans are harvested from the tree and dried at a low temperature, then either broken up into nibs or ground into powder. Cacao is rich in flavanoids and is an anti-oxidant. South Americans eat it to combat stress, help with mental alertness, stamina and ward off heart disease.
Acai Berries These antioxidant-rich dark purple berries are packed with amino acids, as well as vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Acai (pronounced ah-sye-yee) berries rot quickly after being picked, so they are often made into juice, supplements or powder, which can be whizzed into smoothies. Fresh Acai berries are out of the question, seeing as they only grow in the Amazon… but freeze dried Acai pulp is available. The Acai berry does not lose its nutritional value during the freezing process. It curbs appetite and gives an energy boost so it makes a great drink for before a workout.
Chia Seeds Chia seeds are native to Guatemala. Mayan and Aztec warriors apparently ate a handful before battle to keep them full all day and boost their energy. These teeny tiny seeds expand in the stomach making you feel full. W omen in South America sprinkle it like salt (it is tasteless) over food to help them lose weight. They form a gel when mixed with water, which makes them a good substitute for eggs in vegan diets. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants and full of fibre, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. They are said to be good for lowering cholesterol. NB: To make the egg replacement, mix 1tbs chia seeds with 3tbs water. After 15 minutes the “egg” is ready.
Quinoa Pronounced (Keen-wah) NOT (Kin-o-wah)! The ancient Incas called these seeds the mother of all grains. One cup of it (cooked) has eight grams of protein! Quinoa is also a very good source of Vitamin C and B and its very high in iron and calcium. Over the last two or three years it’s become easily available in supermarkets. Sainsbury’s does a good one, but the mixed quinoa from Waitrose is my favourite! http://www.thelatinacook.com/ @thelatinacook
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FOOD
LONDON'S BEST LATIN FOOD STALLS Yes, it’s amazing, Latin American cuisine has even taken over Chelsea, as I recently discovered when I stumbled upon Duke of York Square one Saturday morning flush with Latin food stalls. My favourite was the Rainforest stall, which sold fresh Amazon products. My friend and I bought Colombian coconuts, the perfect post work-out drink; one cup gives you over 10% of your recommended daily amount of potassium, which is lost through sweat. I also loved Maracujá, the Brazilian stall, and Panka which had healthy Peruvian food, including gluten free salads, as well as more meaty stuff. The visit inspired me to explore more of London’s Latin food stalls, a journey that took me to PUMP street food market in Shoreditch, which hosts the excellent Brazilian Sampa. I got so lost in their truffle tapioca chips with an aioli sauce that I was only distracted from digging into a third portion by the perfect Argentine alfajores at Los Pibes, Where next? Camden Market of course! After which I compiled a list of my most divine gastronomic encounters… By Natalie Salmon
BREDDOS
Breddos fish tacos are nearly an institution on the London foodie scene. The offerings range from the familiar cod all the way to crispy squid, drizzled in habanero sauce. The Baja fish tacos are unmissable, they were by the way the winner of the ‘Taco Wars’ in 2014. Find them: Dinerama, 19 Great Eastern Street , EC2A 3EJ @breddostacos
LUARDOS Another Mexican offering, but this one is also too good to miss. Crazily flavoursome people come back over and over again for the slow cooked pork burritos, and their chicken option is awesome. Their signature pink and blue Luardos vans stand out amongst the rest of the food trucks. Find them: 10am - 2pm, Brockley Market. @Luardos
MAIZE BLAZE
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Foodies look no further. Maize Blaze offers a great fusion of salads, corn empanadas and Colombian street food. Colombia’s delicacies often get overlooked in the competitive world of food stalls, but this is a great alternative to the Mexican joints popping up. Not to mention all their food is gluten-free and caters to vegans and meat eaters alike. Find Them: Camden Lock Market, Camden. @maizeblaze
MISSION MARISCOS
Hailing from Mexico, Andrew Ramírez sells his infamous LA inspired fish tacos at The Schoolyard, in Broadway Market. The mango salsa pairs amazingly with the battered fish and the pico de gallo. People come for the tacos but stay for the very Mexican street food-inspired elote, deep-fried corn smothered in chilli and cheese. Find them: The Schoolyard @MissionMariscos
LIMENA
A Peruvian gem, Limeña, is THE place to come for ceviche. Everyday they offer three freshly prepared Peruvian offerings, but the sea bass ceviche and the Anticucho (choose the ox heart) really is the best London’s Peruvian fast food stalls have to offer. Find Them: Camden Lock Market, Camden. @limenacamden
AJI CEVICHE
Their sea bream ceviche could win an award. They serve their ceviche with giant choclo corn Venezuelan street food doesn’t get better than kernels, avocado and sweet pothis. If the thought of their signature meat filled tato. Simply put, it’s delicious. arepas made from PAN Harina doesn’t tickle your fancy (which trust me it will) then at least Find them: Whitecross Street Market - Clerkenwell remember that it’s all gluten-free. @ajiceviche Find them: Friday Lunchtime, Lyric Square, King St London, Hammersmith, W6 0QL @GUASACACALONDON
GUASACACA
AREPA & CO/PINA COLADA
LOS PIBES
Finally an amazing Argentinian beef place that you won’t have to remortgage your house for…. with delicious chorizo and more steak then you can shake a stick at…. and more importantly they serve the best delicious and freshly made alfajores in London. Try the Don Diablo Sandwich… you will not be disappointed. Find them: PUMP Shoreditch.
PETARE
Named after the most prolific slum in Venezuela, Petare uses a family recipe to bring some of the best arepas to the streets of London. The generous portions are an amazing addition to Hawker Houses’ Street Feast. This family run business is not to be overlooked. Find them: Street Feast. @PetareUK
Not only do they fill their arepas to the brim with meat, beans and plantain, they serve the best pina coladas in Camden. A fast friendly service makes it even more worth visiting. Find them: Camden Lock Market
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO & WILD GAME BBQ
Camden’s Brazilian offering is not for the faint hearted. Expect a long queue as you prepare to wait for the array of skewered meat, all served with their amazing chimichurri sauce. Every bite is said to transport you to Brazil, which I can assure you it does. If you are feeling adventurous, try the wild boar or even the deer. Find them: Camden Lock Market.
Buy the best artisanal Mezcals and Tequilas 100% agave
RECIPES
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EASY POLENTA AREPAS
Arepas are a Venezuelan and Colombian institution. These delicious little savoury corn cakes are ridiculously healthy as they use only two main ingredients, water and maize flour, which is what makes them gluten-free. You can serve them filled with cheese and black beans or eat them plain. Failing immediate supply of the core product, harina pan flour, which you can buy online, you can use polenta (readily available in supermarkets) to quench your VeneColombian craving.
INGREDIENTS: 180g polenta 1 tsp pinch salt 3 cups freshly boiled water 1tsp baking powder 3-4 minutes each side 200c 15 minutes METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 190C
2. Mix the boiling water and polenta in a sauce pan on a low heatfor around 5 minutes then leave to cool until it is just warm to the touch. 3. Make balls out of the polenta using your hands. These should be around the size of a large golf ball. Flatten these using the palms of your hands to make the right shape. 4. Using a paper kitchen towel
spread a teaspoon of olive oil in a non stick pan and fry the arepas for around 5 minutes on either side on a mediumlow heat, take care for them not to stick. 5. Bake the arepas in a tray on a pachment paper for around 18-20 minutes Harinapan available at www. mexgrocer.co.uk
SWEET POTATO NACHOS I made this for my friends and cant tell you how quickly it got lapped up. Crispy sweet potatoes topped with guacamole, sour cream and salsa make the worlds healthiest and tastiest nachos, I just can’t believe I haven’t thought of making this sooner.
INGREDIENTS: 2 large Sweet Potato. 1 tbs Maldon Salt. 1 tbs Paprika. Olive oil. 1 Cup Sour Cream (optional) Blue Cheese Guacamole (or vegan Guacamole – recipes here) Tomato & Pomegranate Salsa (recipe here) METHOD • Sweet Potato: 1.Heat oven to 180C 2.Chop the sweet potato in half and then into eighths (wedge shapes) into a large roasting tray. Sprinkle with the maldon salt and paprika and drizzle with oil, give it all a good shake so its evenly coated and then place in oven.
3.While the wedges are in the oven prepare the sides. 4.For the tomato salsa follow THIS recipe, and for the guacamole follow THIS recipe (also see below). 5.After 20 minutes turn over the sweet potato. After around 35-40 minutes the wedges should be cooked. 6.Transfer to a plate and top with the sour cream, guacamole and salsa. • Tomato & Pomegranate Salsa: INGREDIENTS: 1 large tomato 1 bowl mixed tomatoes (cherry, plum and yellow… I found these ones already mixed at Morrisons.) 1 Pomegranate 2-3 sprigs coriander 1/2 lime 1 red jalepeno (6-7
pieces from a jar.) METHOD: 1.Dice the large tomato and quarter the bowl of small tomatoes and mix in a large bowl. 2.Half the pomegranate and retrieve the seeds by whacking a large spoon against the non exposed side, mix into the bowl. 3.Dice the jalepeno and chop the coriander into the bowl. 4.Finish off with a good squeeze of 1/2 a lime and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. • Guacamole: INGREDIENTS: 2 very ripe avocados. 3-4 sprigs fresh coriander. 1 tsp smoked ground paprika 1/4 chilli powder (or 1-2 drops tabasco
sauce) 1/2 lime juice 1 Red jalapeno (6-7 pieces from a jar) pinch of maldon salt and pepper. Optional – 1 tbs Sour cream 1 heaped tbs of crumbled Blue cheese (Stilton) METHOD: 1. Mash the avocados with a squeeze of half the lime juice to keep it from going brown too quickly. 2. Add the salt and pepper and spices. 3. Dice the red jalapeño and add to the guacamole. 4. Roughly chop coriander and mix into the guacamole. 5. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika to finish it off or mix in the sour cream and blue cheese.
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Dominated by Caribbean talent - from Venezuela and Puerto Rico to Cuba and the Dominican Republic – Latin America has produced some of the most exciting Hip Hop artists of the last decades. Ticking the boxes of commercial success, underground credibility, influence and international appeal, here is the list of our favourite Top Ten Latino rappers.
LATIN HIP HOP ARTISTS
1. VICO C (PUERTO RICO)
CANCERBERO (VENEZUELA)
The godfather of Puerto Rican Hip Hop and pioneer of the movement across Latin America, Vico C was the first, the original, the Gil Scott Heron of Latin Hip Hop. More than 10 albums released and a plethora of awards since the late 80s, Vico spoke of Puerto Rico’s harsh realities when Salsa singers stopped doing so. Songs like La Recta Final, and Aquel Que Habia Muerto, are veritable Hip Hop anthems. His potent lyrics and street flow inspired generations of rappers across the continent.
TEGO CALDERÓN (PUERTO RICO)
Recently deceased under unclear circumstances, this Venezuelan lyricist amazed the Hip Hop scene in a very short period of time. From Mexico to Barcelona, El Can was considered by many to be the best rapper en Español. Just two albums, a handful of mix-tapes, and some phenomenal freestyles, were his only legacy. ¡
Greatly influenced by Vico C and Eddie Avila, and child of the Ismael Rivera generation, Tego is one of the few true voices of the Puerto Rican poor. One of the early faces of Reggaeton, Tego had been part of the underground scene for years, but his debut album El Abayarde became a hit in Puerto Rico and the US. He opened the doors for Daddy Yankee and Don Omar to follow.
MUSIC
VIOLADORES DEL VERSO (SPAIN)
Whilst unable to cross over to other markets, Violadores are one of the most respected Hip Hop outfits in the Spanish language. The rappers’ rappers, they have had sustained success in Spain, as well as praise from peers from across the Spanish speaking world. Their albums Genios (1999) and Vivir para Contarlo (2006) are considered milestones in the development of Spanish Hip Hop.
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LÁPIZ CONCIENTE (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
LA MALA RODRÍGUEZ (SPAIN)
Spain’s most international rapper, this sexy, sassy, bad girl can hold her own when it comes to free-styling. Having paid her dues on the underground for many years, La Mala recently crossed over to the Latin American and US markets, collaborating with commercial artists such as Romeo Santos and Nelly Furtado. Both commercial and talented, this bad ass girl from Cádiz is the real deal.
The Dominican Republic is the land of freestylers, and Lápiz is considered one of the best. His street lyrics, raw flow and funny puns made him stand out and become one of the biggest Latino rappers of the Reggaeton explosion. He faded for a few years but now seems to be coming back stronger.
BOCA FLOJA (MEXICO)
One of Mexico’s best rappers, this poet, social communicator and campaigner appears not to mellow with age. His political views have been at the forefront of his music and his international project Quilomboarte works as a platform for artists struggling to show their creative and political voice. Much more than just a rapper, Bocafloja is a true 21st Century artist.
CORONAS (COLOMBIA) LOS ALDEANOS (CUBA)
One of the most prolific Latin American Hip Hop outfits despite being banned from performing in Cuba for years. Their lyrics are a mix of sublime poetry and hardcore street-slang. A real musical tour de force, after years of criticizing the Cuban government, they left the island and are now based in Miami. Hopefully they will become better known over the next few years.
RESIDENTE (PUERTO RICO)
Calle 13 front man, Rene or Residente, has won more Grammies than probably any other artist of any genre. A sort of Manu Chao of Latin rap, his clever lyrics and his sometimes contradictory views have kept him under the gaze of the media for almost a decade. His collaboration with Rubén Blades in La Perla is already a classic.
The best known Colombian Hip Hop crew to date, they were formed in New York in 2001. Led by Rocca, a French-Colombian lyricist, still very active on the Parisian rap scene. They were signed to Machete Music (part of Universal) and for a long time were one of the most respected Hip Hop outfits. Their success has not been matched by any other Colombian rapper. They had a very public falling out with one of their original members from the Dominican Republic, Reychesta.
Special mentions: Eddie Avila, Omar García, Chyno Nyno, Anna Tijoux, Nigga Sibilino, Tempo, Tek One, Bosta Brains, Apache, Cosculluela, Mexicano 777, Cartel de Santa, MC Klopedia, Eptos One, Nach Scratch, Rayden, Frescolate, El Prieto, Nengo Flow, Orishas, Ari Puello, Julio Voltio.
OCTOBER
PRESS RELEASE
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by DJ
Nicolá Cruz Prende el Alma (ZZK Records) French/Ecuadorian producer Nicolá Cruz’ first full-length album is a masterpiece of experimental electronic music fused with folk sounds. No fillers but a great amalgam of folk percussion, Andean flutes with synths, and electronic baselines. Not for you sentimental folk purists but a powerful sound like no other. Andean music never sounded so fresh! https://soundcloud.com/nicolacruz
Telajeta Musica de Venezuela in London (White Label) A daring new take on Venezuelan music by a collective of Londonbased musicians including Caracas-born Ernesto Marichales on drums and percussion. Re-arranged and ‘jazzified’ by the whole band, Musica de Venezuela brings classics likes Simón Diaz’ Sabana and Caramba to a new audience with an evocative edgy sound. https://soundcloud.com/telajeta
Various Artists Cuba y Puerto Rico Son… It’s not the first time that an all-star team from these twin Caribbean islands have collaborated to record songs from each other’s countries, but when you get Havana D’ Primera, Cultura Profética, Charlie Aponte, Isaac Delgado, and Pablo Milanés together in one project, you knows the result is going to be special. In this case the album exceeds expectations; a solid tropical danceable music album. Available from Itunes
Grupo Niche 35 Aniversario (Codiscos) This Colombian salsa institution shows no sign of stopping. Even after the death of its founder and musical brain Jairo Varela, this album shows how the Cali group has managed to keep the band going without losing quality or sabor. Varela had started working on this album before his sudden death, so the album still carries the imprint of the Colombian salsa master. Some old classics such as Senales de Humo and El Coco have been re-produced on an album that proudly maintains Varela’s legacy www.gruponiche.com/
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JANUARY
Till January 14
New Spanish Revelations at ‘The World Goes Pop’ Exhibition Art From Latin America to Asia, and from Europe to the Middle East, this explosive exhibition connects the dots between art produced around the world during the 1960s and 1970s, including works by Spanish artists Mari Chordá, Eulàlia Grau and Joan Rabascall. Location: The Eyal Ofer Galleries, Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG Every Sunday – 2pm
Fiesta at The Forge Exhibition Clubbing Join us for an authentic Cuban party featuring the best Cuban musicians in London, beats from DJ Javier La Rosa plus delicious Cuban food! FREE ENTRY Location: The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden NW1 January 14 –17
My Great Work by David Espinosa Theatre Audiences will find the critique of modern media funding eyeopening, and will question their views on art and culture. Tate Modern Till June 30, 2016
Goya: Vision of Flesh and Blood Film Part of Season 3 of Exhibition on Screen, ‘Goya: Vision of Flesh and Blood’ is a documentary film based on the National Gallery’s exhibition ‘Goya: The portrait’. Various cinemas
EVERY Friday
Latino Deluxe Clubbing Full on Latin party with 2 rooms. Room 1 with Jose Luis with the best crossover music, classics and the latest anthems. Room 2 with Tropicana salsa and Ramiro Zapata playing Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. Free before 9 - £5 after. Location: The Cuban, Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, NW3 January 21 – 18.30
Diego López Garrido: The Ice Age. Bailing Out the Welfare State in the Era of Austerity Literature Diego López launches his book, which adds to the intense, ongoing debate regarding the evolution of Europe.
Location: Instituto Cervantes – Auditorium, 102 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AN January 21 – January 24, 2016
Things Easily Forgotten by Xavier Bobés Theatre
A journey through memory and identity. Location: Southbank Centre, Southbank, London January 31 – 19.00
Eliane Correa & En El Aire Project Live Music Celebrating the release of her debut album ‘Rumba con Flores’ Eliane Correa plays the prestigious Jazz Cafe, accompanied by her scorching 10-piece band. Location: The Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, London, NW1 7PG
FEBRUARY
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January 21 – February 12, 2016
Exhibition: Miro’s Studio Art
This exhibition aims to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Joan Miro’s studio, founded in 1958 in Mallorca. Location: The Mayoral Gallery, 6 Duke Street, St James’s, London February 2-4 - 20:50
Havana Club Rumba Sessions: La Clave Film Featuring interviews with key figures across the island’s musical generations, this documentary provides an insight into rumba’s continued significance in a country where a carefully preserved past has long sat side-by-side with innovation. Location: ICA, The Mall, London, SW1Y 5AH
February 2
Jorge Drexler Music Considered one of the best singer-songwriters of his generation, Oscar winner Jorge Drexler returns to London due to public demand. The Uruguayan born artist, now resident in Spain, is renowned for fusing Latin rythmns, intelligent lyrics and electronic experiments. Location: Barbican , Silk Street, London EC1
EVERY Saturday
Sabor latino Clubbing
Ramiro Zapata playing Salsa, Merengue and Bachata and Full on Latin party rave. Free before 9 - £5 after Location: The Cuban, Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, NW3
FEBRUARY
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February 16 – 28
Flamenco Festival London Dance In its thirteenth year, Sadler’s Well’s renowned fortnight of flamenco dance and music will feature seven unique shows showcasing the diversity, evolution and passion of flamenco. Those participating this year include Vicente Amigo, Sara Baras, Farruquito and many more. Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre & the Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com February 19 – 19.00
Buika in Concert Music María Concepción Balboa, better known as Buika, was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain and is the daughter of African parents and offers a delicious fusion of reggae, flamenco, R&B and gospel. Location: KOKO London, Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JE February 19 – 19.00
Movimientos Fiesta Clubbing As winter comes to an end Movimientos blast away the cold in style with live bands and DJs all with a Latin twist at Dalston’s favourite alternative venue.
Location: Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Rd, London, E8 4AA February 20 – 21.00
Grupo Lokito & guests Live Music Movimientos monthly showcase, 3 up and coming bands across a variety of styles, with DJs in between, sure to keep you dancing and grooving all night. Location: Hootananny Brixton, 95 Effra Rd, Brixton, SW2 1DF
February 21
Havana Club Rumba Sessions: La Clave Film The latest chapter in the longstanding relationship between Gilles Peterson and the music of Cuba, this feature-length documentary by Charlie Inman sees him explore the roots of rumba with old friend and longtime student of spiritual drumming Crispin Robinson. Location: Lexi Cinema, 194B Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JU
MARCH
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March 1 – March 19, 2016
Immortal Tango Dance
World famous tango dancer German Cornejo brings a vibrant, energetic and colourful ensemble of authentic Argentinian tango to Sadler’s Wells’ theatre. Accompanied by live music, this show will let your mind travel to the dance halls of Buenos Aires. Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre & the Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN http://www.sadlerswells.com/ whats-on/2016/immortaltango/ March 14 – March 21, 2016
Bartabas and Andrés Marín – Golgota Theatre
Poetry through music and dance. Animal and man work together to make a unique performance. Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre & the Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN March 18 – 21.00
Animanz + More Live Music
EVERY Thursday
Latin Krazy Clubbing
Central London busiest latino club, witk DJ Kevin Gato and hosted by the Lain Krazy team. Free before 9 - £7 after Location: Bar Salsa, 96 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JG
March 16 – 18.30
Cervantes Prize Winners Series: Antonio Buero Vallejo Art Lecture dedicated to Antonio Buero Vallejo, one of the greatest dramatists of twentiethcentury Spain. Location: Instituto Cervantes – Auditorium, 102 Eaton Square, SW1W 9AN
Movimientos monthly showcase, 3 up and coming bands across a variety of styles, with DJs in between, sure to keep you dancing and grooving all night. Location: Hootananny Brixton, 95 Effra Rd, Brixton,SW2 1DF http://www.movimientos. org.uk EVERY Sunday
Salsa extravaganza Clubbing The Latin Brotherz keep it Cuban with a mix a Timba, reg-
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gaeton and cuban salsa. Very popular with the dance crew Free before 9 - £5 after Location: Bar Salsa, 96 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H April 6 – 18.00
Buena Vista Social Club at the O2 Music Internationally famous through the success of the film of the same name, the 11-piece band arrives from Havana and showcases bassist Cachaito Lopez, trumpeter Guajiro Mirabal, guitarist, pianist and organist Manuel Galban and trombonist Jesus Aguaje Ramos. Location: The O2 Arena, SE10 April 24th
Criolo
Live Music In his 2015 album, Convoque seu Buda, Brazil’s best rapper has evolved, following collaborations with the likes of Brazilian greats Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Yvette Sangalo and Milton Nascimento. Mixing samba, afrobeat and reggae this is one not to miss. Location: Koko, 1a Camden High St, NW1 7JE
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Located at Ingestre Road Community Centre, Ingestre Road, NW5 1UX (just minutes walk from Tufnell Park tube or Gospel Oak overground) Award winning Centre for approach to healthy living and nutritious meals.
April 25th
Calexico Live Music For the better part of two decades, eight albums, and countless trips around the globe, Joey Burns and John Convertino have crossed musical barriers with their Cumbia based band, embracing a multitude of styles, instrumentation, and well-cultivated sounds. Location: Barbican Hall, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
020 7482 3622 www.thespanishnursery.com Like us on Facebook at The Spanish Nursery Follow us on Twitter at Team@TSpanishN
For more information write to Carmen@thespanishnursery.com
LATIN LONDONERS 42
FERNANDO MONTAñO
My earliest memory is when I told my mum I wanted to be a dancer at the age of 4… I loved ballet when I was a kid. At fourteen I got a scholarship to the National Ballet School in Cuba, where I won several prizes, and subsequently joined the Cuban National Ballet. While I was working in Italy at La Scala and the Teatro Nuovo di Torino, I was spotted by the director of the English Ballet School, Jane Hucker, and invited to audition in the UK. The most influential people in my life have been my family - especially my mum - and all the teachers I’ve had, as well as mentors like Vivienne Westwood. The thing I most love about London is the freedom I have here. At the beginning it was difficult, not speaking English and having to overcome the death of my mother when I first arrived. But my love of dance has always carried me through, along with my self-belief and determination. The British audience is very polite and generous. From the very beginning, I have felt a lot of love and care from the British people. Colombians are a very happy and friendly people and like to dance salsa a lot. We are
Originally from the city of Buena Aventura on the Pacific coast of Colombia, dancer Fernando Montaño is now a soloist with the Royal Ballet. Twice a winner of the LUKAS Personality of the Year (2013 and 2014), Fernando has performed for the Queen and Michele Obama, modelled for Vivienne Westwood, and has been honoured by the city of New York and the President of Colombia. From January 2016 Fernando will be judge on the first ever series of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in Colombia. He is a patron of the charity Children Change Colombia.
also very hardworking and passionate about what we do. What makes me most happy is being able to deliver a good performance and go to bed knowing I have learned something new and positive. What makes me unhappy and angry is prejudice of any kind. Being a black ballet dancer, I have felt prejudice at times in my career. You have to find the best ways of dealing with it. I have been supported by some very special people through hard times and good times, and I feel very grateful to them. I’ll always try my best to make them proud of me. I don’t idolize or admire any one person in particular because I think everybody has something which can be admired, and personally I’m always learning valuable things from different people. If I could go back in time, I’d go to the time of El Dorado. The song I’d like sung at my funeral is Handel’s Lascia ch’e io Pianga Tell us a secret. A secret is a secret.
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