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I S S U E N0.11 AUTUM N GUIDE 2016
WELCOME TO It’s been a fantastic year already for Latin music in London. Fans were put out of their misery as Latin America’s two biggest artists never to visit London– Marc Anthony and Carlos Vives - made their debuts. Even the Proms were awash with Latin Americans, with young Argentine Cellist Sol Gabetta, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero and the Sao Paulo and Simon Bolivar symphonies. The climax came on the last night with Juan Diego Florez singing ‘Rule Britannia’ dressed as an Inca King (with raised eyebrow). Classic. This autumn it’s the turn of the Reggeatóneros with J Balvin and Chino y Nacho making their London debuts. Of course we can’t talk about Latin music without recognising and celebrating Latin America’s amazing African heritage, which is what we decided to do in this issue. Lastly, the Latin UK Awards comes our way again, where the best of Latin music, dance, art and sports – this time in Europe as well as the UK - are recognised. So get nominating and voting for this year’s LUKAS! Amaranta Wright, Editor amaranta@latinolife.co.uk
CONTENTS
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FRONT SECTION: Latin Hotlist, News and Gossip
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La Galeria: Livin’ the Latin vibe INTERVIEW: J Balvin
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FEATURE: A Brief History of Afro Latinos
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CULTURE: The Narconovela Debate
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The Latin Uk Awards
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MUSIC: Top Ten Latin Funk Masterpieces
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Latest music reviews
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ART: The Wonder of Wilfredo Lam
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LIFESTYLE: Ramón Monegal and The Art of Scent
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WHAT’S ON: Your listings guide to Latin London
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LATIN LONDONER: Gloria Lizcano – London’s foremost LGBT activist
Latinolife is produced by: Editor Amaranta Wright • Music Editor Jose Luis Seijas Designer Antonella Perreca • Listings Editor: Lewis Blakeman
www.latinolife.co.uk • twitter.com/latinolifeuk • facebook.com/LatinoLifeWeb
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THE LATIN HOT LIST
Stories in Silk From koala pedal boats to spacebound cats, each of Mexican designer Cristina Guizar ́s illustrated scarves represent an intoxicating swirl of fiction and fantasy, memory and myth. Originally from Mexico City, Cristina’s scarves are full of fun and humour. Like a good old Latin American novel, every scarf tells a story of mixed memories and dreams that couldn’t help but put a smile on our faces. www.centinelle.com
Poetry in Winter
It’s 1948 and the Cold War has reached Chile. In congress, Senator Pablo Neruda accuses the government of betrayal and is swiftly impeached by President Videla. Police Prefect Óscar Peluchonneau is assigned to arrest the poet. Neruda tries to flee the country with his wife, but they are forced into hiding. This is the story of the persecution of a politician, and the making of Chile’s most famous poet and symbol of liberty. NERUDA stars Gael García Bernal, is directed by Pablo Larrain and will be in cinemas in December.
Little Wayuu wonders
These beautiful Colombian bracelets are brought to London by Daniela Castellanos, who first moved here with a box of 50. Whilst working a day job, she says, “I felt frustrated keeping all my bags in the closet. I began watching YouTube videos about entrepreneurship, reading books and after a few months I quit my job.” Now thanks to Princes’ Trust, she has an established accessory brand. www.castellanoethnicorigins.com
Comer Como un Rey Pitched as the Spanish Jamie Oliver (and that’s being extremely kind to Jamie), our favourite Spanish chef is now releasing his second book ‘Spanish Made Simple.’ Omar Allibhoy may have launched a Tapas Revolution (the name of his restaurant chain and first book) but his philosophy is to ‘eat like a king.’ “The dishes I grew up with have left an indelible mark on my heart,” says Omar, “my aim is to convince everyone to add some of my favourites to their weekly repertoire at home.”
FRONT SECTION
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LATIN MOMENTS OF THE YEAR… Inca Prom Rumba
As if the Last Night of the Proms isn’t weird enough, with Brexit fuelling its Union Jackwaving jingoism, Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez, the shows special guest, promised a ‘surprise’. And then he appeared, dressed as a 15th century Inca King and sung ‘Rule Britannia.’ The empire-nostalgic promenaders cheered, perhaps not quite aware of the irony of it. But by that time, the charismatic Latino had wooed them with so many arias and Latin love songs – including a mass Guantanamera sing-a-long – he had them eating out of the palm of his hand. Whether the whole thing was an elegant pisstake of what at times can look like a BNP benefit gig, we’ll never know, but we couldn’t help notice the raised eyebrow on Florez’ - sorry King Atahualpa’s - face as he ended the song.
Young Latinos Rule UK
This summer we got a rare chance to see the new generation of British-Latino talent at London’s only Latin multiarts festival La Clave. It started with a 9-year-old rock band, led by Bolivian-American Naira Dunton-Vera and British Chilean Jack Vargas (Chilean- British), followed by 14-year-old Vallenato-R&B chic Paloma and 16-year-old Mexican-British singer-songwriter Maria José. The festival showcased the best Latin art, film, literature, art, music, dance and even sport, with eight local schools representing different Latin countries in a mini-Copa America. La Clave Fest immersed a whole neighbourhood in joyous Latinity, ending in the best Latin street party Crouch End had ever seen. Which London neighbourhood will it be hitting next year?
Summer of Sporting Excellence
Three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome could do nothing but applaud his Colombian rival Nairo Quintana, when he sped passed to seize stage 15 in Spain’s Tour de Vuelta. Quintana’s compatriot Estaban Chavez over took Spain’s Alberto Contador, to take 3rd place. Brazil was Latin America’s best performing Olympic nation, coming 13th in the table, it’s best result ever. We loved Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro’s miracle come-back after a two year injury to defeat both Djokovic and Nadal in the Olympics. But that wasn’t the end. ‘Delpo’ came to Glasgow, all forehands blazing, and blasted Andy Murray away to win Argentina a place in the Davis Cup Final.
Two Titans Come to Town
It was the golden summer. First, Carlos Vives – the voice that unified Colombia with his Vallenato-infusied rock – brought joy to a parseropacked Royal Albert Hall on the very day that the country signed for peace, ending a 50-yearlong war. Then, a visibly overwhelmed Marc Anthony rocked a sold out O2 with solid salsa hits, whilst being showered in underwear, bracelets and love notes. With J Balvin and Chino y Nacho in town this autumn, here’s to more big Latin artists next year!
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THE OUTSIDER Few people thought that Reggaetón - the famous “Dembow” beat with the Latino twist that exploded 15 years ago – would stand the test of time. Yet today almost every big artist, from Shakira and Enrique Iglesias to Drake, Sia and Justin Bieber, relies on that urban Latin sound to make hits. All the same, when it comes to pure Reggaetón, Puerto Rican artists like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar ran the airwaves and other Latin Reggaetón was denied access to global stardom…until, that is, a young kid from Medellín, Colombia, started to make waves. J Balvin has now become the only non-Puerto Rican to join the small crew of best-selling Reggaetón artists, with Ginza being one of the most talked about singles of 2016. Ahead of his debut in London, the Paisa with attitude talks exclusively to Latinolife.
Latinolife: How did you get into the whole Reggaetón thing? J Balvin: From a very young age, I loved Hip hop, Dancehall, Champeta and Bachata. But Actually my first band was a rock band doing covers of Nirvana! When I was 17 I went to the US and living in New York, I got really inspired by Hip Hop. Reggaetón was still very underground in Colombia but it felt natural to me. I wanted to be a Reggaetón artist and put all my energy into that. I worked very hard between the US and Colombia to develop my style and started getting a name for myself around the urban scene in Medellín, performing in night clubs. My mixtapes and singles started to create a buzz in the industry and then my performance at the 2013 Premios Juventud just kicked everything off. So, the beginning of my career was very nice. I made a lot of sacrifices but if it hadn’t been for those years of struggle, I would not be enjoying the fruits of those sacrifices now.
Latinolife: Was it harder back then than it is now? J Balvin: Absolutely, we had to pretty much make our own way in Colombia, you know, with machete in hand, opening paths everywhere! Reggaetón was not the main music in Colombia, and abroad, the industry had never taken Colombian Reggaetón seriously. People just would not accept that a Reggaetón artist could be from Colombia. So, you know, I had to prove myself.
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INTERVIEW
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Latinolife: Yes, in fact you’re the first non-Puerto Rican to become an elite Reggaetón artist, which is a major achievement since the Puerto Rican media is notorious for refusing to play non-Puerto Rican Latin music... J Balvin: Thanks! Yes, I really value the re-
spect and acceptance I got from the pioneers of this movement. We recently did a concert in Puerto Rico and the public reaction was fantastic. It just shows you should never stop dreaming; if I changed those paradigms through hard work and tenacity, anyone can.
Latinolife: Talking about Puerto Rico, you seem very close to Nicky Jam. J Balvin: Nicky Jam is one of the true pioneers
of this genre. I grew up listening to his music, he inspired me. For a while he disappeared from the market but now he has come back stronger than ever. I love him as a friend and he has all my respect and admiration. We are working on some projects together.
Latinolife: What are your expectations with your new album Energia Balvin: This album is 100% Reggaetón, but it
has sounds from all over the world. I took influences from everything I like to listen to. We did it our way and it was totally worth it. The reviews have been great…it’s one of the best albums of 2016 they say!
Latinolife: Ginza has become one of the most listened songs in the world in 2016. We’ve even seen your video on Turkish TV! For a Latino artist singing in Spanish that’s not easy to achieve… Balvin: Our music is reaching places never reached before. Reggaetón and other Latin popular music now has an unprecedented global reach. In countries like Russia they are listening to my music: that is unheard off! Songs like ‘Safari’ by Pharrel Williams is spreading like wildfire across the world. It’s the first Latin music video to hit the Number One spot on the general iTunes chart. It’s impressive to see how we are breaking down both language and cultural barriers.
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SPRING GUIDE 2014
INTERVIEW
Latinolife: Another refreshing thing about you is that your music and you as a person have nothing to do with the negative stereotype the media have created about Reggaetón. You seem a regular kind of guy. J Balvin: The foreign media is very eager to stereotype and pigeon-hole Latin artists and Latin culture in general, which is why we have to show that we are real people. I’m not a gangster and don’t intend to become one. I come from a country that has been hit hard by the drug trade and mafias, so I keep myself grounded, like most Colombians do, even though this never makes the news. It is not a pose, this is who I am, always has been. I do respect and enjoy the malianteo (the more gangster/street orientated side of Reggaeton), because it is part of the whole urban culture, but I cannot pretend to be something that I’m not. Latinolife: So, London… what have you got for us!!?? J Balvin: London whao!!! I dream of going there, man. It’s going to be a phenomenal experience. The media tend to hype artists and sometimes you go and see them, and they’re not as good as you expected. But in my case, I thrive on stage, that’s why I try to perform as much as I can. We are coming to give the best we possibly can to our fans in our debut show. Latinolife: You’ll be happily surprised at the number of Latinos there are here…and also non-Latinos enjoying your music. J Balvin: We are so looking forward to this show, this will be an unforgettable experience, for everyone! J Balvin will be performing at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday 13 Nov 2016. Tickets on sale at www.gigsandtours.com
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Afro Latinos: Un pedazito de la historia negra By Maria V. Luna
15 At La Bodeguita Restaurant in Elephant and Castle, a group of chattering young adults enter and locate a table by a window flooded with sunshine. Behind them, a billboard outside depicting a Caribbean beach flanked by palm trees before turquoise water and a bright blue sky creates a tropical illusion in dreary London.
ra. By the 1920s, movements like Négritude and the Harlem Renaissance fused black internationalism with music, literature and art.
Meanwhile, during the same period in the Caribbean, the Race War of 1912 in Cuba inspired an intellectual, aesthetic and political awakening among the black population that was dubbed Afrocubanismo. The movement paralleled Pan-Africanism and The ebullient group tuck into an forever changed the island’s national conarray of rich Colombian tapas of sciousness, lending legitimacy to Cuba’s African heritage. The bewitching Cuban chorizo, arepas, empanadas son, the poetry of Nicolás Guillen, and aborrajados, speakthe paintings of Wilfredo Lam, ing Spanish between “If Brazilians make the novels of Alejo Carpentier, mouthfuls and laughup the largest portion the musical theatre of Erter. It is a mixed group of negros, of Latinos in the UK, and half nesto Lecuona, and habanero rhythms were artistic blancos, mestizos, of Brazil’s total population expressions of this newer, guys and girls. are Afrodescendientes, then more fluid national identity. While all members it is quite interesting that only are Latinos, would 2% of UK Latinos admit Like Cuba, countries anyone at the tathroughout Latin America to being of African ble describe him grappled with the history of or herself as Afro descent.” slavery and its effect on naLatino? At what point tional identity. Attempts to ‘breed in the color spectrum out’ blackness engendered antiracist would one be considered as such? And what does the term mean protests, political shifts and new cultural expressions inclusive of African heritage. anyway? Ties between the African diaspora and AfThe prefix Afro is just as multifaceted as rican nations strengthened with continued the term Latino. During the late 19th and practice of African heritage traditions in early 20th century, modern Pan-African- Latin America, such as in the religion of ism – an ideology and philosophy - set its santería. During the 1980s and 1990s, as gaze in the direction of African descend- the diaspora responded to the call of Afants abroad, in an effort to engender rica and mobilized in anti-Apartheid prounity. Scattered across far-flung points tests, the prefix ‘Afro’ began to take root in of the globe, they would feel bonded by Latin America with terms like ‘Afro-Brazilprinciples of unity, self-reliance, anti-colo- ian’, ‘Afro-Peruvian’ and Afroecuatoriano. nialism, abolishment of slavery, the pres- They became a way to represent a minorervation of African traditions, intellectual ity, or in Brazil’s case half the population, advancement, political efficacy, a shared in a unified acknowledgement of a dishistory and a shared future. While the tinct version of Latinidad—an experience origins of Pan-Africanism lie in the Afri- of being both of African descendant and can continent, its popularization emerged Brazilian, or Colombian, or Ecuadorian or from the Caribbean and American diaspo- Venezuelan.
Co-produced by Sadler’s Wells and Valid Productions. In association with Como No.
Carlos Acosta 16
The Classical Farewell
“Carlos Acosta is the great male ballet dancer of his generation” Daily Telegraph
Photo: Johan Persson
See the world famous dancer perform the classics for the final time
Mon 3 - Fri 7 Oct AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Tickets available from
sadlerswells.com
FEATURE: AFRO LATINOS
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Of course the term Latino contains its themselves as being of African descent. own complexities, including the issue of which countries are considered Latin To properly quantify Afro Latinos, surely American. The 1970 U.S. census showed, Latinos must first self-identify with being for the first time, ethnicity options ‘Cen- of African descent. Back in La Bodeguita, tral or South American, Mexican, Puerto a young man in the group recounts his Rican, Cuban, Other Spanish’, which in- story of migration from the Dominican Redicates a noted migration to the U.S. by public to Spain and then to the UK. Work Spanish-speaking people. The 1990 cen- and sleep are his primary activities and sus displays the term Hispanic for the when he has time to meet with friends he first time and the 2000 census displays says that Elephant and Castle is the place the term Latino for the first time. to be for Latinos in London. While he Yet do Brazilians, Haitians and doesn’t have time to engage in other non-Spanish speaking nightlife, he says this is where South Americans consider they come to dance and “To properly themselves Latinos? eat and just hang out. quantify Afro When the topic turns to Quantifying Latinos is Afro Latinos, he asks, Latinos, surely no easy task. In the UK, “What’s that?” they must first the Latino option or any versions of such do not After an explanation of self-identify with the appear at all on official term Afro Latino, the being of African young man insists that he forms or in the census. Southwark became the does not identify with that descent.” first council to offer Latin term and that he, though American as an ethnicity in its having a dark complexion, forms and the community is camdoes not see himself as a descendpaigning to replicate this. ant of Africa and would only subscribe to Dominican as a descriptor for ethnicity Yet, in a study carried out by Queen Mary and personal identity. Perhaps the term University of London.“No Longer Invis- Afro Latino is still stuck in academia and ible: The Latin American Community in has not made its way throughout the diasLondon” only 17% of those participating pora, or perhaps the young man is exertin the study chose ‘Latin American’ as an ing a willful resistance to acknowledging ethnicity option. Other options included African heritage. white, mestizo and African descent. In the study, 27.8% identified as white, 41.3% While Latin American countries may own identified as mestizo and 2% identified as distinct versions of Afrodescendencia, the African descendant. If Brazilians make up term Afro Latino is nascent and most frethe largest portion of Latinos in the UK, quently used in the U.S. to describe an inand half of Brazil’s total population are ter-sectionality, where being Latino, black Afrodescendientes to varying degrees, and bilingual converge into an experience then it is quite interesting that only 2% of that has historically been overlooked by the Latino population in the UK identify society and the media.
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FEATURE: AFRO LATINOS
As more and more Afrodescendientes identify themselves as Afro Latinos, particularly in the U.S., there seems to be a new connectivity between young Latinos and African Americans, who can relate to each others’ struggles, particularly around areas such as inequality and policing. Afro Latinos, like nonwhite people in the Americas and the UK, also experience a commonality in their seeming underrepresentation in media and entertainment. Broadcast companies such as Univision and Telemundo are historically notorious for excluding black faces in their programing, where all-white casts often make up telenovelas and news teams. Publications such as “As more and more Vanidades almost Afrodescendientes never identify as Afro Latinos, feature particularly in the U.S., A f r o Latithere seems to be a n o s . new generation of T h e connectivity between excluLatinos and African sion has Americans” inspired Afro Latinos t o use the digital realm as a means of connecting with the African diaspora, where they can celebrate African heritage.
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All across the Americas, efforts to preserve African heritage continue to defy whitewashing and lack of representation. One can still find botanicas in the Bronx. Capoeira and candomble still abound in Brazil. The Garífuna people of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua continue to protect their communities and language against the continued threat of assimilation and displacement. The Afro Ecuadorians, or Choteños, continue to dance bomba, a hybrid of Spanish and African music. In Barolvento, Venezuela, water drums are played in the river only by the hands of women. And in London, the Cuban School of Arts continues to teach traditional Orisha, Arara and Palo dance. Whether you consider yourself Afro Latino or not, if you ever find yourself bochinchando with your asere, picking the best looking guineos, platanos or ñame for dinner, dancing merengue, ordering a big plate of feijoada, or simply enjoying a cup of café in the morning, then you have indeed indulged in a bit of your African heritage. All that is left now is to acknowledge it.
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Narconovelas Glorifying or Challenging Stereotypes? It was destined to be a hit: a TV miniseries about the life of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and his wars with opposing cartels and Drug Enforcement Agents. What is less well-known is that Netflix’s Narcos is an English-language version of the narconovela phenomenon that has gripped Colombian and Latin American audiences for the last decade. The most successful narconovela to date - El Cartel de los Sapos (The Snitch Cartel) - was based on the lives of much more recent drug lords than Escobar; the heads of Colombia’s Norte del Valle cartel. Most of its characters are still alive in American jails. It was so popular that it became the first non-English-speaking soap opera to be shown on NBC’s Latino orientated channel Mun2. It’s huge success, along with other narconovelas such as Las Muñecas de la Mafia (The Mafia Dolls) in 2010, or Victorinos, inevitably stirred a debate about the glorification of violence and narco-trafficking. The Venezuelan regulator Conatel asked TV channels to stop showing Escobar: El Patrón del Mal (Escobar: The Drug Lord) this year, giving such reasons. Many think, however, that the real objection was the narconovela portraying the Venezuelan army as a partner in crime. And this is where the real debate starts. Are the narconovelas glorifying or informing? With major American and European companies planning further adaptations of these soap operas, Jim McKenna explores the two sides of this controversial debate.
NarcoNovelas create awareNess aNd Progress The narconovelas are more nuanced than simple glorification. They explore the authentic, complex and less than glamorous stories behind figures such as Pablo Escobar, Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán and the Orijuela brothers. El Cartel de los Sapos (The Snitch Cartel), the 2008 novela exploring the lives of two friends from school who become embroiled in the drug industry, is probably the best example of this authenticity. In fact, one of the friends ended up writing the book - his autobiography – on which the series was based. The other was Fernando Henao, the youngest brother of Orlando Henao, boss of the Norte del Valle Cartel (who was, some say, even richer than Pablo Escobar). The series is hardly an advert for life as a trafficker though; everyone ends up dead or in jail. Even the author lost his family and cannot go back to Colombia. One could argue that The narconovelas have had a cathartic effect on the countries affected by them. Dago Garcia, vice-president of Colombia’s Caracol TV, told NPR that ‘the theme [of the drug wars] had been suppressed, because it was a topic that couldn’t be discussed without putting your life at risk.’ The fact that Colombia started producing these narconovelas at all is a testament to its recent relative stability. And even if the narco-wealth is glorified, as criticised by Pablo Escobar’s own son Juan Pablo who, from exile, has said that the constant threat of death renders the wealth meaningless, has at least prompted such a discussion. Often rejecting the ‘hero versus villain’ narrative that plagues most crime dramas, even Netflix’s Narcos has addressed the US’ flagrant funding of paramilitaries and gangsters when serving its own interests. As Wagner Moura says in an interview with Rolling Stone, ‘Netflix never wanted to make [Narcos] about good American cops that go to a third-world country to save poor people from a bad guy…this concept of [who is] good and who is bad is always being played with.’
CULTURE
Through Narcos, millions of previously ignorant viewers – Latinos and non-Latinos – have gain a better and more nuanced understanding of the Latin American drug wars, past and present.
NarcoNovelas Glamorize aNd seNsatioNalize Narco-traffickiNG These mini-series do not provide a balanced portrayal of the drug trade. Television relies on sensationalism, violence, conflict, and action to attract viewers, manipulating their aspirational tendencies. TV networks are businesses whose interest lies in what sells, not what benefits society. This is true of all novelas, but is especially of those based around the narcotics trade. In Mexico, narconovelas have fed into and taken advantage of the equally controversial narcocorridos music to dramatize their work, and in extreme cases have even been based on the corrido itself; for example, Camelia la Texana, a series first broadcast in 2014, was based on Contrabando y Traicíon (Smuggling and Betrayal), a corrido recorded by Los Tigres del Norte. This wider trend of ‘narcoculture’ has glamorized the lives of drug traffickers, and the narconovelas have exacerbated this by having a greater commercial focus than the ordinary corrido performer. Although condemnations by senior politicians hold little credibility, and in some cases have only served to create more publicity for the narconovelas, even the producers admit there is some truth in the criticism. Nelson Martínez, executive producer of El Capo, a MundoFox programme portraying a fictional
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drug lord called Pedro Pablo, told Al Jazeera, ‘It’s amazing how an anti-hero like a narco- trafficker can capture audiences – he is at once complex yet human and that’s why people fall in love with him.’ In a perverse twist, traffickers themselves are seduced by the glamour of their own media reflection, with ‘Chapo’ Guzmán’s attempt to meet narconovela actress Kate del Castillo before his arrest earlier this year. Finally, the emphasis on drug-related conflict and crime, no matter how nuanced it is, still reinforces the generally held perception in the US and Europe that there is not much more to Latin America than narco-trafficking. How many Latin American dramas, that are not about narco-traficking, have been adapted for English-language release? They are selling to the US and Europe what they want to see, and perpetuating the stereotypes that they already hold. Narconovelas DO glamorize drug trafficking, and have given a new lease of life to the already inflated mythical image around Pablo Escobar and Co. that Colombia has been trying to shake off for years.
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English for Life
English for Work
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Awards for Contribution to Music • Alternative Act of the Year • Brazilian Act of the Year • Classical/Jazz/Folk Act of the Year • Flamenco Act of the Year • Tropical Act of the Year • Musician of the Year (band leader or outstanding soloist) • Vocalist of the Year • Club DJ of the Year • Tropical DJ of the Year • Urban Act of the Year • Production of the Year (e.g. EP, Album) • International Artist of the Year (decided by Panel) • International Breakthrough Artist of the Year (decided by Panel) • European Alternative Act of the Year • European Brazilian Act of the Year • European Classical/Jazz/Folk Act of the Year • European Tropical Act of the Year • European Production of the Year
Awards for Contribution to Dance • Brazilian Dance Performers of the Year • Flamenco Dance Performer of the Year
• Tango Dance Performers of the Year • Tropical Dance Performers of the Year • Dance Production of the Year • European Brazilian Dance Performers of the Year • European Tango Dance Performers of the Year • European Tropical Dance Performers of the Year
“I am so happy to have received this award and I’d like to say a big thank you to all those who took the time to vote for me.” Luis Suarez, footballer “It’s great to get such recognition in the UK” Juan Luis Guerra “I was absolutely delighted with the evening!” Dame Vivienne Westwood, Fashion Designer
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Awards for Contribution to Sport • Sports Personality of the Year • Football Personality of the Year • Manager of the Year
Awards for Contribution to The Arts • Visual Artist of the Year • Film of the Year • Performing Artist of the Year • Theatre Production of the Year • Fashion Designer of the Year
SPECIAL AWARDS - by panel only • Lifetime Achievement Award • Rising Star Award
“The LUKAS is a brilliant celebration. I look forward to it every year.” Jeremy Corbyn “Thank you for a fabulous evening.” Bianca Jagger “It was a great honour for me to be recognised by the Latino community - and having my great friend David Gilmour to present the award made it extra special” Phil Manzanera “Latinos manage to spread their music and culture wherever they go and Europe is no exception. The LUKAS are doing a great job rewarding their talent.” Juanes
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LATIN FUNK
Latin artists from Puerto Rico to Colombia, from East L.A. to Spanish Harlem, were getting groovier and earthier throughout the ‘60s, and the results were wide-ranging and just as freaky as in the parallel Afro-American funk world. The Fania label, as home to most of the commercial Latin artists of the 60s and 70s, pumped out more than its fair share of funky Latin tracks, their instrumentals, the envy of their US funk peers. Ray Barretto’s ‘Together’ shows us how its done by mixing horn blasts and furious conga drumming. Today, Los Amigos Invisibles prove that Latin Funk is truly alive and kicking. ‘Wild Safari’ by Barrabas
The Spanish rock-funkdisco band, Barrabas was active for quite a long time before releasing the classic tune ‘Wild Safari’ which featured in the HBO mini series ‘Vinyl.’ The infectious conga beat alongside a heavy bass line makes this track a must-have for those seeking that Afro-infused sound particular to Latin funk.
Rompe Cocorico by Juan Pablo Torres
One of the most prolific and gifted trombone players ever to come out of Cuba, JP Torres was a true master of the instrument. He was part of the band Irakere and in this fantastic track he shows his funky side. It is from the album Con todos los Hierros, where he recorded both classics and tunes expressing his new vision of Cuban music.
Bacalao con Pan by Irakere A quintessential Cuban tune by the country’s most visionary and innovative band! Although the group’s repertoire is made up of dozens of funk songs, Bacalao Con Pan is still their most famous track, renowned for its hypnotic guitar riff and one of the catchiest piano riffs ever produced in Cuba.
MUSIC
Harina de Maiz by Los Sobrinos del Juez
Los Sobrinos del Juez are a Miami-based Cuban band that is still playing today. They were part of the now famous Miami Sound Machine alongside Emilio and Gloria Estefan. This song is a rarity, and unlike anything else the Sobrinos recorded.
O Jornaleiro by Toni Tornado
Brazil’s answer to James Brown…well, sort of. Toni was a jack-of- all-trades before he ended up performing R&B music in Brazil and popularising that sound through his charismatic performances. O Jornaleiro is one of his many great tracks.
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Lengua Larga by Palo. A Miami-based band carrying the sounds of Latin funk deep into the 21st century, Palo sounds fresh, original and simply fantastic. They have released a couple of albums recently and seem to be going from strength to strength. Lengua Larga (Long Tongue), a song about the dangers of gossiping, is one of their signature tunes!
‘Firewalker’ by Jungle Fire
This is just hot. An LA outfit that has been together since 2011, they still sound raw. Imagine James Brown with Ray Barreto on congas and you’ll get the idea. ‘Firewalker’ is one of the cuts from their album but the whole thing is great. Highly recommended.
‘Together’ by Ray Barretto ‘Sexy’ by Los Amigos Invisibles From the Valio La Pena album, this feel-good song is still one of his biggest club and radio hits around the world, showcasing Marc’s powerful yet tender voice.
Masacote by Patato Valdez and José Mangual
Not a traditional funk but rather a descarga, here three titans of Latin percussion, Patato Valdez with José Manuel Junior and Senior, got together to record what I consider to be one of the funkiest Latino tracks ever. Latin rhythm at its best.
One of most important Latino musicians in the USA in the 70s, Ray Barreto was also one of the first to cross over to the non Latino market. Barretto was at ease playing guaguancos, mambos, Latin jazz or funk. ‘Together’ was one of the many cuts he recorded for gringos and, man, he could rock it.
Los Amigos Invisibles will be performing @ Islington Assembly Hall on 20th November Ticketline: 07415 085 583
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AN SJM CONCERTS AND LIVE NATION PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WME
LONDON
O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE GIGSANDTOURS.COM / TICKETMASTER.CO.UK
S W E I V E R C I S MUJose Luis
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by DJ
Various Artists ‘The Beat of Brazil’ Stateside Recordsds
Michel Camilo & Tomatito ‘Spain Forever’
Decca records/ Universal Music
Dominican pianist Michel Camilo and Spanish guitarist Tomatito, have become one of the great musical pairings of the century. Back in 2000, after being friends for years, the two maestros recorded the seminal album ‘Spain’, which won the Jazz category in the first ever Latin Grammy awards. In 2006 they were at it again with ‘Spain Again’. It has taken them 10 years to come together to complete the trilogy; at last the long-awaited ‘Spain Forever’ arrives. Camilo’s flawless technique and rhythm alongside with Tomatito’s virtuosity come together once again to deliver if maybe not their masterpiece,
Edwin Sanz ‘Overflow’ Alex Wilson Records
Following his great debut San Agustín, Sanz delivers another solid Salsa album. This album is a daring production for Sanz, going into a more mature sound, with three English songs and an array of guests including his producer/mentor/friend Alex Wilson on piano and Oscar “Chuky” Cordero un trumpet. Sanz is part of the already consolidated new wave of European salsa bandleaders and this album is testament of the quality of the Salsa sound created away from the Americas.
A compilation that includes Airto Moreira, Gilberto Gil, Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobin is always going to be good. “ The Beat of Brazil” bring together 21 songs from the Warner vaults, this cd compiles some not that known tracks with some classics, to a great result. Covering the period from 1961 to 1982, probably one of the most important and prolific periods in Brazilian music, this was the music that would influence the rest of the world in years to come. Hopefully more stuff like this come be coming out from the label in the near future!
Arsenio Rodriguez Como se Goza en el Barrio. Havana & NYC recordings 1946-1962’ Grosso! Recordings
Arsenio Rodriguez, aka the ‘Marvellous Blind man’ is one of Latin music’s greatest unsung heroes. A true genius, he created the roots s of what eventually would become Salsa. He died poor and forgotten in the USA while the Fania record label made a fortune by using his tunes, without paying royalties. This double Vinyl is a compilation of some of his most known recordings, including the original Fuego en el 23. For those vinyl lovers, this is as good as it gets when it comes to Latin grooves, limited to only 500 copies.
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FREE
@cyt_the angel www.canasytapas.co.uk
MUSIC
Various Artists ‘Venezuela 70: Cosmic Visions of a Latin American Earth’ Soul Jazz Records
Despite being as rich in music treasures as its neighbours Brazil, Colombia and Cuba, few Venezuelan artists are known outside its borders. The country has a fascinating musical history, and in the 70’s, with loads of petrodollars to attract top talent, Caracas was (and still is, though in a different way now) a creative hub for musicians. Compiled by Mexico based, Venezuelan born DJ Tony Arelano, this compilation showcases some of the most daring experimental rock of its time. This was not commercially driven stuff, but creative freedom at work by a whole generation of great musicians looking for their musical identity. A Fantastic release from Soul Jazz Records.
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Joe Bataan ‘Call my Name’ Vampisoul Joe was one the faces of New York’s Latin music movement in the late 60’s and 70’s. He recorded some of the biggest hits of Latin Soul, Boogaloo, Salsa and Funk, including ‘Gypsy Woman’ and ‘Subway Joe.’ He has become a cult artist, but unlike many other cult musicians, Joe is still recording and making some great music. This was his return to recording in 2004 after a few years away from the studio, and retains the quality of his older works. After being out of print for a few years, this revamped edition features new artwork and notes by the producers. A great album that will please hardcore fans and newcomers alike.
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Wilfredo Lam: Painting Afro-Cubanism before it became a word The ground-breaking work of 20th century Cuban painter, Wifredo Lam, one of the finest artists of his time, will soon be showcased in London’s Tate Modern. Londoners will be given a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Lam’s spiritual world, full of Afro-Cuban mysticism and paying homage to the island’s uniquely mixed heritage, of which he himself was a result. Susana Corona sings the Cuban artist’s praises. As colourful and evocative as the intricate fabric of Cuba’s ethnic tapestry, the result of Lam’s brush strokes is a microcosm of Cuba in the 20th century – a tale of its political upheaval, its social struggles and the woes of its mixed society, a part of which was being increasingly ignored. Lam took it upon himself to rescue African traditions and culture upon his return from his long exile in Europe, where Picasso had taken him under his wing and advised him to tell the tale of his multi-cultural ancestry across his work. Through his paintings he depicted the dreams, contradictions and aspirations of the land and people that influenced them: Cuba and its Afro-Cubans. Drenched in Cubanism, with constant references to his African heritage, Lam’s exquisite pieces show outstanding talent forged in exiled with a clear longing for homeland. Back at home, he is so
fondly remembered that the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo Wifredo Lam was created in his name back in 1983, paying tribute to Cuba’s most international artist whilst developing initiatives to foster talent across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. Revolutionary, nonconformist and deeply spiritual Wifredo Lam’s work was influenced by the troubled times in which he lived, from his nearly two decades residing in a Spain that was torn apart by the Spanish Civil War, where he enlisted and fought on the Republican side, to World War II and the Cuban Revolution, which he later went on to fully support. His paintings offer a window into these times of global revolt Born in the Cuban town of Sagua La Grande, in the eastern province of Villa Clara to an immigrant father of Chinese Cantonese descent and a Cuban mulata of mixed Spanish and African slave ancestry, Lam was in many ways a typical product of Cuban society. Yet during the first half of the 20th century few Cuban artists dwelled on the country’s African
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roots and most ignored its made his work so peculiar A nomad with deep African heritage altogether, was his personal, deeply Afro-Cuban roots especially when it came to sentimental incorporation its spiritual expression; the of Afro-Cuban iconogra- Despite spending 18 years practice of the Yoruba reli- phy with elements from outside of Cuba, residing gion, most commostly in Spain, permonly referred to fecting his painting as Santeria. No technique under the “Lam took it upon himself Surrealist Cuban instruction of former artist had ever to rescue African traditions and culture Salvador Dali teacher, ventured into Fernando Alvarez de upon his return from his long exile this mystical Sotomayor y Zaragoin Europe, where Picasso had taken world. Wifredo and after nearly two him under his wing and advised him za, Lam dared to decades of mingling to tell the tale of his multi-cultural dismantle it, fully with a wide variety of ancestry across his work� expose it and artists that included forever changed Joan Miro, Andre BreCuban art. ton, Henri Matisse and the Santeria religion. That Pablo Picasso, Lam turned Although the painting signature seal made each to Cuba to draw inspiration techniques Lam used of his pieces unique and for the signature works combined elements from rendered his works dis- that would eventually earn Surrealism and Cubism, tinct from any particular art him the Guggenheim Interthe end result did not be- movement. national Award and global long to any other style prerecognition. sent during his time. What
ART
His painting style was a combination of radical modernist influences with the primitive arts of the Pre-Colombian Americas and the hard truths and contrasts of PostColombian Cuba. Darting between the hardships of the slaves’ descendants, and the constant search of identity, Lam’s legacy was to portray the nature of humanity through his own perspective. Wifredo Lam’s generic figures and mask-like faces were a reflection of the world as he saw it, beautifully illustrated and personalised with Afro-Cuban iconography and his own feeling of longing and belonging, not just to Cuba, but the universe. Master Lam died at age 80 in Paris where his children still reside, and despite always being close to Cuba, his technique was open to universal interpretation and acclaim. The story of Lam on canvas, a nomad with a deeply rooted Cuban soul is the story of struggle, complex emotions, heritage and spiritualism. “The Ey Exhibition: Wilfredo Lam” takes over the Tate Modern art gallery in London from 14th September 2016 to 8th January 2017
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LIFESTYLE
Transformed by
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Scent
Amaranta Wright enters the world of Ramón Monegal, the legendary Spanish perfumer now celebrating 100 years of a family in fragrance, and emerges transformed. As the intense experiences of olive tree, red rose, leather, vanilla, smoke and amber pass under our nostrils, Ramón reminds us that scent unlocks our most primitive instincts. We are lured into his parallel universe, that is both primeval and sophisticated. I close my eyes and inhale the note of leather. Suddenly I’m transported into a memory of the horses whose moist and musky torsos I lifted leather saddles from when I was young – a smell that was so delicious and intoxicating to me, it was almost erotic.
“Suddenly I’m transported into a memory of horses and saddles – a smell that was so delicious and intoxicating to me, it was almost erotic.” “Fragrance is not only about the quality of the ingredients, it is about the value of those ingredients,” says Ramón Monegal, in soft Spanish. As if inhaling the quizzical gazes of his English audience, the elegant veteran explains. “For example, why is it that a certain flower attracts a particular bird or insect? Because its properties contain that purpose. It is nature’s gift, its meaning and its magic, that we seek to capture.” I have never heard anyone talk so passionately about smell. Flanked by his two children, under the white blossom of Close Maggiore’s inside garden, this fourth generation perfumer of the Barcelona based House of Myrurgia - appointed supplier to the Spanish Royal House - seizes his audience like a scientist, locked up in the laboratory for years, finally escaping to talk about his greatest inventions. To celebrate the centenary of the Monegal family’s history in the perfume industry, we are passed the notes of the maestro’s latest masterpiece – FIESTA - a limited-edition unisex perfume, which he launches under his own brand, Ramón Monegal.
Monegal’s subtle yet evocative compositions are a stark contrast to the fashion and celebrity brand perfume world that we are familiar with – sterile duty free lounges, bombarding us with their cheap scents. “Babies smell before they see,” he says. “Sniffing for their mother’s milk.” An irresistible whiff is more enduring than a visual impression, it rouses the senses, awakens curiosity, magnetically attracts. Enter the beauty of Ramón Monegal’s world – as I did that summer morning, and you understand why his children (the 5th generation) stand proudly by their father, whose years of training in Geneva and Paris have transformed taste into art. Why FIESTA? I smell the combined notes and shut my eyes. Of course. Fireworks. Stars. Cinderella ball. The Great Gatsby. The milliondollar dress. FIESTA and other Ramón Monegal perfumes are available exclusively at Harrods www.harrods.com
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OCTOBER 14th September – 8th January
3rd October – 19:00
Art
Music
Wilfredo Lam
London’s Tate Modern hosts a celebration of the life and work of the legendary Cuban artist Wilfredo Lam. Lam’s work addresses themes of social injustice, nature and spirituality, painted with a unique blend of Surrealist, Cubist and Afro style. Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG, LONDON
Joyce Moreno
Legendary Brazilian singersongwriter Joyce Moreno hosts an unmissable night at London’s iconic Jazz Café. With over 20 albums’ worth of material to pick from, the concert promises to be a magical experience in the presence of one of Brazil’s finest ever performers. Location: The Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, NW1 7PG, LONDON 5th October -19h
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6th – 20th October
¡PRESENTE! Contemporary Art from Cuba Art In October 2016, ¡PRESENTE! will exhibit more than 50 artworks from over 30 contemporary Cuban artists. The show will include paintings, works on paper, and photography from artists such as Luís Enrique Camejo, Kcho and Reynerio Tamayo. Location: GX Gallery, 43 Denmark Hill, SE5 8RS, LONDON
Chino & Nacho Music This Venezuelan Reggeatón duo and Latin Grammy winners whose music is the country’s best selling of all time. Urban Latin music at its best with Nacho being one of the best song writers of his generation. Doors open 7pm Location: Troxy 490 Commercial Road, London, E1 0HX
3rd – 7th October
Carlos Acosta Dance London’s Royal Albert Hall hosts Cuban ballet dancer Carlos Acosta as he prepares to retire his ballet shoes with a spectacular farewell performance. Carlos will perform some of his favourites from the classical ballet repertoire, and will be joined on stage by very special guests. Accompanied by a live orchestra and featuring the Pegasus Choir. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, LONDON
6th October 2016 – 22:00
La Bomba Clubbing
London’s legendary Urban Latin and Crossover party is hosted weekly at the always popular The Cuban in Camden. Experience some of the best Latino DJ’s in town every Thursday, with FREE ENTRY and some great promotional prices on cocktails. Location: The Cuban, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH, LONDON
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6th October 2016 – 5th February 2017
Picasso Portraits at National Portrait Gallery Art See more than 75 artworks from one of the most highly regarded artists of all time at London’s National Portrait Gallery – including paintings never before displayed in the U.K. as well as some renowned masterpieces from the great Spanish artist. Picasso Portraits is a fantastic opportunity to experience the work of Pablo Picasso so don’t miss out! Location: St. Martin’s Pl, WC2H 0HE, LONDON
13th October – 18:00
Forró do Galpão Clubbing For the last 10 years, Forró do Galpão has brought the most unforgettable Forró nights in London with live bands, Forró dance lessons, DJ’s and special guests. It has become the most established and popular night of its kind, and is hosted every Thursday at Corbet Place Bar in London for your enjoyment. Location: 15 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR Website: www.forrodogalpao.org
18th October – 5th November
Burn the Floor Dance
Burn the Floor returns to London with the UK premiere of international smash-hit Fire in the Ballroom. A rebellious, high-energy ballroom dance spectacle with an infectious sense of fun, featuring 14 champion dancers breathing new life into classics such as the Viennese waltz, foxtrot, samba, tango and jive. Location: The Peacock
OCT-nov 20 October 2016
29th October – 14:00
Festival
Music
South Social Meets Argentine Get into subversive mood and out of control behaviour with the screening of WILD TALES, Followed by Tango South London milonga and live music by Javier Fioramonti. Plus Argentine cuisine and drinks. Tickets £15 include film+ milonga Location: The Cinema Museum, 2 Dugard Way, Elephant and Castle, SE11 4TH 23rd October 2016 – 20:00
Maria Gadú Music
Hugely popular Brazilian songer-singwriter Maria Gadú will be performing her new album Guéla at London’s Barbican Centre this October with her live band. The twotime Latin Grammy Award nominee brings together a variety of Brazilian sounds and inspirations into her emotionally-driven acoustic songs. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, LONDON 3rd, 4th & 5th November – 18:00
Wahaca’s Day of the Dead Music
Discover a nocturnal celebration of Modern Mexico at Wahaca’s 3-night agave fuelled fiesta where the living come to celebrate the dead, through music, performance, art and street food. Submerge yourself in Mexican culture, with face painting, Mexican wrestling and a number of other enjoyable activities. Location: The Vaults Waterloo, Leake St, SE1 7NN, LONDON
Babylon Day of the Dead Party Babylon present this year’s Day of the Dead Party inspired by the beautiful art of the Day of the Dead celebrations which take place in Mexico. Expect giant skull processions, piñatas, sugar skulls, Mexican face painting, as well as music brought to you by Babylon DJs. Location: TBC
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2nd November – 19:00
Melingo Music
Argentine musician Daniel Melingo will be bringing his rock-inspired tango music to London this November. The former Los Twist guitarist will be performing songs off his edgy new album ‘Anda’ which is due for release this September. Location: The Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, NW1 7PG, LONDON
NOVEMBER
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3rd November – 19:00
Ed Motta Music
Brazilian jazz funk legend Ed Motta will be performing at London’s Jazz Café for one night only. Expect a set full of high energy crowd pleasers from an incredibly charismatic performer. Location: The Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, NW1 7PG, LONDON
4th November – 18:00
Randy Brecker & Balaio Music Ronnie Scott’s hosts the debut performance of Grammy Award winning album ‘Randy in Brasil’, featuring many of Brazil’s great musicians and composers Brecker’s unique trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums and shaped modern Jazz. He is particularly loved in Brazil, having guested with Flora Purim, Joao Donato and Hector Martignon. Location: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1, LONDON
13th November – 19:00
13th November - 19:30
Music
Music
J Balvin
Record breaking Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin will be performing at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire this November. Well known for his tracks “Yo te lo dije”, “Tranquila”, “Ay vamos”, “6 AM” and “Ginza”, J Balvin is sure to put on a great show. Tickets are on sale from September 7th onwards so don’t miss out! Location: Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, LONDON Get tickets via www.latinolife.co.uk
Elza Soares
The unmistakable queen of Brazilian music will be performing her new album The Woman at the End of the World where she teamed up with São Paulo’s best avantgarde musicians including Kiko Dinucci, Marcel Cabral and Rodrigo Campos. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, LONDON
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nov-december
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20th November – 19:00
Los Amigos Invisibles Music Grammy Award winning Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles return to London for the first time since 2010 to play at Islington Assembly Hall in London. The group perform a thrilling mixture of funk, Latin, jazz and disco music, with opening entertainment from live DJ’s. Location: Islington Assembly Hall, Upper St, N1 2UD, LONDON Get tickets via www.latinolife.co.uk 29th November – 19:00
António Zambujo Music
Having sold out shows in Paris and Rio de Janeiro, the rising star in Portuguese fado António Zambujo visits London for an intimate performance in Islington’s Union Chapel. Location: Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, N1 2UN, LONDON 29th November – 19:30
Zeca Pagodinho Music
Fresh from headlining the Rio Olympics opening ceremony, the Brazilian samba superstar visits London’s Eventim Apollo this November for a night of music and dance to celebrate ‘100 years of Samba’. The four-time Latin Grammy award winner will be performing in London for the first time in a decade, for what promises to be an unforgettable night of Brazilian fiesta.
Location: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline St, W6 9QH. LONDON
Music
Town Forum (2nd December). Since the release of their debut album ‘Leave Me Alone’ in January, the Spanish group have grown from strength to strength and have now developed a large fan base – due to the popularity of their catchy ‘garage’ sounds.
The indie-rock band from Madrid will play two U.K. dates this December at Bristol’s Trinity Centre (1st December) and London’s 02 Kentish
Location: Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, BS2 0NW, BRISTOL & O2 Forum Kentish Town 9-17 Highgate Rd, NW5 1JY, LONDON
1st & 2nd December – 19:00
Hinds Live in Concert
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LATIN LONDONER
Celebrating 20 years of her legendary Latino LGBT Club night Exilio Gloria Lizcano has been the pioneer and main activist for the Latin LGBT community in London. The most overrated vice is confidence; it often plays havoc with our judgment and decisionmaking processes.
Western society is paranoid about sex. I think people should get their rocks off in any and every consensual way that interests them, and society will be all the better for it. The Florida Gay Club massacre had a huge impact on me. Few people mention that is was a Latino Gay club and that most of the victims were Gay Latinos. Brexit took us by surprise, and with so many hate crimes taking place, it’s just the beginning. My favourite word is Passion. Just saying it puts a smile on my face. My first memory was watching TV with a friend of mine, I was about six, and we kissed for the first time; my grandmother caught us! Problem: my friend was a girl. I lost my mother at the early age of seven, but I believe I took her creative side. From my Dad, a Business Head. The most useful piece of advice I’ve been given “Clarity is power” (Anthony Robins) I believe in God, I just don’t believe the people that choose to preach certain parts of the bible that renders our lives sinful. My favourite film is ‘All About My Mother’ by Pedro Almodovar. It covers many aspects of my life, complex issues such as homosexuality, transsexualism, AIDS, and faith. The CD Compilation that made my forte as a Latin DJ was the ‘14 Cañonazos Bailables,’ a compilation of Discos Fuentes biggest hits since 1961. From this CD I got to discovered the talented artists that I now feel so passionate about. The most underrated virtue is kindness. Be kind whenever possible It is always possible.
The word I most dislike is Lesbian. I do not refer to women that like women as Lesbians, just women. My favourite question is ‘who converted you?’ You’d be surprised how many times gay people get asked that. I have plenty to say and not in a good way: I was not converted, I am who I am because it feels right. If I could go back in time I would go back to when I was a child and I had my mother alive, so that I could re-live the love that I miss so much.