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I S S U E N0.17 Summe r 2018
WELCOME TO The world of Latin music is ever evolving, with new creative estuaries being discovered all the time. While everyone’s been talking about the explosion of Reggaeton, we’ve been noticing a quiet revolution going on, as female Latin artists, who’ve suffered stereotyping and dismissal by the music industry and media for years, emerge glorious as they capture the imagination of listeners around the world. Anitta’s sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall recently (before any other Latin male Latin Urban artist, by the way) was proof of that and we thought it was about time we dedicate a feature to these new musical Amazons. Meanwhile, we also wanted to remind everyone how it’s really done, by asking one of Latin America’s most enduring bands, Grupo Niche, about to turn 40 and still touring more than any other Latin band (more than 200 concerts last year). So, you may think it’s all about Urban Latin, but Niche show us that Salsa is alive and kicking more than ever. You only needed to see the 10,000 people go crazy in the Scoop, outside City Hall on June 9, when El Pidio sang Cali Pachanguero to understand that few things move people like this infectious rythmn. Luckily for us, this legendary Colombian band will be giving the Salsa concert of the year at the LUKAS Awards ceremony this year, where they’ll receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to Latin music worldwide. Amaranta Wright, Editor
CONTENTS 4 6 8
FRONT SECTION: Latin Hotlist, News and Gossip
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LA GALERIA: La Clave Fest 2018 INTERVIEW: Grupo Niche on turning 40
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Feature: Here Come Las Reggaetoneras
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INTERVIEW: Puerto Rican Rap Star Residente
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LUKAS Winners 2018
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Where to Eat: London’s Best Latino Venues
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WHAT’S ON: Your listings guide to Latin London
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Carlos Vives’ Fantasy Island Tracks Latinolife is produced by: Editor: "NBSBOUB 8SJHIU t Deputy Editor: Lewis Blakeman t Assistant Editor: -VDZ #PZMFUU t Arts Editor: Corina Poore t Music Editor: +PTF -VJT 4FJKBT t Designer: Antonella Perreca
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THE LATIN HOT LIST
Old Favourites comes to Town
It’s already been a year full of Latin Entertainment, and we can’t wait for the next big event, which is the HOLA festival at The O2 on Saturday 21 July. Latino Life’s personal highlight will be its favourite Latin artist, Rubén Blades, bringing us back to Salsa’s golden era, and some of its best ever songs, with his Roberto Delgado Salsa Big Band. Colombian superstar Carlos Vives will also be performing, as well as Piso 21 (Best New Artist nominees at the Latin Grammys) and Descemer Bueno the Cuban behind Bailando and a string of other mega-hits. There’ll be a special show from the high-energy Cali Swing Kids & Teens Dance Group, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. www.theo2.co.uk
Purple Gold
Known as Peru’s national drink, Chicha Morada dates back to the pre-Inca periods and is still made today using the same methods.The purple corn grows only in Peru, most famously in Puno and Arequipa, where the rich volcanic soil produces Anthocynins, the pigment compounds responsible for the corn’s vibrant colour. Rich in Antioxidants and vitamins, the drink is a secret blend of corn, lime, pineapple, apple, clove, cinnamon and unrefined cane sugar. We’ve been on the purple trail for a while and have finally found a UK supplier, so you can now get your fix buying the product online at www.amaizedrinks.com
Wear Your Passion
Are you still looking to wear your country with pride and have been resisting paying a fortune? Look no further. Due to popular demand, we’ve hunted down the best-priced official Colombian or Brazilian football shirts in the UK and have finally found them! So we thought we’d pass on the news. www.instagram.com/bestbrands_uk
Get your Glad Rags on
It’s that time of the year when we get the chance to put our glad-rags on, roll out the red carpet, pose for the cameras and then…party! Yes, we’ll be celebrating the UK and Europe’s finest Latin musicians, dancers, actors and sports personalities at The LUKAS, Europe’s only Latin entertainment awards ceremony, on Thur 9 August. The public and juries have voted and the winners finally chosen (published on p34-35). This huge public engagement culminates in a unique event of presentations and performance, including a full concert by Grupo Niche, who’ll receive the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Join us, at the year’s biggest celebration of Latin culture. www.thelukas.co.uk
FRONT SECTION
LATIN MOMENTS… A Scoop of Pure Flavour
London’s big Latin festival void of recent years was well and truly filled in early June with La Clave Fest, which made its giant leap into central London. What was supposed to start the day with low-key Zumba at noon kicked the party off and, by 3pm, The Scoop, opposite Tower Bridge, was rammed and in full party mode. There was no turning back, with great music that spanned Boleros, Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Samba, Reggaeton, Cuban Funk, ending in El Pidio’s fantastic Salsa band. Passers by and tourists couldn’t believe their luck as they stumbled across two parties; one at Hays Galleria packed with Salsa and Bachata dancing and then another, a few hundred metres along the river, outside City Hall. 10pm was met with a giant groan. But that’s when the claves came out to continue the party. What better way to herald in a summer of great Latin music?
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Unlikely World Cup Hero
Of the many Latin moments at the World Cup, our favourite has to be the one when hundreds of Mexican fans descended on the South Korean embassy in Mexico City to celebrate the Asian country’s improbable World Cup win over Germany, which ensured Mexico’s place in the knockout stages. Mexico had gone eight decades since making it out of the first round at a World Cup. As Mexico fell behind 3-0 during the second half against Sweden, it became clear they would need South Korea to hold off the reigning champions, who so rarely falter at the World Cup. Nhan Bjoungyin, the Consul-General, seemed perfectly willing to claim responsibility for the unlikely win by being erected onto the shoulders of Mexican supporters who chanted: “¡Coreano, hermano, ahora eres mexicano!”
Run Raramuri Run
Now this is impressive. In early June, 23-yearold Mexican Raramuri, Lorena Ramirez, finished third in the gruelling Cajamar Tenerife Bluetrail, an annual 102-kilometere ultramarathon. But get this, she completed the entire course in 20 hours wearing only her traditional long dress and pair of huarache sandals, made from recycled tires. She’s no stranger to winning titles either, as she previously came first in the females 50-kilometre ultramarathon in Puebla, Mexico last year. And what does Raramuri mean? “Light-feet” of course.
Party as Art
The normally sober Tate Modern got a true Latin shake up when an ‘art installation’ quickly turned into one big Latin party in the world’s greatest art museum. ‘The Digital Salsoteca’ was, officially, a ‘journey through Latin music through sound, film and art.’ Yeah right, thought the Colombians who descended on the venue ready to rumbear. Soon, the cultured middle classes meandering through towards the huge white halls of London’s institutional monolith, found themselves drifting to the rumba rhythms of Gerardo de Armas, only to find half of Latino London partying like there was no tomorrow. What is Art? You might ask. One person’s party is another’s masterpiece.
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Making 8
There are few bands in the world that can claim a life at the top for 40 years; The Rolling Stones, Cuba’s Van Van, Venezuela’s Guaco. Grupo Niche is one of them; a household name in Colombia and amongst Salsa lovers around the world. Amaranta Wright discusses the achievements of Colombia’s greatest Salsa band with lead singer Elvis Angulo and band manager Yanila Varela, the daughter of the group’s founder Jairo Varela. This story is about a young man, an Afro-Colombian of modest origins from the north-west region of Chocó, on the Panamanian border, who travels to the big city with dreams, like so many, to make a living from his musical talent. Fast Forward 40 years and this man, Jairo Varela, is arguably the most important person in Colombia’s rich musical history. His creation, Grupo Niche, is now Colombia’s best known band worldwide and, six years after Varela’s death, is as busy as it has ever been. In the last year, Niche gave over 200 concerts, more than any other Colombian band.
Londoners might be familiar with names such as J Balvin and Maluma, Colombians who are dominating the British charts in Spanish, but it was Grupo Niche that paved the way. Even before Shakira or Carlos Vives’ international breakthrough, Grupo Niche was touring the world, blazing the trail, not only for today’s Colombian global superstars, but even for famous Salsa bands from the countries that created the genre, such as Puerto Rico. “We were in Puerto Rico recently, doing a show and I had the pleasure of witnessing an interview with Rafael Itier (Director of El Gran Combo) who talked about Jairo Varela and how Niche opened the door for them in territories where Salsa wasn’t that big,“ says Elvis, Grupo Niche’s lead singer.
Fuelling it all was Jairo Varela’s talent and vi9 sion, says Elvis. “I’ve never seen anyone make music like Jairo did. He would create music out of thin air. For me, he was a genius.” As composer and arranger, Jairo Varela could produce vigorous, up-tempo dance music such as Cali Pachangero and Del Puente Pa’llá and Han Cogido la Cosa, as well as sublime romantic melodies such as Una Aventura, Hagamos Lo Que Diga Corazon, Duele Mas, and Nuestro Sueño. But, like all great enduring bands, from The Stones to Los Van Van, Niche’s prolongued success is down to its ability to reinvent itself over and over again. The sound changed many times, but always keeping its unique stamp and quality, Elvis confirms: “Jairo wasn’t just ahead of his time, but he also walked with the times, he was always listening to what was going on and thinking; how can Niche be relevant without losing its essence? As a visionary, he knew the result he wanted and if he couldn’t do it himself he would find the right person.”
“I’d never thought about this, it’s true; El Gran Combo told me that they were going to El Salavador for the first time. Well I had already been to El Salvador six times with Grupo Niche and every time is it totally mental!”
Endurance and Legacy So what is it that has made Grupo Niche so popular in Latin America over such a long period of time? Back in the 1980s, the sound of Grupo Niche was different to what had gone before. Whilst Colombians had long adored and consumed the Salsa bands from Cuba, Puerto Rico or New York, Varela’s uniquely seductive rythmns and tender harmonies marked a break from the aggressive horns of New York Salsa. The songs epitomised the intensity of feeling and the gentle spirit of human-co-dependency that Colombians embrace and conquered the hearts, hips and feet of millions around the world.
Indeed it was this ability to scout talent that led to the many great musicians that have made their mark on the band; the likes of César Albondiga who polished Niche’s sound or of Sergio George whoe, as Niche’s musical director helped create some of Grupo Niche’s most legendary songs and albums, such as Cielo de Tambores. George went on to become Mark Anthony’s musical director and one of Salsa greatest ever producers. Today, it’s the job of current musical director Jose Aguirre, to maintain the quality and keep the band relevant and fresh, in the world dominated by Urban Latin.
presents
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In 2003, Arnaldo Antunes, Carlinhos Brown and Marisa Monte formed the super-band Tribalistas and released a self-titled album which sold in the millions. Mostly acoustic, with splashes of electronics, the album won a Latin Grammy for Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album, but the band never toured. In 2017, they announced a reunion and announced their first tour together: the Tribalistas Tour – to take place in nine Brazilian stadiums and then they play this special night in London.
serious.org.uk/Brazil
NT E MARISA MNOTUNES ARNALDOOA BROWN CARLINH S
ov e m b e r S u n day 4 NA p o l l o E v e n t im s m it h Hammer
GRUPO NICHE
Elvis was the last singer that Varela recruited before he died. He remembers the phone call, almost 10 years ago: “He said to me ‘I want you to take Grupo Niche to the next generation.’ It was and is a huge responsibility which I have taken with the up-most commitment and I try to be a role model for the new guys and let them know how el maestro liked things to be done.” Elvis extrapolates… “Jairo Varela was one of the first band directors in Colombia to really push for musicians to be recognized as serious professionals. He worked hard to change the perception of audiences who thought musicians were bohemians and whatnot. He wanted people to see that having a career in music was like being an engineer or a doctor. He taught musicians to dress up, to be on time, to be a pro, and I believe that has had a lot to do with this band’s success... as well obviously as the magic he put into the band with his music, his talent and his compositions. Many factors have helped this group stay on top, but self-respect was always at the core.”
Pride and Culture Indeed, one of Grupo Niche’s greatest achievements has been to project its pride in Colombia’s black identity, in a country and continent known for its racism, by putting Colombia’s black music on the global map.
Lead singer Elvis Angulo
und, There’s a joke that’s going aro and the joke is on me , I’ve got a big nose and big lips d in that and they can’t find anything goo alí rab Ca I’m , true it’s I’m black, labar) (from the Nigerian region Ca it of ud And I’m pro
This pride, and frequent referral to racism (in that same song ‘White man running athlete; black man running thief’) made Jairo a hero in the city of Cali - with its 70% Afro-Colombian population - where Grupo Niche made its home. I saw this myself when I once visited Cali, a girl from the shanty town of Aguas Blancas told me: “Jairo has never forgotten where he came from. He is our Cali.”
“In Puerto Rico I had the pleasure of seeing an interview with Rafael Ithier (Director of El Gran Combo) who talked about Jairo Varela and how Niche opened the door even for them in countries where Salsa was not that big”
From the off, Varela wore his African heritage on his sleeve. The very name Niche, meaning ‘of black origin’, spells it out: we’re black and proud. The lyrics of his most famous songs reinforced the message. For example, Han Cogido la Cosa:
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Jairo reciprocated this love, once saying “Cali is everything; its people, its love for us, our love for it, its culture. I will forever be indebted to Cali for what it has done for Grupo Niche and myself. I’ve written four or five songs for Cali, and if I could, I’d write a million.”
However, the unabashed pride that made Varela a hero in Cali, also made him a target for the Colombian authorities who, in the early years, made various attempts to discredit him (he spent 3 years in jail, accused of having received money for playing for drug traffickers, a charge Varela denied).
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SPRING GUIDE 2014
GRUPO NICHE
‘It’s not just about yourself. Grupo Niche is a family’ Elivis
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Proud daughter and manager Yanila Varela
Perhaps this was why Varela was so insistent on professionalism; for there were powerful people wanting him and the band to fail.
treasure’, no doubt puts even more pressure on the band members, who all know what that took to achieve.
Elvis confirms: “He always wanted Grupo Niche to be on top and he knew the level of professionalism and seriousness that this would involve.”
“When you join Grupo Niche, it is not just about yourself, you have to think about all those icons and great singers that have been here before you. It requires a lot of work to fill those spaces,” says Elvis. “And it is not just me, this is a team effort and his kids (Varela’s daughter Yanila, who manages the band, and her brothers) have done a fantastic job at keeping Grupo Niche moving forward. You have to be really professional, but again this is done as a family.”
Now of course, Varela is venerated, and with good reason. During the many years, particularly the Nineties, when so much negative news was coming out of Colombia, Niche’s success abroad was one of the few positive associations for Colombia (matched only by Carlos Valderrama perhaps). The band became hugely important as a reinforcement of Colombian pride in those dark years. For the city of Cali, Niche’s success was a game changer. It carved itself a reputation as the global capital of Salsa. Cali has the world’s biggest Salsa festival and its dancers wow audiences in the US (even the name Cali invaded Britain’s Got Talent with Cali Swing). The fact that Niche is now considered a ‘national
Indeed, nobody feels the responsibility more than Yanila Varela, Jairo’s daughter: “I’ve been working full time since 1996. When my father died, I had to take the reins and it felt it like both a responsibility and a duty,” she says. “And it’s not only me that feels that sense of duty. Since he died, everyone in the team has felt that love and respect to make his legacy proud. Because we wouldn’t be here without him.”
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GRUPO NICHE
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“It’s true that in general the Latin music world is a man’s world. But I feel a lot of respect. This was part of the culture that my father created among the team, to be professional, punctual, respectful, and to What does carrying put 100% into everything Jairo Varela’s legacy “Jairo Varela wanted people you do. It’s a legacy we’ve inmean on a daily basis? to see that having a career herited. None of his children in music was like being inherited his musical genius. “We have a company strucan engineer or a doctor. I was always good at admin ture, which allows musicians He taught musicians to and my brother at the IT side not to have to worry about dress up, be on time, of things, but we’ve inherited whether they’ll get paid every be a pro. I believe that had the values which made his time they play. I think we are a lot to do with this band’s group successful.”. the only group that funcsuccess… as well tions like this: we manage obviously that magic that How do you see everything for the musicians, he put into the band with Grupo Niche at 40? so they can focus solely on his music, his talent and I ask, finally. what they do and on putting his compositions.” on a great performance. We “The future of Grupo Niche give them that security.” is bright. We are working as well as ever before. The 40th anniversary is It can’t be easy, I suggest, as a woman boss, coming up and the real test will be to record stepping into an iconic man’s shoes in the a celebration album that does those 40 years Latin music world, known for its machismo. justice. We are already working on that with Jose Aguirre, so watch this space!”
Grupo Niche will be performing a full concert at The LUKAS Awards ceremony, on Thur 9 August, where they will also receive the LUKAS 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. To book tickets for this special occasion, go to https://www.comono.co.uk/live/grupo-niche-2/
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The crude origins of Reggaeton, from videos verging on soft porn and misogynistic lyrics, has been toned down in recent years in its quest to become commercial. At the same time, female Reggaeton artists, such as Anitta, Natti Natasha and Karol G are exploding onto the global stage. But can they really overcome the sexist stereotyping as they make a name for themselves as Urban Latin artists? Isabelle Curley and Amaranta Wright find out. Bold, beautiful and Brazilian, the girl from Ipanema, didn’t sway. She writhed, she rolled, she twerked, and she booty-shaked the hell out of London’s usually conservative Royal Albert Hall in June. Even the ushers raised their eyebrows as Reggaeton’s latest superstar cast awe over adoring lookalikes and voguing gays, expressing their sexuality. And so Larissa de Macedo Machado, known by her stage name as Anitta, arrived in the UK. Few would have thought that the first Urban Latin artist ever to perform at London’s most iconic venue would be a female one, such is the male monopoly on the genre. Las Reggaetoneras have arrived. ‘It’s gonna blow up’ says Anitta. Her rhetoric is literally explosive, but it represents a cultural phenomenon currently taking place in the music world. Anitta’s popularity as an artist mirrors the growing popularity of music in Spanish, particularly Reggaeton, which has reached markets, such as the UK, like never before.
Despite her success, Anitta has chosen a challenging path to walk. Some might say Reggaeton occupies an ambivalent place in Latin American music culture. Emerging from the underground music scene of Puerto Rico during the late 1990s, it was the lovechild of Hip-hop, Latin and Afro-Caribbean music. Crackdowns by the authorities or the condemnation of its crude lyrics couldn’t stop its growing popularity, defying the restrictive social mores of the Catholic Church. But that glorification came at price of the objectification and sexualisation of women. Early Reggaeton music videos are virtually indistinguishable from soft porn; silicone-injected breasts and bums in bikinis servicing the whims of their rapping Papi Chulos.
17 Fast forward to 2017 and the more respectable pop figure of Luis Fonsi helped original Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee’s Despacito become the most viewed song ever on YouTube, clocking in at over 5 billion views. However, despite its crossover success, many have argued that Reggaeton tracks still revel in the degradation of Latinas and usually depict them as little more than male conquests. In Jiggy Drama’s 2011 Contra La Pared music video, the Colombian rapper poses as a policeman and demands all the women at a party stand against the wall. He threatens mass rape with a police baton if they do not comply with a search. “We’re going to search you all, you know,” he laughs. “If you keep up with that attitude, I’m going to rape you you.” (Si sigues en esa actitud voy a violarte). So how do artists such as Anitta, whose Reggaeton hits with J Balvin, Malum and others, feel about being part of a genre that degrades women? In an interview with LatinoLife, she answers. “Brazilian Urban music has the same history as Reggaeton, the male dominated kinda genre, being misogynistic, talking about women in a derogatory way, but what I try to do is provide the female perspective:
Photos by Getty Image
siing good things about bing a woman, being confident, standing up for yourself, not being put down. That is what I am about.” Anitta also talks about the importance of solidarity between female Reggaeton artists: “I think that women together we are getting powerful and one is giving force to the other and we are stronger together.” This certainly rings true in recent times. Many of the current female stars of Reggaeton are collaborating, as we have seen with Natti Natasha’s and Becky G’s hit Sin Pijama, which affirms that ‘las mujeres tienen poder’ (women have power). Natti Natasha and Thalia have also collaborated on No Me Acuerdo, which has over 66 million views on YouTube. Yet, despite talk of empowerment and solidarity, all the above artists use their sexuality, the same boot-shaking perrea as the girls who were just ornaments in their male counterparts videos. Is this really female empowerment or is it just pandering to sexual objectification? A Different Perspective In an interview for Vevo, Becky G and Natti Natasha argued this is not the case, in reaction about their video. ‘In Latin music it’s hard for people to accept that women can own their sexuality,’ said Natti Natasha. ‘We Latinas are very sexy’. Becky G added: “we are being sexy for ourselves, not for men. It’s about taking control of our own sexuality.”
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Talking to Latino Life, Anitta confirmed: ”The future is us being successful and confident, but also being sensual and not being afraid of being judged for that either. Women have been judged by society for so long. I am not afraid to be judged. So I think when women see that, they get empowered to be whatever they want to be.” Anitta also says its about reclaiming the music as much as her sexuality, “this is my music as much as theirs. I grew up in the favela too, this is my world.” “She is not trying to be sexy. That is the way she is. Caribbean and Brazilian cultures are highly sensual cultures. She is a Brazilian woman who has grown up embracing her sexuality and owning it.” Max MAX, a female DJ/Blogger/Journalist/Host who has worked with some of the biggest companies in entertainment from Capital, Sundance, Lovebox, BBC to Youtube and now a fan of the Latin urban music, agrees. “Watching Anitta in concert was captivating. She is mesmerising in the same way that Rihanna and Beyoncé are. She is not trying to be sexy. That is the way she is. Caribbean and Brazilian cultures are highly sensual cultures. She is a Brazilian woman who has grown up embracing her sexuality and owning it. She doesn’t look like she is forcing it or trying to make headlines; it’s part of her DNA. She wasn’t tottering around in high heels on stage. She was rocking it in trainers with her sexy one-pieces. I liked that she showed a little tomboy too under all that sexiness.”
in clubs in the early 00s I hated the lyrics,” she said. “It’s all about sex. I thought it would be great to use it to talk about other kinds of sex. Lesbian Reggaeton was a kind of joke.” Yet, this approach is also criticised by music fans who, despite the lyrics, love the authenticity and creativity of Reggaeton music, that lies at its heart. “Why do you have to take the piss out of what is essentially great music, with bad music, just to make a point? If you are going to make a point, make it with good music,” says DJ Jose Luis, the UK’s leading Urban Latin DJ, and pioneer of the Urban Latin movement in Europe. The Real Reggaeton Heroines Reggaeton fans such as Jose Luis see Chocolate Remix’ piss-take approach as an insult to high-quality female Reggaeton artists who have struggled for visibility, not through the fault of their male counterparts but because the media and music industry has not chosen to promote them. One of the forerunners for modern day Reggaeton females is Ivy Queen, whose 2003 hit Quiero Bailar was an anthem for a woman’s right to enjoy herself on the dance floor.
There are other female takes on Reggaeton, such as the Argentinian Chocolate Remix, who dared to describe penises as ‘disposable’ in her satirical take on the genre. Often described as ‘Lesbian Reggaeton,’ she has been hailed for subverting the taboos surrounding lesbian sex while challenging the hegemony of machismo that dominates Reggaeton. “When it first burst on to the scene Karol G Ivy Queen
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For Jose Luis, artists as Ivy Queen are the real heroines and trailblazers. “Female Reggaeton artists have more of an identity than the men do. The men tend to copy each other, but the women have had to carve out their own identity. They look different and sound different from each other. Natti Natasha is doing her own thing. Karol G from Colombia is bold and notable for her lyrics about female independence. Cardi B is big on both the Reggaeton and American Hip Hop scene. Each have their own unique way of singing and performing, which is why it is so wonderful when they come together.”
And, reflecting grass-roots society itself, there are also, the many activist female urban artists, such as the Guatemalan Rebeca Lane, who uses the genre to challenge the culture of femicide that is ravaging her country. For Rebeca, the violence against women is institutional and the danger for her is very real. The more she sings the more she risks her life. “I do feel endangered. But in Guatemala it’s so easy to get killed by anything,” she says. “But I’d rather speak out instead of doing nothing.”
There are other rising Reggaeton Latinas, such as Colombian star Farina, of Peruvian and Chinese descent, and the Miami-born Dominican singer Amara La Negra who both represent a cultural shift, which is more inclusive of artists of different colours and creeds. If Reggaeton began as a challenge to the establishment, now women entering the game are challenging the establishment of Reggaeton itself, taking control of their image and pushing the genre in a new direction.
So how about UK Latin Urban artists? Colombian-born Lao Ra, who is breaking onto the UK scene is frank: ‘I think it’s bullshit, there are amazing artists like Bad Bunny but sometimes I find their lyrics really offensive.’ She has hope though, ‘I mean little by little it’s changing, men before didn’t feel like they needed to change, they felt entitled to say what they wanted but now it’s changing.’
Natti Natasha
The UK Urban Latin Perspective
“I think it’s bullshit, there are amazing artists like Bad Bunny but sometimes I find their lyrics really offensive.” Lao Ra Mike Kalle, an London-born artist to Colombian parents, whose new mixtape coming out at the end of the World Cup has more of a Reggaeton-carnival vibe, has a refreshing approach: ‘there’s a lot of lyrics and songs (in Reggaeton) that are disrespectful to women. If I’m gonna do this type of music, I’m gonna do it in a way that isn’t disrespecting women. I was raised mainly around women so I was brought up knowing not to disrespect them.’
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“If I’m gonna do this type of music, I’m gonna do it in a way that isn’t disrespecting women. I was raised mainly around women so I was brought up knowing not to disrespect them.” Mike Kalle Although many musical genres, perpetuate sexist and misogynistic attitudes, it becomes more complex in the broader social context of Latino machismo. Sexism and misogyny do not exist in a vacuum. Reggaeton originated from poor disenfranchised young Afro-Latin Caribbean males, whose culture existed on the fringes of society and the law and was an assertion of masculine power, often at the expense of women’s. But with the growing success of female artists, it seems that now women are beginning to assert their own narrative. As women, as Latinas and as artists. For Lucy Boylett, a young London-born Colombian, Anitta’s attitude and performance resonated: “Sure there was a lot of twerking, and a lot of flesh, but I don’t think it is necessarily exploitative. Beyoncé does the same and uses her music and the stage to champion female power. The skimpy outfits and the raunchy dancing are just part of the act. With Anitta its not just about her sexuality, she has a beautiful voice and I consider her a role model for women who are trying to succeed in a male-dominated industry. She is fresh, current and hungry for success. And I like that.”
Amara La Negra
Cardi B
24 Almost after 25 years since its inception in Puerto Rico, Reggaeton has come on leaps and bounds. As a maledominated genre, popular opinion still stands that women are merely sexualised, and portrayed as damsels in distress to whispered “ay papi’s” in music videos. In the early 2000’s, however, pivotal artists such as Ivy Queen laid the foundations for future reggaetoneras and their hustle has massively contributed to a genre that is gaining increasing popularity amongst the young generation and all Latino club scenes. To honour this legacy, we have fine-tuned a list of tracks by reggaetoneras old and new.
LATIN REGGAETON QUEENS & TRACKS
Lorna Papi Chulo… Te Traigo El mmmm (2002) Definitely a favourite on the dancefloor! Lorna, originally from Panama released ‘Papi Chulo’, a dominant crossover dancefloor hit which made it to the top five of the charts all across Europe in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy! It’s no wonder as the beat is
Here is our list of Reggaeton’s past, present and future Queens! Pura Candela! Pure fire! Enjoy! Ivy Queen Yo Quiero Bailar(2003) We must start by paying homage to Ivy Queen, the Puerto Rican Queen of Reggaeton, La Diva, La Mama de los Pollitos! Although she disappeared from the limelight in the late 2000’s, she carved a space for women in mainstream music. Her song ‘Yo Quiero Bailar’ released in 2003 is a sex positive anthem that contends with the tangled politics of consent on the dancefloor.
Glory
La Tracionera ft. Don Omar (2005) Glory, alsoknown as “La Gata Gangster” is one of reggaeton’s most recognised female voices. She has released a string of hit songs, but La Tracionera from her album ‘Glou’ has to be one of our favourites. Too hot!
MUSIC
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Nina Sky
Play That Song ft. Tony Touch & Cyprus Hill (2005) The Puerto Rican Latin pop duo, Nina Sky teamed up with Tony Touch to release ‘Play That Song’ an infectious sound of reggaeton and hip-hop combined. The lyrics; ‘hey DJ just play that song, dame un poquito of reggaeton!’ speak for themselves! Definitely one to get the party going.
La Sista
Anacaona (2006) Hailed as the Mama Ines de Reggaeton, La Sista has turned heads since her arrival on the scene. The Puerto Rican star released her first solo project titled ‘Majestad Negroicide’ featuring her smash-hit single ‘Anacaona’ alive with African-Caribbean folklore vibes. Watch out for her as she has remerged to the scene with a new image, after releasing ‘Lo Nuestro Es Real Remix’ in 2018 featuring artists Zion, Lennox y Wisin.
Adassa
De Tra ft. Taino (2005) From the album ‘Kamasutra’, ‘De Tra’ was the hit song which flung The Reggaeton Princess, Adassa into the spotlight and introduced her as a major player to the reggaeton genre. The club banger reached #40 the Billboard Latin Airplay charts!
Karol G
Mi Cama (2018) Moving on to the Shakira current reggaeton Hip’s Don’t Lie ft. Wyclef Jean (2006) scene, Colombia’s Karol We cannot fault Queen Shak! Released as G is one of the few up and the second single from her studio album coming female sensations of the genre. ‘Oral Fixation’, Hips Don’t Lie combines Known for her exuberant mix of reggaeton, salsa, with a world beat rhythm. It reached pop, and dance-orientated R&B, she the number one spot on the released her single ‘Mi Cama’ built around charts in at least 55 hypnotic beats and a mattress squeakingcountries, including the like drop. Karol G lets a former flame know US Billboard Hot 100, that her bed is still rocking without him. You becoming the go girl! Colombian singers first number one Anitta ft. Balvin single in the country. Downtown (2018) Rumour has it that The seductive, saucy single during the initial ‘Downtown’ is a prime example production stages, she of reggaeton’s evolution as a told her producers, crossover genre! The Brazilian popstar teams “My hips don’ tlie! up with Colombian reggaetonero, J Balvin Are they moving? in a music video all about their scandalous They’re not money-making quest in a Casino. moving! So this is not ready.” It’s Becky G true with y Natti Natasha music, Sin Pijama (2018) you need It’s double the trouble! to feel it to believe Dominican artist Natti Natasha teamed up with Mexican in it! Becky G to release the single ‘Sin Pijama’, They dabble in Tropical beats and feathery synths in this bedroom banger. Duro!
In the often vacuous world of Reggaeton, Residente has stood out as one of its most outspoken artists. Even at the Grammy Awards, where he has, perhaps surprisingly, won more than any other Latin artist, the former Calle 13 member has expressed his indignation at the political and social injustices that afflict his native Puerto Rico and Latin America. Rather than reject him, his increasing popularity shows that his sensibilities resonate with young people. Jose Luis Seijas talks to Latin America’s most intriguing Urban Latin artist and, some might say, the voice of its youth. Born René Juan Pérez Joglar in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Residente studied fine art before starting Calle 13 with his half-brother Eduardo (aka Visitante). On tour, the group sometimes charged admission fees in food to be distributed to the local poor and Residente often displayed political slogans on his T-shirts or his painted chest. Their 2011 song Latinoamérica, featuring singers from Peru, Brazil and Colombia, became a hemispheric anthem. After the tour that followed their 2014 album Multiviral - both an embrace and critique of internet culture - Residente and Visitante went their separate ways. Since being the architect of his own music, Residente’s career soared. A few years ago, the Puerto Rican took a DNA test that traced his genes back to 10 different parts of the world – from Ghana and Armenia to China and decided that these results would serve as the conceptual framework for his 2017 album Residente, which won the Latin Grammy for best Urban album and Billboard’s Best Spanish Language Album. He has received the Nobel Peace Summit Award for his commitment to promoting social awareness and peace, and has served as spokesperson for UNICEF and Amnesty International campaigns.
27 Jose Luis Seijas: You’re already becoming an icon of Latin music, but your lyrical style has changed a lot from your first single Se Vale To-To. Residente: Well, I’ve matured. There are people who don’t mature, I was lucky enough to mature and able to absorb all the travelling, the experiences I’ve had and the perspectives of people I’ve met. I’ve learnt that you can only express yourself in the best possible way when you let go and feel free, and you can achieve that only when you allow yourself to be affected by those around you. Those experiences – among other things - changed me.
time, I have a new band, and to me Residente is the best album I’ve done. Maybe now I can allow my funny side to come out again! I just released Sexo, which is more joyful…well, despite being based on the sexual theories of Freud! (laughs). But the song is really accessible, to the point that my hardcore fans have said it is too simple! You can’t please everyone! (laughs). JLS: You seem to have been an accidental architect of the changes that have affected the Latin music industry. Now 13 years after your first release, how do you see the present and the future of our music?
JLS: By coincidence I was in Puerto R: Like everything in life, there is the posiRico when your first single came out in tive and the negative. On the one hand, I don’t like the fact that 2005, it was the time when the music being exported Hector ‘El Father’ had just “Maybe now I can from Latin America tends released Sangre Nueva allow my funny to copy US pop. But on and the urban sound that side to come out the other hand, we are was ruling the airwaves opening doors to the was aggressive, harsh, again. I just reghetto... and suddenly I leased Sexo, that’s global market that were once closed. So we’re hear you! And you were so different, full of comedy. a bit more joyful… making music that is not well, despite be- necessarily our best but I think it was the comedy that really made you stand ing based on the at the same time we are out. Now your lyrics are sexual theories of creating new spaces and connecting to new audino longer so funny, you’re Freud (laughs)” ences and that means irreverent, but a lot more new opportunities for artdirect. Is this down to maturity or simply because you no longer ists like myself. It also gives the world a new language that is not English. People fancy writing like that? are getting familiar with hearing Spanish R: The humour hasn’t gone yet, I hope! songs all over. That global pop music cirSometimes I make jokes that only I under- cuit has traditionally been monopolised by stand, but my humour is still here. It’s true English-speaking artists and now people that, if I don’t feel like writing funny stuff, are seeing Latin American artists and that it’s not going to happen. It depends on is fantastic. the moment I’m living. I’ve been through some dark patches, especially during the JLS: Since your first releases there has process of Multiviral, which was about been controversy about whether or not questioning myself, and my life. And I you were a Reggaeton artist. I think have songs like Desencuentro that have to that has been settled with your eclectic do with that, or Somos Anormales about albums that resist being pigeonholed. the mixed heritage that everyone has, Still, of the new generation of urban whether they like it or not. At the same Puerto Rican artists, who would you recommend we listen to?
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SPRING GUIDE 2014
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R: Brother, I like a guy called PJ Sin Sue- JLS: So, in the future you see yourself la. He is the next big lyricist from Puerto working more with film? Rico, a solid guy. I like what he writes, interestR: Absolutely, that’s al“We (Latin Ameriing stuff and he is a very ready here! cans) are making clever guy. Now that he’s music that is not traveling a lot, he will see JLS: Getting into more new things and that will necessarily our best serious matters, how do affect him in a good way, you see the situation in but at the same and it will take his music time we are creat- Puerto Rico at the moto new places. Those are ing new spaces and ment… the ones I’m interested in, connecting to new R: The situation is very the ones that take music audiences” to new places. complicated, and has been for many years. The JLS: Your song La Perla island is a colony and with Ruben Blades is my favourite of therefore has no autonomy. The US govyour songs. Are you collaborating with ernment has a Financial Oversight and any new salseros? Management Board for Puerto Rico that controls all financial decisions: who earns R: Not for now, but I can recommend you what, from minimum wages to pensions. Pirulo from Puerto Rico, a timbal player as At the same time, it feels no responsibility well. I like him a lot, he writes very clever towards Puerto Ricans, so it creates laws stuff. without thinking about their impact. They don’t care about the people, they care JLS: Part of your evolution has been only about getting their debt paid - a the visual work on your videos. Tell us debt for which they allow no independmore about it, since you are a trained ent auditing. If Sony, my record label, visual artist. tells me I owe money, the first thing I do is to ask for the books, to see for R: I directed my last four videos, So- myself. It may be I owe them more mos Anormales and Desencuentro, than they say! But the federal in which we featured Venezue- government knows that if that lan actor Edgar Ramirez, and audit happens, it will Guerra and Sexo which I dibring a lot of peorected, and I created the ple tumbling script for Multiviral. down.
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SPRING GUIDE 2014
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JLS: Well, maybe in an audit it won’t be you who owe them, but the other way round... R: Imagine, if we take into consideration all the damage they have inflicted on us over the years; the Vieques military bases contaminating spaces that cannot be used for anything or the lives lost due to live-fire bombing practice. If we go the route of compensation I think they will owe us a lot. But our government has zero creativity and have been bought off with comfortable lives. JLS: So politically where do you stand? Some dub you the new hero of the Latin American Left. I see you more as a Puerto Rican Independentista... R: I don’t belong to the Right or the Left. As a Puerto Rican I am an Independentista. Being Pro-independence means people link you with the Left but the Left has changed a lot. The Right is always clear about what its goals are, but politicians often pretend to be Left and then end up not being. I prefer to be an advocate for specific causes. Everything related to the independence of Puerto Rico, I am there to help. The same goes for human rights, I get involved. I also support anything to do with education and student rights. I try to stay away from people who look to use my words for their own political gain. I think today the youth are more clued up; they can criticise the Left and the Right, but they are not in the centre either, they are in a kind of political limbo, which someone should name, because that space is in itself a way of thinking, the space of not being married to an ideology, but being able to see what works for people, what is in society’s interest and what doesn’t work. JLS: You have achieved a lot in your career. Do you think you are due for a break? R: I am hungrier now than when I first started! And that can be a problem and sometimes I want to take a break but I re-
ally like what I do and maybe I will start being more involved in film but creatively I won’t stop because it is my passion. I love writing. I’m releasing a lot of singles and maybe I’ll compile them for an album, even though they aren’t under a ‘concept’ like my previous albums. In fact, maybe that is the concept, unrelated singles that I have made here and there... JLS: This is not your first time in London, but it’s your first time with your solo project. What difference can we expect from this concert? R: Brother, the difference is the music. The quality of everything; the musicians are geniuses. First the cultural diversity there is in the band, musicians from Morocco, Germany, Argentina, Puerto Rico, USA...a real melting pot and each one of them is truly amazing. They are all independent musicians and I managed to bring them all together, and it makes me feel very confident having them. Their level is so high that I have to work harder to reach it, and when I reach new levels everything gets better. I’d say ten times better than my previous shows!
Residente will perform at KOKO in Camden on Sunday 8th July. For tickets go to https://www.comono. co.uk/live/residente/
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After two months of voting and the decisions of expert judges the winners and runners up of the LUKAS 2018 have been decided. Here follows the people’s choice of this year’s most outstanding individuals in the world of Latin in Music, Dance, Sports and Arts in Europe.
Awards for Contribution to Music Alternative Act of the Year Winner: Wara Runner Up: Penya Brazilian Act of the Year Winner: Claudia Aurora Runner Up: Don Jaga Jazz/Folk Act of the Year Winner: Omar Puente Runner Up: London Lucumi Choir Club DJ of the Year Winner: Eric Moreno Runner Up: Luigi Sanchez Tropical Act of the Year Winner: The Cuban Combination Runner Up: Codigo Tropical DJ of the Year Winner: Fernando KBson Runner Up: DJ Tulimar
Musician of the Year Winner: Sara Mcguinness (keyboard/band leader) Runner Up: Ernesto Marichales (percussion) Vocalist of the Year Winner: Angelica Lopez Runner Up: Corina Piatti Urban Act of the Year Winner: BERDC Runner Up: Guala European Tropical Act of the Year Winner: Tromboranga (Spain) Runner Up: Diabloson (France) European Jazz Act of the Year Winner: Alex Wilson Runner Up: Edwin Sanz Album of the year Winner: ‘Tributo a Cali’ by Dorance Lorza & Sexteto Cafe Runner Up: ‘Tumbando Fronteras’ by Tromboranga
International Song of the Year Winner: ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi (feat.Daddy Yankee) Runner Up: ‘Mi Gente’ by J Balvin & Willy William International Artist of the Year Winner: Carlos Vives Runner Up: Shakira International Breakthrough Artist of the Year Winner: Bad Bunny Runner Up: Las Hermanas Garcia Concert by International Artist Winner: Juan Luis Guerra @ HOLA London (the O2) Runner Up: Totó la Momposina @ Cadogan Hall
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Awards for Contribution to Dance Brazilian Dance Performers of the Year Winner: London School of Samba Runner Up: Alessandra Jansen Gallagher Tropical Dance Performers of the Year Winner: Eddie and Kat Runner Up: Los Rumberos European Tropical Dance Performers of the Year Winner: Tropical Gem (Italy) Runner Up: Adolfo Indacochea & Latin Soul Dancers (Italy) International Dance Performers of the Year (all genres) Winner: Jesus Carmona (Flamenco) Runner Up: German Cornejo & Gisela Galeassi (Tango)
Dance Production of the Year Winner: ‘Ímpetus’ by Ballet Flamenco Jesús Carmona Runner Up: ‘Ladylike’ by Ella Mesma
Awards for Contribution to Sport Football Personality of the Year Winner: Roberto Firmino – Liverpool Runner Up: David de Gea – Manchester United International Footballer of the Year Winner: Ronaldo - Portugal Runner Up: Lionel Messi Argentina Manager of the Year Winner: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) Runner Up: Rafael Benítez (Newcastle United) International Sport Personality Winner: Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) - Athletics Runner Up: Rafael Nadal (Spain) - Tennis
The LUKAS Awards ceremony will takes place on Thursday 9th August, featuring a full show by Grupo Niche. Buy your table or tickets at www.comono.co.uk
Awards for Contribution to the Arts Film of the Year Winner: ‘Aquarius’ Dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho (Brazil) Runner Up: ‘The Shape of Water’ Dir. Guillermo del Toro (Mex/ USA) Performing Artist of the Year Winner: Gledys Ibarra (La Tortuga de Darwin @ The Cervantes Theatre) Runner Up: Amparo Climent (La Casa de Bernarda Alba @ The Cervantes Theatre) Theatre Production of the Year Winner: ‘I Occur Here’ by Mariana Aristizabal & Malena Arcucci @ The Southwark Playhouse Runner Up: ‘Efemera’ by Footprint Productions @ The Southwark Playhouse
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WHERE TO EAT
LATINO
LIFE’S
ULTIMATE
2 Colham House, Bakers Rd, Uxbridge UB8 1RG
MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
De La Panza
105-107 Southgate Rd, N1 3JS 50 Broadway Market, Hackney
Casa Malevo
23 Connaught St, W2 2AY
Constancia
52 Tanner St, SE1 3PH
Comedor
176 Upper Street, N1
Gaucho
Various locations www.gauchorestaurants.com
La Patagonia
31 Camden High St, NW1 7JE
Cafe Pacifico
BRAZILIAN RESTAURANTS Cabana
Various locations including Covent Garden, Brixton and Stratford www.cabana-brasil.co.uk
Barraco
Wahaca
Various locations, check www.wahaca.co.uk
Santo Remedio
152 Tooley St, SE1 2TU
La Taqueria
159 High St, NW10 4TR
Made in Brasil
12 Inverness St, NW1 7HJ
73 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, W1D 6LN 0LL
Sabor Brasileiro Patagonia
639 Harrow Rd, NW10 5NU
Moo
Tia Maria
Santa Maria del Sur
Galpao
4 Northcote Rd, SW11 1NT
259 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 1DE
Gostosa
Rodizio Preto
La Pampa
El Muro
La Bodega Negra
38 Lexington St, Soho, W1F 0LL
129 Queenstown Rd, SW8 3RH
5 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Priory House, 10 Kingsgate Pl, NW6 4TA
Yoobi
60-62 Brick Ln, E1 6RF
GUIDE
Na Brasa
ARGENTINE RESTAURANTS
Buen Ayre
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126 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1KB 1024 Harrow Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5NN
Bankete
3 Bell Lane, E1 7LA
10 Old Compton Street, W1D 4 141-145 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS
Mezcal
16 Stoke Newington, Church Street, Hackney, N16 0LU
Mestizo
103 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3EL
Boho Mexica
151-153 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ
Viva! Dalston
2 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 7XN
Casa Morita
9 Market Row, Brixton, SW9 8LB
Lupita
Various locations, check www.lupita.co.uk
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www.cabana-brasil.com @CabanaBrasil CabanaBrasil CabanaTV CabanaBrasil
WHERE TO EAT
PERUVIAN RESTAURANTS Andina
1 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DJ
Casita Andina
31 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7LP
Ceviche
17 Frith Street, London W1D 4RG
COLOMBIAN AND ECUADORIAN RESTAURANTS
Andalucia
Costa Azul
Angels and Gypsies
Village Market, 94-95 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, SW9 8PS 102A Rockingham St, SE1 6PG
La Bodeguita
Ceviche Old St
2 Baldwin Street, EC1V 9NU
Coya
La Fonda de Maria
Piscu
23 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HZ
Señor Ceviche
18 Charlotte Street, London, Covent Garden, W1T 2LZ
Tierra Peru
164 Essex Road, Islington, N1 8LY
Lima
31 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1JH
Lima Floral
14 Garrick Street (Entrance On Floral Street), WC2E 9BJ
Tito’s
4-6 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG
SPANISH RESTAURANTS
El Rancho De Lalo
Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, Walworth Rd, SE1 6TE
118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NW
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273A Clapham Rd, London SW9 9BQ
Leños y Carbon
113 Elephant Rd, London SE17 1LB
Marlon’s Kitchen
Supper Club, www.marlonskitchen.com for next event
LATIN CARIBBEAN RESTAURANTS Cubana (Cuban)
4 Panton Street, Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DL 29-33 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Arbina
110 Whitfield Street, W1t 5ED
Bar Esteban
29 Park Road, Crouch End, N8 8TE
Barrafina
43 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, WC2B 5AJ
Barrica
62 Goodge Street, W1T 4NE
Bilbao Berria
2 Lower Regent Street, Mayfair, London SW1Y 4LR
Brindisa
Various locations, check www.brindisakitchens.com
Iberica
Various locations, check www.ibericarestaurants.com
59-61 Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HA
Dehesa
Guanabana (Latin Caribbean)
Escocesa
Little Havana (Cuban)
El Molino
85 Kentish Town Rd, NW1 8NY
20 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ
Gabeto (Cuban)
Unit 23 The Stables Market, NW1 8AH
Arepa & Co. (Venezuelan)
254 Paradise Row London E2 9LE
25 Ganton Street, W1F 9BP 67 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington N16 0AR 379 Holloway Road, N7 0RN
El Parador
45 Eversholt Street, Camden Town, NW1 1BA
El Pirata
5-6 Down Street, Mayfair, W1J 7AQ
Mar I Tierra
14 Gambia Street, Waterloo, SE1 0XH
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19 New Row London WC2N 4LA 020 7240 5815 12 Great Castle St. London W1W 8LR 020 7436 6709
12-14 St John St. London EC1M 4NT 020 7490 4727
4-6 Market Square Bromley BR1 1NA 020 8460 2070
56 Goodge St, Fitzrovia London W1T 4NB 020 7637 3732
Social, Westgate Oxford OX1 1NU 018 6520 1268
Kings Cross station Pancras Rd. London N1 9AP 020 7812 1304
july Until 14th July
Circolombia Circus Circolombia returns to the UK after taking Edinburgh by storm with their critically acclaimed show. Witness the explosive power of thirteen performers, showcasing mind-boggling circus skills whilst taking terrifying risks live on stage. Coupled with live music and singers, Circolombia delivers world-class, gravity defying performances that you’ll never forget. Circolombia is no ordinary circus; celebrating diversity, voices, dance and spectacular circus LIVE. Location: Underbelly Festival. Southbank, SE1 8th July
Residente Music Dubbed the Puerto Rican Public Enemy, Residente received the Nobel Peace Summit Award for his commitment to social awareness and promoting peace. He has also served as the spokesperson for several UNICEF and Amnesty International campaigns. Location: KOKO. 1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE 10th July
Caetano Veloso
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Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS London, United Kingdom
Location: XOYO. 32-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4AP
15th July
17th July
La Inédita Music
Formed in 2010 in Lima, La Inédita bring a unique blend of Peruvian Cumbia (Chicha), Dancehall, Ragamuffin and Hip Hop to UK with this special show. The band has recently released their album “Chichamuffin”, which is available to listen online as well as to download for free on their website. Location: Hootananny Brixton. 95 Effra Road, SW2 1DF London, United Kingdom 15th July
Dona Onete Music Dona Onete brings her joyous stage persona and intoxicating blend of Amazonian, Afro-Brazilian and Caribbean rhythms. A cult figure in Brazil and an ambassador for Amazonian culture, the music she sings is a unique mix of rhythms from native Brazilians, African slaves and the Caribbean. Location: Rich Mix London. 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA London, United Kingdom
Afro-Cuban All Stars Music Led by Juan de Marcos González, the Afro-Cuban All Stars features mainstays of the Havana music scene, alongside a younger generation of Cuban musicians. They perform songs old and new, as music from the golden era of Cuban music is revived and refreshed with the incorporation of contemporary sounds and rhythms. Location: Barbican Centre. Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS 19th July 16th July
Café Tacvba
Music
Bomba Estéreo
Music
The New York Times called him ‘one of the greatest songwriters of the century’ – Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso’s music radiates warmth and passion. His seductive, melodic voice and bossa-nova guitar push Brazilian traditions into exciting new realms, and with this concert he presents songs from his forthcoming album Ofertório as well as revisiting some of his favourite songs with members of his family.
Music Inspired from their retreat into Colombia’s jungles, Colombia’s most popular rock band headed for LA to connect with Grammy nominated producer, Ricky Reed, who transformed the raw, natural sound of their album ‘Ayo’ into something more accessible for a broader, global market. The album received astounding appraisal and the band is now embarking on another global tour.
Mexico’s leading alt-rock band, will be taking stage this summer for their first time in London for nine years! Blending elements such as rock, indigenous folk, electronic and punk, this band’s innovative sound pushes the classic “rock en español” to create a unique, hip-swaying concert experience. Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Shepherd’s Bush Green, White City, London W12 8TT
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july-august 18th-22nd July
30th July
Dance Show
Music
Che Malambo For the first time in the UK, after wildly successful performances across North America and Europe, the all-male Argentinian percussive dance and music sensation Che Malambo brings the power, poise and posturing of the gaucho cowboys. Digging into the Gaucho traditions and duelling culture, the show is an electric display of precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming and song - a fusion of flamenco brought by the Spanish, the step dancing of 19th century Irish immigrants, and tap and body percussion brought by West African slaves who worked alongside the gauchos. The hallmark of Malambo is zapeteo, inspired by the rhythm of galloping horses and drumming of traditional bombos and whirling boleadoras. Location: Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT, London 21st July
Hola! London Music
After the debut Latin festival last year, Carlos Vives and Ruben Blades will headline the second Hola! plus more artists to be announced. Outside the arena, Latin American Street Food will take up residence with traditional food and drinks from midday and fans will have the opportunity to enjoy free music and activities. Location: 02 Arena. Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Zoe
A five-piece band from Mexico with a psychedelic rock style, Zoe rose to the top of the rock en español scene during the late 2000s and the band has sold over 1.5 million albums. It’s latest tour was one of the most succesful tours of a Latin American band, with more than 100 shows and tour stops in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Spain, and the United States. Now we welcome them to London for an extra special show here at Village Underground.
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of Latin America’s biggest success stories, he’s already collaborated with the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Nicky Minaj and Major Lazer as well as a recent feature on Cardi B’s new album. Location: Kentish Town Forum, 9-17 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1JY
Location: Village underground, 54 Holywell Ln, London EC2A 3PQ
9th August
1-18th August
(FEATURING GRUPO NICHE) Music
Carmen La Cubana Dance Show Flavoured with authentic Cuban styles and new orchestrations by Tony Award winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton), this sizzling new musical featuring Bizet’s classic score mixes opera with salsa, mambo, rumba and cha-chacha and includes musical favourites such as Habanera. Featuring a large company of singers, dancers and musicians, Carmen La Cubana is a sultry take on one of the most famous operas ever created, set against the simmering turmoil of Revolution in Cuba, 1958. Location: Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4th August
Bad Bunny Music
This Latin trap superstar and pioneer is set to light up London with his electric show this summer. As one
LUKAS Awards
Europe’s only Latin entertainment awards ceremony, now in its 6th year, celebrates the growing global impact of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese music, dance, arts and sport. The public is invited to vote for its favourite Latin artists during May and June (at www.thelukas. co.uk) which culminates in a fabulous Gala Ceremony with a full live concert.This year’s special guests are Grupo Niche - Colombia’s most emblematic salsa orchestra who have conquered the world for more than thirty-five years with their Cali-style salsa. Formed in 1980, hits such as ‘Cali Pachanguero’, would make Niche international stars. The full Grupo Niche live show follows The LUKAS 2018 Awards ceremony Location: Troxy. 490
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aug-sep 9th August
Vanessa da Mata Music The Brazilian MPB star - and Grammy Award Winner - is back in London for the first time since she sold out Koko in 2009 debuting her unique mix of Brazilian rhythms with pop and reggae. This time Vanessa presents a special show titled Caixinha de Música (Music Box) where she performs new compositions alongside some of her biggest hits. Location: KOKO. 1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE
Saturdays from 21:00
7:30pm-9:30pm- 2 hours of classes in Bachata (2 levels).
Clubbing
Location: Temple Place. London WC2R 2PH
Saturday Nights at Bar Salsa
Learn to dance and/or dance the night away at London’s most popular Latin venue on its most popular night. Salsa classes are generally £6 per class, or £8.00 for 2 classes (unless free) payable directly to the teacher on the night and do not require advance booking (prices may vary). With a great range of dance classes each night with many different levels, taught by the Uk’s top teachers - why not come and join in!?! Location: 96 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JG Fridays from 21:00
I Love Latino @ Gabeto Clubbing
10th August
Daddy Yankee Music Dubbed ‘the King of Reggaeton’, the Puerto Rican Superstar has curated some of the most celebrated and colourful catalogue of Latin anthems of our generation including 2017’s summer hit “Despacito” which this month surpassed a record 5 billion views on YouTube, party anthem “Gasolina” and remixes of “Havana” and “Gyal You A Party Animal”. His success continues to shine with hit song “Azukia” featuring Steve Aoki and “Dura” which has surpassed an incredible 683 million views to date. Location: The SSE Arena, Wembley. Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA
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Every Friday, experience two rooms pumping out the best Latin music in a great venue in the heart of Camden Lock. Room 1: Reggaeton Takeover with Jose Luis and guests playing the latest, the best and classic Reggaeton, R&B and Latin Beats. Room 2: Tu Sabor Ramiro Zapata and his Tropicana team take over the second room for a full night of Salsa and Bachata. Location: Camden Market, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH Tuesdays from 21:00
Todo Latino @ Salsa Temple Clubbing
London’s Biggest ever Super Latin Club presents the newest Salsa party with the UK’s best Latin DJs every Tuesday. Room 1: Salsa Dura, Brava & Clasica, Bachata & Cha Cha with resident DJ’s & guests Tuli and OS on rotation. Room 2: Reggaeton, Merengue & Latin Pop with DJ Jose Luis & Guests. (Hacienda)
13th & 14th August
Chico Trujillo Music
The sensational Chico Trujillo - one of Chile’s most legendary groups, famed for their incendiary and partyrocking live show, perform at London’s Jazz Café for the first time. The group began as a branch of the punk / ska band La Floripondio in 1999 in Valparaiso. Location: The Jazz Café. 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG London, United Kingdom 19th August
London Tequila Festival Events It’s time to tequila as a Mexican Fiesta comes to the UK. Whether you’re a straight up slammer or a slow-time sipper come and familiarise yourself with over 30 different Tequilas in a true celebration of the agave craft. We all know tequila brings the party and this will be no exception. Make sure to bring your dancing clogs and prepare for Mexican madness. Complimentary shot of tequila with every ticket. Location: Studio 338. 338 Boord St, London SE10 0PF 20th August
Lokkhi Terra Music From the Melas of Bangladesh to the streets of Havana, via some districts in Lagos and on to a bustling club in London, Lokkhi Terra is the flagship of London’s multicultural music landscape with a recipe that blends Latin, Afrobeat, jazz, dub and all manner of other elements to create a truly exceptional and surprising groove.
sep-oct Location: The Jazz Cafe. 5 Parkway, Camden, London NW1 7PG 4th September
Maria Rita Music
fun for the whole family, the festival will also have a variety of children’s workshops, from face painting to arts and crafts. Location: Portobello Road, W11 1AN
One of Brazil’s most popular contemporary artists, Maria Rita returns to London for the first time since 2010 with her intimate duo concert ‘Voz & Piano’, accompanied by pianist Rannieri Oliveira. The show is, in her own words, a return to her roots, weaving between bossa, samba and jazz.
19th October
Enrique Iglesias Music
Location: Union Chapel. Compton Ave, N1 2UN London, United Kingdom 8th September
Azymuth and Marcos Valle Music Two legends of Brazilian music unite on the Hideaway stage to pay tribute to musical genius of Jose Roberto Bertrami, a founding member of Azymuth and original keys player. For these two exclusive Hideaway shows the band will be playing material from recently discovered Azymuth demo recordings, and will be joined on stage by the legendary Marcos Valle. Location: Hideaway Streatham. 2 Empire Mews, Stanthorpe Road, SW16 2BF 23rd September
Portobello Spanish Festival Festival Bringing the best of Spanish culture, food, shopping and entertainment to the world famous Portobello Road. Latino loving communities, visitors, businesses and residents will delight in the range of activities and Spanish goods available at the one-of-a-kind celebration. Designed to be
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27th September
Maluma Music
Following his sold-out London headline show last year, Latin music’s youth idol and one of the industry’s most important new voices a has announced his biggest UK show to date at London The SSE Arena. Maluma is one of social media’s most popular artists with over 23 million Facebook fans, 5.2 million Twitter followers, and a whopping 31.2 million Instagram followers (making him the leading Latin male artist on Instagram). To date Maluma has had seven #1 songs according to Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart. Location: The SSE Arena, Wembley. Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA
For the first time in four years, multi-awarding international icon returns to London to perform all the hits live. Enrique Iglesias continues to be one of the most successful artists in modern music and has been celebrated with just about every award an artist can receive including multiple Grammys, Billboard Awards, World Music Awards, American Music Awards, Premios Juventud, ASCAP honours and BMI honours and many more totalling over 200. Location: O2 Arena. Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX Until 4th November
Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up Art In 1954, following her death, Frida Kahlo’s possessions were locked away in the Casa Azul (Blue House) in Mexico City, her lifelong home. Half a century later, her collection of clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and other personal items was rediscovered. Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up offers a fresh perspective on the life story of this extraordinary artist. Location: Victoria and Albert Museum. Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL
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Fantasy Island Tracks If you were stranded on a desert island, which tracks would you absolutely need, to get you through those times of despair? Man cannot live on sun and fish alone right? Our castaway, Carlos Vives, one of the most emblematic artists in Colombia and one of the most important figures in Latin music, with more than 20 million albums sold around the world, puts in his requests for musical salvation... 1 ‘The Brandenburg concerto’ by Johann Sebastian Bach
2 ‘La mujer y la Primavera’ by Alejo Duran
“This is a collection of six works presented by Bach to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, in 1721. They are sublime pieces of music that I’d play to relax me in times of desperation.”
“This is a song that inspires me to sing to nature, to my loved one (or the memory of a loved one) and to the eternal spring.”
3 ‘Yo No Quiero Volverme Tan Loco’ by Charly Garcia “I imagine being on a desert island, at some point the loneliness is going to drive you mad, which is why I’d have to have this song by this Argentine maestro and one of the greatest songwriters this continent has produced.”
6 ‘Isla para Dos’ by Daiquiri
“To lighten up my day!”
4 ‘Un Millon de Amigos’ by Roberto Carlos
“It’s always good to think about your friends, old ones and new ones, it’s a good medicine against loneliness. And what better to be sung to by this great Brazilian singer, the king”
5 ‘Contigo en la Distancia’ by Los Panchos
“It’s a beautiful song to remember being loved”
7 ‘Hoy tengo Tiempo’ by Carlos Vives
“Am I allowed one of my own? If so then this one will suit me beciase I’m going to have a lot of time on this desert island.”
8 ‘La Tierra Prometida’ by Carlos Vives “This one will keep up my hopes that one day I’ll return home!” Carlos Vives will perform at the o2 on Saturday 21st July
PRESENTS
FRIDAY 10TH AUGUST 2018 THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY LONDON ROBOMAGICLIVE.COM • LIVENATION.CO.UK • TICKETMASTER.CO.UK • @VIVAFIESTAUK