Shekere: A Blog about Latin American Popular Music @shekere-blog - Tumblr Blog

Taiwanese Reggae

This is random, but I came across this in another class and I thought it was interesting how this Taiwanese band makes what they call “Tai Chi Reggae.”

Pescao Envenenao!!

I love ChocQuib Town and their music. I feel they are really patriotic and want to show a different image of what is Colombia and the Choco Region. As a said in class, Choco is perhaps one of the most neglected and poorest areas in Colombia; the region has one of the lowest living standards in the country. I like ChocQuib because they try to portray a different side of Choco and its people. Through their songs they show their pride of being not just Colombians but “chocoanos”.

One of my favorite songs of ChocQuib Town is “Pescao envenenao”. The song is an implicit criticism to politicians who tried to “poison your head” with lies and deceptions. “Pescao Envenenao” ,which in English, means poisoned fish, serves as a metaphor for these lies and deceptions the government usually try to tell people, to confuse them and “steal” them. In the song, they state that they are smart enough not to be fool by these lies and try to warn others about it – “No coman el pescao que les quieren dar la pela” (Pela is a Colombian slang used for “spanking”)- Do not eat that fish ( lie) because what they only want is to spank you ( or hurt you)-. The song clearly reflects madness and unconformity to thus deceitful people, which intentions are always considered bad and evil- Me quieres ver pasando al otro lado, por eso es que me das tu pescao envenenado ( you want to give me your fish, because you want to see me suffering). The song clearly criticises those who want to take advatange of others by lying to innocent people to fullfill their own agenda.

I love ChocQuib Town, you guys should check their songs out, they are amazing, plus the only thing you will want to do after listening their songs is dance:)

-Angela Amaya

I came across many different Latin American hip-hop artists but the one that stood out most was Rima Roja en Venus. They are duo of female rappers from Ecuador. In an interview done with one part of the duo, Roja said she always was very much into poetry and starting rapping young. But when she started to go to improvisation battles, she saw there was very much a lack of women and most of the freestyle contained messages of misogyny and objectified women. She did not like this. Evidently, Rima Roja en Venus have taken an activist approach - which a lot of hip-hop does. Rap has been away for people to express problems faced by marginalized groups and going against the power in society. Rima Roja rap about issues that plague women everyday (inequality, sexual abuse, violence) as well as celebrating being women.

This song in particular is interesting. It is called ‘Bendicion de Ser Mujer’ which translates to “The Blessing of Being A Woman”. They rap about how women are a blessing to this world and how women are the ones who bring life into this world, yet people forget this. The lyrics are a call for women to come together to make a difference and fight to stop violence, get more rights and to get paid more, as well as other issues women face.

- Sophie

This is a really interesting Argentine hip hop group that give a truly crazy listening experience. I chose this song because it highlights their futuristic sounds of a combination of hip hop and electric music. I find their music crazy to listen to because it sounds like a continuous “trabalengua” (tongue twister). They got their start in the under ground rap/hip hop scene in buenos aires where they were known to frequently compete in free style rap/ hip hop competitions. They became quite popular when they were chosen to work with the “Gotan Project” where they contributed to creating a rap-tango song “Mi Confesion”.

I find it really refreshing to see them developing their own image and style instead of mimicking the american rap style and aesthetics which seems to be done by many other groups. The lyrics are smooth even though you really have to pay attention at times to keep up with the quickness. You can easily imagine them rapping in a competition! Their lyrics often reflect life in the suburbs of buenos aires and its own social issues. Que disfruten! “Mi Confesion” - The Gotan Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ4zObtAOuI

-Tyson

Cartel de Santa is a Mexican hip hop group that gained popularity in 2003 after the release of their first album. They have found great success in latin America and their music has proven to be popular outside of just hip hop lovers. Their songs cover a range of topics, but the song that stands out the most to me is “La Pelotona”. I picked it in particular because it strays from the stereotypical tough attitude one might expect from a hip hop record. The song talks about love, about a man that feels pain every time his lover is away from him. He only wants to be with her, to kiss her, to spend endless time together. It also strikes me musically as it is very mellow and slow compared to most other hip hop tracks I am familiar with. The chorus is sung by a female singer which isn’t something common in Hip Hop Latino. Most other songs talk about a cultural or political struggle; there are also songs about the cartel staying in line with the narco corridos so the simplicity of talking about love and longing that I found in this song stood out to me.

Rap da Felicidade & Brazilian Hip-Hop

Brazilian hip-hop is said to have began in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Slums in Brazil, often known as favelas, were an ideal place for poor citizens and former African slaves to live in. Largely neglected by the government and the state and often separated from the more urban regions of the states, these favelas were overcrowded and filled with organized crime. Beginning as a means of affirming Afro-Brazilian identity, Brazilian hip-hop, including rap, slowly began incorporating social and political issues such as poverty, drugs, violence, and inequality.

Sidney da Silva and Marcos Paulo de Jesus Peizoto form the Rio de Janeiro-based Brazilian rap duo known as Cidinho and Doca. Raised in the favela of Cidade de Deus in Jacarepaguá this duo came together and became prominent proibidão rappers writing on violence and the use of drugs. These subject matters can be attributed to the fact that many favelas are under the control of drug cartels and as such, children are introduced to drugs and violence at an early age and must live in an environment where they are exposed to such things on a regular basis.

This song, Rap da Felicidade, not only mentions the violence that occurred within the favelas but also the inequality that transpires, separating the rich and the poor, and the corruption within the government.

I chose this song because this past summer, I had the chance the go to Brazil and walk the streets of Rochina, the largest favela in Brazil. I was amazed to learn how many people lived in the favela, how the various favelas were controlled by drug cartels, how the drug cartels avoided the government, and the history behind the favela.

Kish

Ukamau y Ke is a Bolivian rap group headed by Abraham Bojorquez who lives in El Alto, a city which, as the name suggests, is high in the Bolivian Andes. Bojorquez was exposed to rap when he went to Brazil for work, and brought the music as a way of subverting mainstream power back to El Alto. The city is associated with youth crime and poor, uneducated Indigenous people. Bojorquez says that many people form El Alto won’t admit where they are from, just as many Bolivians who admit they have Indigenous heritage don’t admit that either. Through his music, Bojorquez instills pride in being Indigenous through his revolutionary lyrics, his use of Andean instruments such as the quena, and rapping in Aymara, a language which he says signifies poverty and backwardness. Ukamau y Ke also utilizes brass instruments and a drum kit, showing influences from the USA.

Indigenous Bolivians identify with struggles that black people dealt with when rap formed in the Bronx – they are discriminated against, had little food or money, were forgotten by their government or persecuted. Ukamau y Ke raps about Black October, when the Bolivian army killed around 70 demonstrators in El Alto protesting the government’s gas exploration and privatization in the area. They also speak of street violence and homelessness in El Alto, acknowledging social and political problems and through their use of Aymara (though they also use Spanish) unite Indigenous Bolivians. There are other groups in El Alto who rap about unity and equality of all people, and the importance of respecting Mother Earth.

I’ve never been a fan of rap, but I love how people all over the world have appropriated it to give a voice to minorities and speak up for their rights. It really demonstrates the power of music because it is a way to engage and unite people regardless of age or race. So many groups have felt the same marginalization that blacks in New York did and the expression through music is a good outlet and connection of thought and emotion.

This is a song by Ukamau y Ke (it is in Spanish but I cannot translate).

This is also an interesting documentary about rap in El Alto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBlTS3db8dI

Jen

The beauty of a Tango

Ooops, so I guess my Tango spiel ended up on a queue... I don't really know what that means!

Wow, so I had heard Tango before, but this documentary really made it a living thing for me. I think the music is absolutely beautiful and I find it amazing how so much emotion can be found in the composition. I feel like the tango could be like a mini snippet of someones life. There is the slow and calmness, followed by moments of anxiety and anticipation where the music can remain at a fairly moderate tempo, but also express a rushed anxiety.

I’ve never had the privilege of watching someone actually dance or perform the tango, but my sister took part in a production of the Adams Family in which two of the characters dance the tango. In the musical, there is passion, but also nostalgia and a sense of longing which I think truly fits with the background of a Tango. It was really neat to realize, that in a play like the Adams Family, that the writer was able to encompass that feel of nostalgia that goes along with the tradition of Tango. It was so fitting.

With this play in mind, I also think it’s so interesting how Argentinian culture is integrated into an American production.

Obviously this isn’t my sister’s production, but here is a clip from another version of the broadway show!

-Salix

Latina Fem-spiration?

So through googling Latina Hip hop I came across this group called Rima Roja en Venus who is a entirely female hip-hop group. I found this group really interesting because their music is very politically minded in terms of female rights, and feelings. Like most english hip hop, the genre is extremely masculine, and it really is no different in Latin America. This group appears to work very hard to focus their lyrics on issues concerning equality and gender. There’s also a really interesting article by the guardian discussing essentially these same ideas!

In terms of the actual video, I found it really interesting because it very much kind of follows all the “hip hop” accessories needed in a semi DIY video. I found the aesthetic to be very familiar, as wells as the gestures, and background.

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/09/how-latin-american-women-are-changing-hip-hip?CMP=share_btn_fb

-Salix

Ana Tijoux and the Chilean Coup

I will admit that I was not well versed in the Latin American hip hop scene but after looking for a video to post on here; I really want to start listening to this kind of rap.

Ana Tijoux is a French-Chilean rapper who made her debut in the Latin American music as the main rapper of Makiza. She is French-Chilean as her parents had found refuge in France after the start of the Chilean coup. I find this so interesting because her story models Rod Loyola, the MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie and he focus of Ashley, Meagan’s and my CSL project. Her family had fled to France but she was brought to Chile to visit her family while the coup was still ongoing. Ana Tijoux eventually found her voice through rap music as did Rod as a way to connect with young people and spread a meaningful message.

In this song, Somos Sur, Ana is referencing the need for resistance because there are too many corrupt governments in Latin America and around the world. People need to be liberated and not oppressed by the police; people need a voice with a government that will listen. Tijoux references in her song a student protestor who was shot and killed at Mapuche in a protest against the police.

I think Ana Tijoux is an important female for rap because she is a female and there needs to be more representation of females in the rap scene. Additionally, she has authenticity due to the fact that her family experienced the Chilean coup. I think that being an advocate and learning about the violence that ensued in Chile is important.

Andrea C.

I first came across this song in Spain of all places, in a class about the varieties of Spanish in the world and it has interested me ever since. Pisko’s “Peruano” is a celebration of all things Peruvian, rife with references to the country’s history, landmarks, and food.

What at first sounds like an apolitical tune about patriotism develops into a call to action. Pisko asks his fellow countrymen to ban together and vote for “un líder responsable” so Perú can reach its potential. He recognizes the significance of an educated people and a people that stand together. What I love about the song is that when Pisko promotes Peruvian nationalism, chanting “¡Yo soy Peruano! ¡Viva El Perú!”, he leaves no one out. He speaks for all Peruvians, including the marginalized indigenous peoples. How? By rapping in their language. This inclusiveness is so important to achieving the change that Pisko and like-minded Peruvians hope for.

The song is super catchy and fun, but it’s also smart and powerful.

-Ivana

“Somos Pacifico” by Choc Quib Town.... My favorite Colombian Hip hop :D

I picked this Hip Hop because its my favorite and there is a very strong sense of regionalism and even nationalism for the different regions of Colombia. This song talks about the Pacific area and culture of Colombia, highlighting the african backgrounds of my country. It also makes several references to other regions of Colombia by pointing out the cultural diversity that structures its societies. The name “Choc Quib Town” came from the colombian province of Choco and its capital Quibdo, plus the anglicism Town. The chorus goes like this:

“Somos pacífico, estamos unidos, nos une la region, la pinta, la raza y el don del sabor” (We are the pacific, we are united; the region, our lookings, the race and the gift for ‘taste’ unites us [musical taste]) Besides the chorus, it talks about the religious influences of the region and Colombia in general, the african heritage, salsa, food and the beauty of its people and land. My favorite line is the closing line of the song where he says: “Colombia es mas que coca, marihuana y cafe” (Colombia is more than cocaine, marihuana and coffee) I LOVE IT !! This line is very powerful to me because it shows pride about their backgrounds and culture, as well as presenting the beauty that most times is ignored by outsiders or pushed back by the issues and conflicts of our country. Choc Quib Town also uses some folk instruments in this song, showcasing again the african backgrounds of the Pacific region.

In my opinion, this is also a very powerful way to express love for your country in a colloquial way, and connect with its people. It also reflects the happiness of being a multicultural country with several heritages that make its people so different but so unique at the same time. This song also became almost an hymn for Afro-colombians and the cultural diversity of Colombia. I find this group amazing !!!!!!

Camilo Gomez.

Not relevant

When reading the article for Friday’s class, all I could think about was the episode of Drunk History with Colton Dunn discussing Rapper's Delight. I was going to include the clip, but it is no longer available on YouTube. If you get the chance, you all should watch. It is hilarious.

Even though the Sugarhill Gang isn’t exactly relevant to the topic at hand, they are usefully in exploring the origin/dispersion of rap in America. It glosses over some of the influential rappers that Jeff Chang discusses, like DJ Herc etc.

Plus, it brings up issues of sampling and appropriation (class discussion topics show up everywhere)!

There is something about girl groups that I absolutely love. Especially a girl rap crew.

From Rio’s Vidigal favela, the three performers have been able to break class and cultural borders with their music -- last year they went on a European tour (a true “started from the bottom” story). Even though I am not fluent in Portuguese (and don’t understand most of their lyrics), there is something empowering about these girls killing it in a male dominated music scene. Even though I normally don’t listen to this style of music, their attitude, confidence, and Brazilian accent create strong (and tough sounding) rhymes that make you pay attention.

Heavily influenced by trap and Funk Carioca, their music displays a new layer in the transculturation of (Brazilian) music.

Debut album: Biggie Apple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-g6TeWGv08

Interview:

https://www.nowness.com/story/pearls-negras-the-girls-from-vidigal

“They represent the new Brazilian youth who are born in slums, but now have access to the world via internet and social media,” - Kayhan Ozmen (the director of their music video)”

Movements of the Body are a Reflection of the Soul

Tango is a dance of seduction and solace, of compassion and companionship and of intense emotions such as sadness, happiness, desire and loneliness. Tango is about the nostalgia and melancholy, as we can really distinguish this in the patrons of the dance as one says, "We milongueros are very lonely people. Life is one long search for love, but your so inexperienced you don’t even realize and it takes many relationships to find 'the woman' ".

The Argentine tango is an amazing phenomenon brought on by an economic boom in the late 1800's. There were many male immigrants who came to the country during this time and this impacted how the tango was to be danced in urban settings, vs rural settings. In rural areas of Argentina, men had to dance with other men as there was a gender imbalance during the time. The tradition had remained intact even in 1940's, as "Puppy" Ernesto Castello mentions in the documentary. The hardest part of the tango Puppy said is the walk, and having a man in the woman's role helps find where inconsistencies and understand when things went wrong. Gender is considered very important for the tango because it is quite masculine as the man is the lead in the dance and he will show his partner his intentions though moving from the core and chest. The dance is the language of body movements, a dance more than any other which celebrates the unique language between a man and a woman. Thus the tango is something that lets the dancers become immersed into the steps, rhythm and the nostalgia behind the dance.

Tango sees no color or economic difference, it sees the dance and only the dance. The interviewees mentioned many times that there are many people from all different walks of life. I personally love this about the dance. It brings social classes together for one reason, ignoring stereotypes and cultural ideals that usually put people into classifications. But for the tango there are no classifications, just people who are all looking for an escape from their "reality". It is great because this is a safe social gathering that helps people make social networks that would not usually be made. All that matters? Is whether you can dance, or not.

- Robyn

#tango #latinamericanmusic #argentinapride #baliando

shekere-blog

#tbt to our debate on cultural appropriation

https://www.facebook.com/MTV/videos/10153360332946701/

I think this video compliments our discussion about appropriation/misappropriation from a few weeks ago. Although Francesca covers issues mainly related to appearance (clothing and hairstyles), I think it can be aptly applied to issues of “borrowing” in music.

It is great to see the increased discourse about cultural appropriation and systemic power dynamics in society–especially on popular media, such as MTV.

Happy reading week.

-MM

EDIT: this too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1KJRRSB_XA

I mean, there are lots of videos circulating about cultural appropriation and what it means, but I think this delves further into music and might fitting for this conversation?

shekere-blog

I really enjoyed this--very pointed but well argued!!!

So much passion.

This documentary was so enlightening about everything that tango stands for. I love that it showed how it was a way of channeling each different person’s different types of pain and heartache and passions into something so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Coming from such unfortunate beginnings and becoming so popular with all different social classes and bringing them all together is something that is so historically hard to do, especially when it comes to music. From what we’ve studied, music does bring people together, however it’s usually bringing together people from the same (more or less) social class and age group, and is used to fight against the government for the changes that they want to see. However, in the tango salons, there were so many different social classes, many people of different ages and people who have come from around the World just because of their love for dancing tango. I loved listening to everyone talk about how tango has affected their life, whether it came from a really hard time or growing up with it. I loved how much passion everyone had for it, and this came through very clearly watching them dance.

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Shekere: A Blog about Latin American Popular Music