Alt.Latino: Why we love Joaquina. Plus, Felix is chismeless
Jan 29, 2025
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Hosts dive into the vibrant sounds of Colombian cumbia and Cuban folk music, sharing their favorite tracks of the week. They celebrate artist Joaquina's emotional storytelling and the cultural roots of music. The resurgence of Chicano oldies is highlighted, along with nostalgic reflections from Southern California. The influence of East Los Angeles music on cultural identity and empathy is explored, alongside a touching look at how personal experiences and memories shape our connection to music.
Combo Chimbita and Cortadito highlight the importance of cultural heritage by blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences in their music.
Joaquina's emergence as a Latin Grammy-winning artist showcases the power of personal storytelling in addressing themes of heartbreak and immigrant experiences.
Deep dives
Combo Chimbita's Musical Journey
The band Combo Chimbita combines traditional Colombian rhythms with a contemporary twist, creating a vibrant sound that reflects their cultural heritage. Their new single, 'Dímelo', dives into themes of self-discovery and connection, showcasing the magnetic voice of Carolina Oliveros, which resonates with the personal journeys of the band members. The ensemble emphasizes the importance of representing the diversity of indigenous sounds in Colombian music, aiming to elevate these influences front and center in their work. This blending of tradition and innovation highlights how the band evolves independently while celebrating their cultural roots.
Cortadito's Tribute to Cuban Son
Cortadito traces the evolution of Cuban son music, reflecting its rich history from Santiago de Cuba to Miami. Their album 'The Guajiro Triangle' serves as a bridge connecting these regions, showcasing the pivotal role of la music in Cuban culture. Led by renowned tres player Jose Elias, the band preserves these traditional sounds while infusing them with contemporary influences that resonate with modern audiences. This dedication to preserving folk music stems from a deep respect for the roots and diversity of Cuban musical traditions, ensuring they continue to thrive.
Joaquina's Impact on Latin Pop
Joaquina, a young Venezuelan artist, is making waves in the Latin music scene after winning the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Her debut single, 'Des Ahogo', captures the complexities of teenage heartbreak, while also reflecting her experiences as an immigrant navigating life in America. By addressing topics that resonate with her generation, she provides a voice for those who have experienced loss and separation due to familial displacement. As she embraces her Venezuelan identity, Joaquina represents a new wave of artists who skillfully blend personal storytelling with relatable pop elements.
Do not come on Alt.Latino if you don't have good chisme! Ana and Felix talk about their favorite songs of the week, including some psychedelic cumbia, Cuban folk music and more.
Songs featured on the episode:
•Combo Chimbita, "Dímelo" •Cortadito, "Yemaya" •Joaquina, "desahogo" •Joaquina, "aeropuerto" •The Altons, "Waiting" •Thee Midniters, "It'll Never Be Over For Me" •Majo Aguilar, "el beso" •Carrie Rodriguez, "Miles Away"
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.