When we think of music it always associated to a place, location and a group of people. This is the first post of my Diasporic Sound series – mapping the influence of the African diaspora. I’ve always been a fan of Latin music from Central to South America where the music originates from three different places, Europe, Africa and indigenous American communities. There’s a clear view of the dynamic between cultural interconnectivity and history. Like so many aspects of life, we’re going on a journey, specifically a sound journey through the different types of music across Latin America old and new.
Brazil – Bossa Nova to MDP
Brazil is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Latin America and it’s music has reached all around the globe with the impact of Bossa Nova during the 50/60s, a timeless genre characterised by a fusion of Samba and Jazz born out of the lower classes meaning ‘New Trend’, transforming the upbeat style of Samba to a more intimate laid back sound. Modern Música Popular Brasileira (MDP) a more urban new version of Bossa Nova and it keeps on evolving and displaying the colourful roots of Brazil shedding light on culture and identity, freedom of expression in the mixed identity of its people either black, white or brown.
MDP artists of the moment
Luedji Luna
Color is great for exposing music talents from all around the world, Luedji Luna is one of these talents hailing from Sao Paulo Brazil. ‘Acalanto’ is one of those songs you can vibe to bringing a sense of calm and positivity, with soft and wholesome vocals the soft you can hear elements and characteristics that stem from Bossa Nova including the flow and intimate string of instruments.
Noticias da Salvador
‘Noticias da Salvador’ is another song in Luedji Luna’s discography that perfectly captures serenity and calm. This video presents the beauty of generations, home and familial love and belonging to the place , serenity the video beautifully presents the topics from generational flow, time and love is expressed in such a touching way, portraits of 3 generations the (explain meaning of video)
Liniker e os Caramelows:
Finding Liniker e os Caramelows on Tiny Desk was breath of fresh air, NPR music always showcase talented artists from around the world, this captivating collective hail from Araraquara Brazil, with a light romantic harmonies and soulful vocals they envelop aspects of intimate Bossa Nova styles and richness of Soul and R&B. Their first song ‘Calmo’ is the chosen favourite with Liniker’s (lead vocalist) emotive presence and command of the stage
Bossa nova golden classics
Here are a free older Bossa Nova tunes that have remained timeless, always appreciate the old as the new wouldn’t exist without it.
Latin Gems
There is such a rich cultural of the Latin Spanish speaking world with so many influences that have impacted wider world music. With the likes of newer popularized genres such as Reggaeton and Bachata to the ever tapping beat of Salsa there is a strong Afro-Latin presence in the music from Cuba to Colombia and all around the Latin diaspora. With a few of Consumusic’s favourite Latin tunes from the past and present
Matured sounds
Susana Baca
Susana Baca is amazing Afro Peruvian singer/ songwriter with poetic folklore given praise for reviving Afro Peruvian music, her work is soul satisfying. Finding about her music from a song sampling ‘Negra Presuntuosa’ was like stepping foot in a great pot of timeless riches, elegance and beauty. In addition to the magic and depth in Susana’s voice, her band really helps create the whole sound, with the carefully talented guitarists the feel of the song is made complete.
Going back to another famous sampled song in ‘Wild Thoughts’ the original has strong Latinx roots. Santana is a talented all round musician and ‘Maria Maria’ displays his excellence especially that classic guitar riff that makes this song stand out after all these years.
Current sounds
Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia has such a wide discography, with her New York Puerto Rican alt vibe her work encompasses is a unique blend of hip hop, emo rap and hip house. Nokia’s cultural identity is present in every corner of her art, so much so that the in the first 1:00 minute of ‘BRUJAS’ solely pays homage to indigenous Boricuan culture. She has a tire rapper spirit and is not afraid to speak her mind on socio-political issues of the time. A queen in the making
Kali Uchis
For a moment time Kali Uchis’ ‘Tyrant’ was always on repeat. This Colombian-American artist has a unique sound switching between English and Spanish she incorporates r&b and indie with a Colombian twist. Her Bjork cover below is pure gold✨.
Girl Ultra
Girl Ultra is a completely new find, hailing from Mexico City, she has a silky smooth sound taking influence from the 80s/ 90s, mixing contemporary styles whilst maintaining a stamp of Mexico in her music. Nostalgic vibe all day long.