By Lewina Jackson and Miguel Troncoso
SYDNEY — Committees in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean (CISLAC) traditionally holds an event at this time of the year to celebrate the Nicaraguan Revolution and the attack on the Moncada Barracks which was the kick-start to the Cuban revolution.
Residents of Sydney have a chance to indulge themselves this year's celebration, a Latin American fiesta. The Harbourside Brasserie, in the Rocks, will host three Latin American bands — Cumana, Latin Mania and Papalote — on Saturday, August 5. These bands are guaranteed to get the crowd pulsating to the rhythms of Latin America.
South American music has always brought us new types of bands, styles and performances. One of the relatively new bands are Cumana. Their offering is a refreshing combination of traditional Peruvian music and the rhythms of Africa.
Their songs are about the slave people of Peru, their history and their ways of celebrating life. Extremely repressed, these people made the utmost of their limited free time. Cumana bring these experiences to life through their songs.
Mos of the band are Peruvian; they get some assistance from a Chilean and a couple of Australians. Worth a special mention is the lead singer: her voice is fantastic, melodic, strong but sweet. Her voice and the infectious rhythms are enough to get anyone on the dance floor.
Asked about the history of Latin Mania, Daniel, the drummer of the band, replied, "This band's history is so funny".
It took five years to reach their current state. Originally they aimed to achieve the sound of a big band from a small one by using a sequencer. After years of experimentation, the band moved on to a new sound which incorporates a variety of different rhythms.
They have transplanted the rhythms of Uruguay, such as the candombe, to well-known Latin American rhythms such as the samba, salsa and lambada, and also mixed in funk and jazz. The result is tremendous.
The band have been rehearsing their mixture of rhythms for two years and have played at parties and other low-key events. They are now ready to go public. Members of the band are excited about this because they enjoy performing and believe that the audience is the real testing ground.
Latin Mania certainly have impressive individual as well as collective talents. George, a vocalist and guitarist, was awarded a gold and platinum record in his band in Uruguay.
The songs they play are all traditional, although they have written 35-40 original songs which they are waiting to record once the Australian people to get to know them. Although people experience different realities, it is still possible to communicate the feelings and emotions through the music. As George puts it, "The struggle for a roof over your head and the struggle for dignity are the same".
Papalote means both kite and butterfly. As band member Justo Diaz says, "The group saw the image of the free-flying kite as appropriate to their ideals and dreams as musicians". These dreams have certainly been realised. Papalote is one of the most respected and popular Latin American bands in Australia.
Anyone who has seen them perform will agree that they are exhilarating and passionate, a kaleidoscope through time, places and cultures. They sweep their audiences through the breathtaking spectrum of Latin music; from pre-Columbian panpipes, the more familiar strings of the colonisers and the vibrant rhythms of the slaves, exemplified by the drums and marimbas.
Justo says, "We play dance music with a lot of traditional instruments — panpipes (zamponas) and small guitars (charangos). We incorporate the traditional drum kit, congas, electric bass, sometimes electric acoustic guitar."
They have played almost everywhere, from big concerts such as support acts with Paul Kelly, Kev Carmody and the Opera House to small audiences in the outback and school groups throughout Queensland.
Papalote's music is from the new song movement, which is about "rediscovering the authentic music of the people of Latin America with new songs about the history of the struggle against injustice in the continent".
Music is a very important part of the Latin American people, including those living in Australia. A significant number of migrants have fled from military dictatorships. The music performed in Australia reflects these experiences. Papalote have played a leading role in spreading this musical culture.
Papalote strive to break down the barriers between musicians of different cultures by encouraging exchange and transmitting their knowledge through workshops and performances. They are keen to encourage new Latin American talent in Australia.
Everyone who comes to the fiesta is in for a treat; the three bands will impress you with their musical expression and vibrancy.