What you need to know:
Damon Albarn will play in Mexico for the first time with Africa Express at Bahidorá 2024. And here we tell you about the national artists who will accompany him on stage.
One of the festivals we are looking forward to in 2024 is definitely Bahidorá. Not only because we are fans of this weekend full of good vibes surrounded by nature in Las Estacas, Morelos. Also because they have put together a very raffle line-up for this edition, where we will see many national and international artists. But without a doubt, One of the acts we’re most excited about is Africa Express.
It was in 2005 when Damon Albarn founded this collective and organization together with several British and other musicians from other parts of the world whose intention is to collaborate and exchange with other multicultural artists and spread extremely talented projects that don’t have as many spotlights from African, Middle Eastern and Western countries.
Damon Albarn and Africa Express will share the stage with several raffled Mexican artists
We know that the Blur and Gorillaz frontman loves coming to Mexico (even if it’s just to chat) because just last year we had the opportunity to see him in the Corona capital. But a few months after this visit Damon will return to our country to perform for the first time with Africa Express at Bahidorá 2024 and without a doubt it is one of the most anticipated shows of this edition.
We’re not just saying it because they’re going to play for five hours straight…yes, just like you read it. Also because Damon Albarn doesn’t come alone, but is accompanied by many great musicians like Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bonobo, Django Django, Fatoumata Diawara and Seye Adelekan (who he worked with in Gorillaz) and many more. A true combination of rhythms and sounds from all over the world.
But equally, national talent will play a leading role in Africa Express in Bahidorá 2023 This included several raffled Mexican artists (of various genres and styles) who will share the stage during this set, collaborating live and in full color for all of us.. And if you don’t know them yet, we’re introducing them here so you can listen to them.
Efe MalaFe
We start this list of Mexicans who will participate in Bahidorá 2024 with Africa Express with Efe MalaFAnd. This is the pseudonym of Martín Geovanni Aldana Cervantes, an artist originally from CDMX who makes a very interesting proposal. He started out in the world of rap, but in 2017, with the release of his debut album, The badbegan to coexist with references of the urban genre of our country, such as Uzielito Mix, DJ Eli and Neto Peña.
Over the years, His project has continued to develop and is even represented at festivals such as AX Ceremonia. Efe MalaFe sees his music as a kind of chilanga party where you can hear all kinds of rhythms in a few minutes. Therefore In their music we find different genres such as trap, rap, reggaeton, corridos tumbados, salsa, regional Mexican music, among many others. Without a doubt we want to see what he will play with Damon Albarn and co.
The Witch of Texcoco
Africa Express has always stood out as a collective in which all types of artists coexist regardless of language, gender and ideology. And of course we will see this essence in their presentation at Bahidorá 2024, because among the Mexican artists who will accompany them on stage is none other than The Witch of Texcoco, representative of the LGBTQ+ community in our country’s music scene.
For several years it has positioned itself in the national panorama thanks to its proposal. that rescues some pre-Columbian rhythms and typical music with the aesthetics of transvestism of some indigenous cultures of Mexico. He combines all this with an unmissable live performance full of femininity, huipils, masks and other elements that take the traditions and music of this country to the next level.
They are pear crushers
Definitely, Africa Express will offer a lot of Mexican flair at its presentation at Bahidorá 2024. We say this because one of the national artists they will be collaborating with at the festival is Son Rompe Pera, band originally from Naucalpan, State of Mexico, founded by the Gama brotherswho, with their amazing blend, add a ton of flavor to every venue they perform Cumbia, punk, psychedelia, traditional dance rhythms from Mexico and Colombia, brass, dub and even hip hop.
To date they have released two albums, Batuco And Chimborazo, But their music has given them opportunities to play in the United States with Panteón Rococó (including a show at Lincoln Center in New York), tour Europe, and even sell out their Lunario concert at the National Auditorium. We are sure of that Son Rompe Pera will make many take out the banned products in Bahidorá.
Luisa Almaguer
As you can see, the lineup of Mexican artists who will accompany Africa Express in its presentation at Bahidorá 2024 is very diverse. And of course, one of the names on the list that Damon Albarn and Co. have put together for this show is the most excited Luisa Almaguer, singer, songwriter, presenter and activist for the rights of the trans community in Mexico.
Aside from being one of the most important transgender voices in our country, her musical career is very interesting. because it combines electronic and acoustic rhythms through which it speaks in its own way about topics such as love and its counterpart, sex, feminism, loss, pain and healing in life.. This coupled with a rebellious and liberal attitude on stage, which gives his project a very special and unique touch. In any case, we really want to win and hear what he will do with the collective.
The preams
What we like about Africa Express is that they aren’t afraid to collaborate with artists in genres they may not be as familiar with. And the truth is, it will be exciting to hear the participation of Los Pream with Damon Albarn and other musicians. This band originally comes from Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, a town in the Mixe region, is located in the upper part of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca.
As you will see, They represent the music of this part of our country very well, bringing the sound of the Oaxacan wind bands to many places and combining it with touches of funk and even jazz.. However, heWhat is most appreciated about this proposal is the spontaneity of its presentationsas well as playing the songs they have composed They give themselves the freedom to improvise a lot when they play live.which proves that they are first class musicians.
Mare warning
And since we’re talking about all the Mexican talent that will join Africa Express in Bahidorá 2024 – especially those who come directly from Oaxaca – of course we couldn’t ignore that Mare Warning (better known to some as Lirika), singer, rapper and activist, proud of her Zapotec roots.
In addition to the tremendous work she does for her community, particularly supporting women and youth, She stands out for denouncing social injustices and violence in Mexico – especially gender-based violence – and for raising her voice for the rights of indigenous peoples. through his letters. Her talent has led her to perform with artists such as Tijuana No! to work together.but in 2022 he gained fame by appearing alongside Vivir Quintana on the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with the song “Trees under the sea”.
Mexican Institute of Sound
Not least, Among the Mexican artists who will perform with Africa Express at Bahidorá 2024 is none other than the Mexican Institute of Soundperhaps the best-known national name in the cast that Damon Albarn and Co. have assembled for this show in our country.
And it’s no wonder Yes, with this project Camilo Lara has taken the music and folklore of our country to all parts of the worldcombined with electronica, rock, cumbia, hip-hop and other rhythms. All this has made the IMS concept something universal.l that we and other people who may not understand our language or idioms can enjoy. So the good Camilo will certainly raffle off with Damon and the other members of the group like the big ones.