While the most anticipated performance on the first day of the Patria Grande Festival was that of rapper Ana Tijoux, the Argentine power trio Eruca Sativa struck on November 19 during the concert held in Havana’s Anti-imperialist Tribune with a mix of metal and grunge, which notably thrilled rockers who were already fired-up by the energy of Cuban band Tendencia, who preceded the trio on stage.
Eruca Sativa was a true revelation for those who were unaware of the group’s repertoire, formed by singer and guitarist Lula Bertoldi, bassist Brenda Martin, and drummer Gabriel Pedernera. The lineup, originally from Córdoba, Argentina, pulled out all the stops to demonstrate what rock is like when performed without artifice. Eruca offered a performance full of vitality and energy, fierce guitar, and songs that immediately appeal thanks to the voice and stage presence of Bertoldi, who gives it her all to shake things up. These musicians share a perfect understanding and chemistry on stage, which was appreciated in the sound enjoyed by the Havana audience. Taking this performance by Eruca as a reference, we would have to say, without thinking twice, that the emerging Argentine rock scene is in good health and experiencing a true high.
I admit that I hadn’t heard the Cuban band Tendencia, from Pinar del Río, play live for a long time. While during their initial years, their mestizo metal style didn’t quite sound like a finished product, the group, with over 20 years experience, has overcome such pitfalls and now sounds like an international-class band, capable of rocking any stage. The musicians, led by guitarist Kiko Mederos, met the expectations of rockers in the mosh pit, while the band offered a range of its hardcore battle themes. On concluding, some of the fervent audience demanded that they continue their dose of mestizo metal (something not seen every day following Cuban bands' performances), but, due to adjustments to the program, Tendencia was unable to return to the stage and continue moving its devoted followers.
Young bands Endemia, from Costa Rica, and Diafragma, from Panama, also performed, recalling the idealism of the beginnings of rock and roll, before some of its leading exponents transformed it into a lucrative corporate business.
Ana Tijoux was the most anticipated figure of the night. Barely had she come out onto the stage and the audience pushed forward, seeking to get as close as possible (there really was too much distance between the public and the bands), to enjoy the debut in Cuba of one of the highest caliber rappers in Latin America.
Accompanied by the expertise of a band of excellent instrumentalists, she fired up her followers, particularly with “Somos sur”, a song that emphasizes Latin American identity, her commitment to the underdogs and the dignity of those who struggle to advance despite poverty, oppression, and lack of freedom. Ana’s music is a cry for freedom, for the restitution of the rights of human beings who live in the shadows, and for respect for women, a message that occupies a significant amount of her work.
The Chilean, who invited Cuban rap duo La Reina y La Real to accompany her, overflowed with energy before an audience including Cubans, Chileans, Mexicans and Americans, who appreciated the force of the artist who gained notoriety following the release of her album entitled 1977.
On departing the stage, Ana experienced the same excitement of the concert, on reuniting with Cuban rappers such as Irak Sáez, from Doble Filo, Amauris Leliebre Pedro (El Temba) from Cuentas Claras, and Rodolfo Rensoli, founder of Grupo Uno and the legendary rap festivals of Alamar.
Remember that Ana was captivated by the Cuban hip hop scene back in the 1990s, and established close friendships with several of its foremost artists. “When I was here I realized that Cuban rap was four steps ahead of what we did in Chile and other countries in Latin America,” she recalled in an extensive conversation with her colleagues that lasted for more than an hour until almost 2:00 a.m.
The Patria Grande festival will see concerts over the next few days by Costa Rican band Endemia, Panamanians Diafragma, Colombians Aterciopelados and Argentines Todos Tus Muertos, along with Cuban bands Adictos hoy and Stoner en La Madriguera, among others, in the capital and in several provinces across the island.
