Movies

For Rawayana, earning a Grammy nomination is an act of Venezuela resilience

BBG News

Despite not knowing who will win at the 67th Grammy Awards, Venezuelan band Rawayana has already reached a significant point in their career by being nominated for their fifth studio album “¿Quién trae las cornetas?” in the category of Latin rock or alternative albums.

Speaking about the nomination, Alberto “Beto” Montenegro, the lead singer of Rawayana, stated that it symbolizes something incredibly beautiful due to its connection with our past and the challenging circumstances faced by our generation.

On their self-branded record label, Brocoli Records, Montenegro and his bandmates Tony Casas, Fofo Story, and Abeja have chosen an unconventional path in music, blending various styles from tropic pop to electric funk. Established in 2007 amidst a period of political turbulence, the group sought refuge on their metaphorical island, finding inspiration for their name from the Hindu epic Ramayana, a story that embodies good conquering evil.

Over the past two years, the multifaceted funk-fusion band based in Caracas has risen to international fame with their hit song “¿Quién trae las cornetas?”, aided significantly by their captivating performance on NPR’s “El Tiny” that now boasts 7.2 million views. Their track “Feriado,” a danceable celebration of someone’s conception day, won them their first Latin Grammy for Best Pop Song in 2024. Moreover, Rawayana has been scheduled to perform at Coachella this coming April.

In a striking contrast, their latest Grammy success comes after they had to cancel their eagerly awaited homecoming tour several months ago due to multiple phone threats. This is as per Montenegro, who becomes more resolute when discussing issues related to Venezuela.

In response to comments made by President Nicolás Maduro criticizing the song “Veneka” by Rawayana and rapper Akapellah, they decided to cancel their sold-out concerts. The term in question is viewed as offensive towards Venezuelans, but the collaborators aimed to reclaim it through empowering lyrics that convey a positive message.

Later, Maduro claims that the song is being misrepresented, suggesting it actually praises Venezuelans. Montenegro responds, “Most of us are exceptional leaders, we are the ones who shine, everything wonderful that ‘Veneka’ sings about and more!

Despite the passing of time, Rayayana continues to stand firm in their belief of sharing joy exuberantly through their music. This musical quartet is collaborating with the Colombian electronic pop group Bomba Estéreo to create a supergroup known as ASTROPICAL, a name that reflects their mutual interest in astrology and tropical beats. Their debut single “Me Pasa” was released on Thursday, signaling the anticipation for their upcoming album.

Li Saumet, the lead singer of Bomba Estéreo, stated that we are currently experiencing a critical period in terms of politics, culture, and the environment. She emphasized that songs like these serve as guidance during such times. Moreover, this band has sparked creativity within her, motivating her to compose even more music.

Currently, as the Grammy ceremony approaches, Rawayana is enjoying their Grammy nomination and contemplating the challenging path they traversed to reach this point. Regardless if they hold a gilded gramophone or not, Montenegro considers the nomination itself a testament to the group’s individual development.

Montenegro stated, “This Grammy nomination beautifully showcases the resilience of Venezuelans.

If they triumph on Sunday, they will become the initial Venezuelan act to claim the title in a category that typically recognizes renowned artists such as Maná, Shakira, Calle 13, and numerous others.

De Los spoke to Rawayana frontman Montenegro ahead of the Feb. 2 ceremony.

The following Q&A has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

The very first time I encountered Ramayana was about two years back, specifically on “The Tiny” desk. Could that instance have signified a significant shift or turning point for the band?

Completely agree with you! I find “El Tiny” incredibly captivating because it’s so raw. After we wrapped up recording the episode, I recall expressing to everyone how beautiful it was due to its ability to bring live music magic to its peak. It’s a true delight that one of our career highlights is returning to basics, embracing acoustic music devoid of special effects in such an intimate setting, and witnessing the surge of energy it has sparked.

How does it feel to be nominated for a Grammy?

Looking back yesterday as I cruised through L.A., it hit me hard – our journey has been an uphill battle. As a small, independent project, we’ve always relied on our intuition to make waves in music, even when resources were scarce back home in Venezuela. The struggle was real, but we persevered.

Fast forward to today, it’s mind-blowing that we’re now acknowledged by the Recording Academy. It’s a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of dreams, no matter where life takes us.

Currently, we find ourselves in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, collaborating with producers whom we once thought would remain mere dreams. This experience serves as a stunning testament to the beauty of persistence. Step by step, we’ve been climbing the ladder, savoring every moment along the way.

You sound very emotional right now.

As a proud critic hailing from the heart of Venezuela, I must say, the Grammy nomination is a breathtaking testament to our indomitable spirit. This recognition embodies something truly stunning, given our origins and the hardships faced by my generation. Being under such an unflinching spotlight, we’ve become emblems of resilience, weathering life’s storms with grace and determination.

You won a Latin Grammy last year for your song “Feriado.” Tell me about that.

It was equally surprising as the past two years following the launch of “¿Quién trae las cornetas?” have been a whirlwind, yet we feel embraced by the music industry. We don’t create music to secure awards; instead, our goal is for our tunes to be simple, intricate, enjoyable, and poignant. Our aim is to leave an impression and spark discussions for deeper conversations.

Let’s talk about your album,“¿Quién trae las cornetas?” What was the concept behind it?

The project was incredibly intricate, dealing with the challenges of navigating life’s uncertainties. Kicking off with lyrics that read, “I dive into life’s abyss, whether I have a parachute or not…”, it mirrors the music of those who hail from coastal cities, incorporating their unique sounds and rhythms. Additionally, we crafted this album in various locations such as Miami, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and San Juan, which has also left its distinct imprint on the final product.

There’s been some criticism from President Maduro concerning the lyrics of your song “Veneka.” I noticed that you also called off your Venezuela tour shortly after his remarks. Could you provide more details about this situation?

In regards to our tour cancellation, we were receiving threatening phone calls months prior.

For artists outside Venezuela who don’t perform in the country, it would have been inconsistent for us, being natives ourselves, not to do so. If we didn’t think that Venezuela was capable of hosting our concert, we wouldn’t be Grammy-nominated. In our viewpoint, it is unthinkable for us to ignore our audience.

However, the political climate in Venezuela during December was quite volatile. We were able to voice our opinions openly regarding whom we chose to vote for, but due to the tension, individuals connected to the government were sending us messages that were less than favorable.

As a movie buff putting it in my own words, Well, Maduro steps up and spins a yarn about a song that actually celebrates the greatness of Venezuelans. Most of us are leaders, we’re the cream of the crop, and when “Veneka” sings about beauty, it’s us he’s talking about – and so much more! They’re trying to twist its meaning, as they often do with other situations. I just choose to focus on the truth instead.

Have you thought that your music is perhaps sparking conversations in Venezuela?

In Venezuela, the political landscape has become overwhelmingly dominant, influencing virtually every aspect of life. Day by day, political figures monopolize radio broadcasts for hours on end. It’s not uncommon to find these figures prioritizing entertainment over governance. Given the significant influence we wield both domestically and internationally, it’s no wonder they strive to divert attention away from the issues at hand. It’s disheartening because this politicization tarnishes our culture, our music, our art… “Veneka” stands for something more than that. It signifies lifting ourselves up and redefining a word previously used against Venezuelans abroad. For us, “Veneka” symbolizes self-empowerment and acknowledging our resilience in the face of adversity, understanding that we are at our best even amidst hardship.

When I hear your music, I see it as a symbol of resistance in a way.

Hasn’t it become a testament of strength and defiance that thriving has become a sign of resilience, when merely surviving is an achievement in itself? Essentially, just your capacity to carry on living.

What direction is Rawayana headed?

Firstly, we’re excited to share our upcoming single, “Me Pasa,” before the release of our next album. In addition to this new album, we’re forming a new band with Bomba Estéreo, named ASTROPICAL. This project includes 12 songs and is a collaboration with Bomba Estéreo. We have plans for a tour this year as well. I must say, I’m thrilled about our new band! However, we’re also continuing to experiment musically under the name Rawayana, developing fresh sounds and themes. For now, we’re just savoring the present, trying not to get too far ahead. Our main focus is on our resilience, both politically and personally, as well as our personal resistance in life. To be honest, we’re really enjoying this moment.

Read More

2025-02-01 01:03

Previous post Renee Zellweger’s Sizzling Appearance at British Vogue Event
Next post The Snow Girl Season 2’s Jaw-Dropping Twist Ending Explained