What Happens When Colombian Women Become an Export Industry?
As Colombia gains international attention for its booming webcam industry and rising concerns over sex tourism, a deeper conversation is emerging.
This weekend thousands will flock the city by the Bay for the annual Outside Lands Festival. The three-day festival which takes place at Golden Gate Park is celebrating its tenth anniversary, guest appearances, and special surprises are sure to be part of the celebration.
With festival season in full swing, the common thematic that looms over is the lack of Latinx representation, and most importantly, Latinx women. Variety recently published a piece stating that “more than half of all festival attendees are female, but only 15% of festival acts are.” In another article, the Los Angeles Times cites that “Coachella’s 2017 roster included the highest volume of Latino and Spanish-language bands in its 18-year history.”
Lollapalooza took place in Chicago the first weekend in August, and the lineup included a whopping ZERO Latinx talent — shocking considering that our community comprises 21.5% of the Chicago population.
Photo Credit: Andrew Jorjensen/Outside Lands
Music festivals ought to do better!
For its tenth anniversary, Outside Lands has secured three impressive Latinx acts, which happen to be mujeres chingonas: Colombian Kali Uchis, Chilean Mon Laferte, and Colombian group Bomba Estéreo led by Li Saumet.
Let us delve into these three acts, and see why they should be on your “must-see” if you are attending the festival in San Francisco this weekend.
Kali Uchis
Image Credit: Kali Uchis
The Colombian-American is only 23-years-old, but she has been hustling in the music game, and her hard work and dedication are paying off. Kali Uchis talent and ambition are making her become a household name in the Anglo-music world. Kali Uchis has collaborated with Tyler The Creator, Gorillaz, Juanes, Snoop Dogg, Major Lazer, quite an impressive list for being such a young artist. Kali Uchis plays at 2:05 pm at the Twin Peaks stage, her set is one not to be missed!
Bomba Estéreo
Image /Credit: Outside Lands Music Festival/Bomba Estéreo
The Colombian band has a new album dropping this Friday titled Ayo, with the first single “Internacionales” already in heavy rotation. If you have ever been to one of their shows, you already know how Li Saumet and Simón Mejía get down! Also, how can you negate that Target commercials are better because they feature the song “Soy Yo.” The band plays on Saturday at 8:05 pm at the Panhandle stage.
Mon Laferte
Laferte already has five albums under her name, with the latest one titled La Trenza. Laferte learned how to play several instruments as a young kid back in her native Chile. The 34-year old also battled cancer, and after moving to Mexico City, she found a new avenue to advance her music career. She has played sold-out shows around the country and will make her Outside Lands debut on Sunday at 12 pm at the Sutro Stage.
If you are heading out to San Francisco this weekend for Outside Lands, be sure to check out these three mujeres do their thing on stage. If we want more representation at music festivals, it is imperative that we demonstrate that we care to be represented.
