HIP HOP CUBANO – live and direct from Havana.
For the first time in the UK two of Havana’s most influential Hip Hop acts OBSESION and LOS PAISANOS. Touring the UK in March with 1 London date, so dont miss out!
In March two of Cuba’s most influential rap groups, Obsesión and Los Paisanos, will be touring the UK in association with cultural organisation Movimientos & Cuba Solidarity Campaign, taking part in public discussions as well as live performances giving audiences an insight into urban culture in Cuba today. They will perform for one London date only, Friday 16th March, together with a showcase of some of London’s finest Latin musical talent including exciting new act Cultura Londres.
Obsesion, formed in 1996, are among the founding figures of Cuban rap and remain at the centre of the scene having organized the Cuban Hip Hop symposium in Havana for the last two years. They have released two CDs and their work has appeared on many internationally released compilations such as ‘The Cuban Hip Hop All Stars.’ Their tour of the USA in 2003, which culminated in a performance at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem alongside hip hop legends The Roots and Common, was the subject of the documentary ‘La Fabri-k.’ Obsesion have put social projects – including work with prisoners and children – at the centre of their mission and were invited to the World Social Forum in Venezuela in 2006 as panellists and performers. www.myspace.com/obsesioncuba
Los Paisanos formed in 1999 and have been a fixture of the Havana hip hop festival and the city’s underground rap scene since 2000. Songs from their CD ‘Paisanología’ have become favourites among the capital’s rap fans, and Randy Acosta has emerged as one of the most exciting producers at the uncompromising edge of Cuban hip hop. Los Paisanos were invited guests at the Revolution ’06 hip hop festival in Toronto, Canada, alongside Dead Prez and K’Naan.
Cultura Londres Performing as a full live band London’s own hip hop en Espanol group Cultura Londres bring a fresh twist to the Latin Hip Hop scene. With influences ranging from Otis Reading to Sepultura the group bring an entertaining and energetic energy to all their shows. They also have among their ranks a world class percussionist in the form of Eric Bobo (Cypress Hill and son of Willie Bobo) Currently recording for their debut album as well as rehearsing for a tour of the UK, Spain, South America and beyond Cultura Londres look set to firmly put themselves on the musical map in 2007. The group have 2 music videos on rotation on various US TV stations as well as releasing their debut EP “Todo” in January 2007. Check out the website for more information on the group www.culturalondres.com
Cuba Solidarity Campaign campaigns in the UK for an end to the illegal blockade of Cuba and for respect for Cuba’s sovereignty. www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk Tel 020 7263 6452
Movimientos aims to bring together groups, organisations and individuals active in the UK that campaign on Latin America and on issues relating to the continent; to give a space and to broaden the audience for independent and marginalized voices and to celebrate Latin culture. www.movimientos.org.uk
UK TOUR: MARCH
Wednesday 7 – CAMBRIDGE: Venue: The Fez Club, Market Passage,15 Sidney St, CB2 3HX 10pm-3.30am, £2 before 11pm/£3 after Documentaries, discussions, Live Hip Hop & Movimientos DJs
Saturday 10 – BRISTOL: The Full Moon, 51 North Street, BS3 1EN, 9pm-2am: After party for Latin Forum – Latin America Solidarity Groups Featuring “Obsesion” & “Los Paisanos” + Orqesta Montpelier (16-piece salsa creole outfit) + Latin mush-up with DJs Arias & Springfield (Movimientos) + DJ Beat Roots Tickets: £5 (Forum goers) / £6
Monday 12 – NORWICH: University of East Anglia / the Hive, Film (Free) 6.30 – 9pm – Room Arts 01.02, UEA Live performances & DJs (Ticket £3): 9pm-12 – UEA Students Union building
Wednesday 14 – BRIGHTON: Brighton Jazz Rooms: 10 Ship Street, Brighton BN1, Ticket £5 /£3 concess. ; 6pm-8pm: Documentary & Discussion with Cuban artists 8pm-2am: Live performances & Movimientos DJs
Thursday 15 – NOTTINGHAM: The Polish Centre: 2 Sherwood Rise, NG7 6JN Time: Films: 7-8pm, Live performances: 8pm-2am; Entrada: £5/£3 concs.
Friday 16 – LONDON: ULU University of London Union, Malet Street, WC1E 7HY En vivo desde 8pm Obsesion (Cuba), Los Paisanos (Cuba), Cultura Londres (UK) DJs Arias & Springfield + Club Clandestino; Documentales y la mejor musica Latina. Entrada: £10/£8concs