Colombian experimental cumbia group Puerto Candelaria has begun a number of performances in the Chinese capital of Beijing.
The bands tour of the city began Sunday with a show at the international jazz festival Nine Gates, and will conclude Wednesday with a performance at the Colombian Embassy in Beijing.
Puerto Candelaria was formed a little over 10 years ago in Medellin, Colombia and is characterized by the band’s eclectic combination of folk rhythms with Latin and jazz beats. “I categorize our music as being of ‘the world,’ but it’s roots and basic elements are Colombian” explained the band’s singer and bassist Eduardo Gonzalez.
“We come from Colombia with a lot of enthusiasm to make all the Chinese start dancing with our ‘underground’ (alternative) cumbia” said Gonzalez. He added that “It is wonderful to play in this country because the Chinese are very open to new mixes, we love to bring our cumbia, our folklore, and all of our thoughts and ideas about the world.”
This is Puerto Candelaria’s second visit to China, and the singer hopes “that they are many more.”