Latino Life Spring Guide 2015

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WELCOME TO When there’s not much to celebrate in Mexican Human Rights, it’s even more important to remind our selves of Mexico’s great culture and people. So, this is how we’re celebrating the official year of Mexico in London; presenting the best of Mexican London, its movers and shakers, best places to eat, best art to see, things to do and generally ways absorb oneself in Mexicanidad. Whether it’s the ‘New Mexican Wave’ movie or the latest ‘Mex Mex’ restaurant, people are finally getting the difference between California and Baja California. This is something to celebrate, as is the fact that The Latin UK Awards are back for their 4th consecutive year.

The voting and campaigning is already ferociously on a mission to prove the best Latin talent in Music, Dance, Sport and more. Can’t wait for the party at the end!

Interview: Pablo Milanes

Amaranta Wright, Editor

CONTENTS 4

Front Section: The Latin Hotlist, News and Gossip

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Exclusive Interview…

Cuba’s legendary singersongwriter Pablo Milanés

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The LUKAS are Back!

Who will be crowned the best in their field in this year’s Latin-UK Awards

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MEXICAN LOVE IN… Celebrating the Mexican Year in the UK with the best of Mexcan talent

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MUSIC – Top 5 Mexican singers…

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TRAVEL: Beyond Andean, exploring Peru from Jungle to Coast

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What’s On - Your listings guide to Latin London

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Latin London Legends….

Graciela Sanchez

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MEXICAN LOVE IN

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…that time of year, when we’re all gearing up for The Latin-UK Awards 2015. Voting and campaigning has already taken over the Internet and the plans of last year’s winners for more glory could easily be scuppered by some stiff new competition. Super competitive categories include the new Entrepreneur of the Year, the ever flourishing Latin restaurants and UK’s ever-abundant Dance, Music and Sporting talent. And don’t forget to book early for the gala ceremony at KOKO on 13th May. This year, we are paying special tribute to the legendary Fania Records, who’ll be lending us some of their talent and flavour for the night. Who will be turning up this year?

You’ll only know if you’re there.

www.thelukas.co.uk

The LUKAS are Back!

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Latinolife is produced by: Editor-in-Chief Amaranta Wright Editor Lizzy Mistry Senior Design Director Antonella Perreca Designer Felipe Acevedo

www.latinolife.co.uk • twitter.com/latinolifeuk • facebook.com/LatinoLifeWeb

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THE LATIN HOT LIST

Cool that chili

If you needed an excuse, there is no better year than an officially Mexican one to try the country’s famously refreshing coolers. And you no longer have to travel to Mexico to do so. Available in four flavours including Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus), Tamarindo and Horchata, El Yucateco Drink Concentrates can be combined with Tequila or Mezcal to create a refreshing Margarita. Alternatively you can serve on with crushed ice for a virgin Margarita.

Our favourite is the Horchata de Coco - a delicious combination of rice, cinnamon, spices and coconut - over Mezcal. Also recommended is the Hibiscus Margarita - El Yucateco Jamaica, Tequila, Triple Sec, sugar and crushed ice. Available on MexGrocer.co.uk and on Amazon.co.uk

The Stuff of Legends

In 1970, Latin music was about to transform itself into what we know now as Salsa due to a astute New York Italian businessman named Jerry Masucci.

His visionary record label Fania. become one of the most iconic in history, mostly due to the sheer quality of its artists and that ‘moment in time,’ catapulting the likes of Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Willie Colon and Celia Cruz to global fame. It’s record covers are now collectors items. Who wouldn’t want to sport it’s most notorious? We also love this ‘NYC SALSA’ symbolising the incendiary sound of Latin New York. www.fania.com

Gringa on the Loose

The idea of a Mexican cheese made in Peckham by a gringa is irresistible, even before you try the cheese. And apparently The Gringa Dairy’s Queso Fresco, Queso Oaxaca and Queso Chihuahua is pretty delicious too.

If you are having something cheesy in one of London’s blooming burrito bars, chances are you’ll be eating one of The Gringa Dairy’s award winning cheeses. The company is going from strength to strength since it began churning. It seems like insulting yourself in your own brand name doesn’t hurt after all. www.gringadairy.com

Piñata Loving and Loathing

Nigel Farage? Jeremy Clarkson?

If there’s anyone or anything you fancy bashing, forget the dartboard, get a bespoke piñata. Specialising in both traditional Mexican shapes or made to order, these guys will make you a 8 foot dragon should the occasion require it.

Why you would want to bash a heart we can’t imagine…the Latin way to let off steam after a nasty break up? www.pinata.co.uk.

Latin Supper Club

Brrrrrrr it may be cold outside, but it is warm and the amuse bouches (or antojitos) are tasty at Clandestino’s secret supper club somewhere in the Finsbury Park area...

The menu is always a little different - and at the newly launched meat- free version, Sweet Pea Supper Club, you’ll be chowing down with fellow veggies so there is something for everyone from the culinary-minded Mexican chef Pablo who trained at the Universidad de Gastronomia. www.clandestinos.co.uk

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LATIN MOMENTS OF THE YEAR SO FAR… SAN ALEXIS

When Alexis Sanchez fired one of his characteristic volleys and took Arsenal into the lead against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium a few months ago, he had already cemented his place as the best player in the Premiership. His spectacular shot - which left City racing to equalize, left fans almost bursting with pride and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger happily justifying the £31 million price tag he’d paid just a few months previously. Sanchez has virtually singlehandedly made Arsenal exciting again - But the question is, how long will the North London club be able to hang on to him, when even the fans are chanting ‘He’s Too Good For Us.’

THE MEXICAN LEAP

Mexican ballet star Isaac Hernandez - still only 24 – has just danced into the record books by becoming the first Mexican to be a guest soloist with the English National Ballet. His two performancesa earlier this year won him rave reviews. Hernandez comes from a family of 10 siblings, almost all of whom learned to dance under the the eye of their father, himself a former dancer. Isaac’s younger brother, Esteban, trained at the Royal Ballet school and there are hopes that the two of them will be back on stage in London in the coming months.

“WE COULD LEARN SO MUCH FROM EACH OTHER” If the team at LatinoLife towers was tempted by a bet, smart money would be on seeing London mayor Boris Johnson pop on a giant sombrero before taking up the offer of twinning the UK’s biggest metropolis with the Mexican capital - but that is exactly what Miguel Torruco, head of tourism in Mexico City is hoping Boris will do.

The brother in law of Carlos Slim (Mexico’s and possibly the world’s wealthiest man) is used to pulling off ambitious projects and he told LatinoLife that he would love to see the two capitals formalise an agreement in 2015.”The two cities have so much in common,” enthused Torucco. “And we could learn so

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PABLO MILANES

In an era where bland music and meaningless lyrics pollute the airwaves, singer-songwriters such as Pablo Milanes, the legendary Cuban icon and one of the founders of Nueva Trova, are revered more than ever. His songs about the social changes that Cuba experienced after the Revolution in 1958, have become anthems in Latin America.

He has influenced artists worldwide, from salsa to pop; his lyrics part of the standard repertoire for all singers in the Spanish language. After over 40 years of creativity, he is more productive than ever and has just released a new album. We caught up with him ahead of his UK concert at the Barbican on February 25th to talk about politics and the state of Cuban music.

Latinolife: How are you feeling, we understand you went though a massive surgical procedure recently…(he received a kidney transplant from his wife in June last year) Pablo Milanes: I am feeling fine, after the last operation I am fully recovered!

LL: Well as it’s a subject you’ve never shied away form let’s start with politics! At the moment everyone is talking about the changes in the USA-Cuba relationship, what is your opinion on that?

PM: I think that is good news for both countries and for the Cubans here and there in the US, now we have to see the reaction of the countries, if they deliver on what was agreed, that is what we have to wait for and see. Short, medium and long term we don’t know how the delivery of those promises is going to be.

LL: We are huge fans of yours here at Latinolife, and also fans of Cuban music but these days from the distance it is hard to find the quality that the island is famous for producing, like the ‘poetry’ that you created and represent is missing from new music. Comparing now to your time, do you feel the quality has decreased.

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“The problem I see is that the mass global media may not expose the best quality music, but that’s not just a problem that affects Cuban music, it’s the sign of the times everywhere in the world and affects all music.”

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RETURNING TO LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS

Forty dancers and sixteen musicians present a spectacle of live music and dance drawing on Mexico’s rich and varied history

FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY

22-25 JULY 2015 *3.50 per transaction fee for telephone bookings **1.75 for online bookings

LONDON COLISEUM 020 7845 9300 ENO.ORG

Presented by Como No as part of Year of Mexico in the UK 2015 The BFM’s visit to the UK is supported by the National Council for the Arts and Culture, Mexico

**

*

9 LL: For that would you need a big band…

PM: That may be true from the international point of view, but I know that here, we keep producing music of the highest quality, to the standard characteristic of our music since the 19th century. It has always been very good, of great quality. The problem I see is that the mass global media may not expose the best quality music, but that’s not just a problem that affects Cuban music, its the sign of the times everywhere in the world.

LL: Very fair point, but because traditionally Cuban music has been a of such quality, when the quality of what we hear from Cuba decreases, it gets noticed a lot more

“We keep producing music of the highest quality...(but) the Cuban music that is becoming most known internationally is very mediocre low quality stuff.”

PM: True, and the Cuban music that is becoming most known internationally is very mediocre low quality stuff.

LL: Tell us more about your forthcoming show.

PM: This tour is to promote the album I just made with Jose Maria Vitier, but also is somehow a homage to music of two artistic periods that I hold dearly, the Renaissance and the Baroque. These periods are very much linked with contemporary Cuban music, believe it or not, and a lot is not used these days but I am bringing a show with Conga, Rumba, Changui, Danzon…

PM: indeed, and for the first time I will be going to Europe with my full band! I think we can do a better job with the full orchestra. I have been touring with what we called “small format” band. I think two or three times we have been to London we played with this small format but now for the first time the audience will be able to enjoy a full on Pablo Milanes experience!

LL: I cannot imagine a concert of yours without playing Yolanda nevertheless… tell us a bit ore about that iconic song PM: Well that song I dedicated to my second wife, the mother of my 3 elder daughters in the year 1970, we had only one of them at the time. It was a song full of love and sincerity. So much that we are still friends despite being separated for a very long time. It is a song that people love to sing, that have united many couples across the Americas!

LL: Well Im looking forward to seeing you here in London and thank you for taking the tome to speak to us.

PM: Thank you for the interview and i am really excited about this gig i hope to see you all in a few days!

Pablo Milanes will be playing at The Barbican on February 25th.

The LUKAS are back!

After Three hugely successful years, The Air Europa Latin-UK Awards, better known as The LUKAS, return for a 4th consecutive year.

The British public is voting again for its favourite talent from Latin America, Spain and Portugal in music, dance, sport, the arts, food, business and society.

Reflecting the popularity of Latin culture worldwide, The LUKAS is a fantastic, celebration, described by global ballet star Carlos Acosta as “the hottest date in the UK’s Latin diary,” and attracting international stars.

“It is a beautiful evening” said World Cup winner and Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles. “Our cultures have given a huge amount to British society and this is a wonderful way of celebrating it.”

International stars have been quick to praise the UK’s fastest growing awards ceremony.

David Bisbal, Spain’s most successful pop artist of the last decade said: “In the United States they’ve been celebrating Latin music for years. With so many Latinos in Europe, and the popularity of the culture here, it is natural that we should have our own awards on this side of the Atlantic.”

“The LUKAS are doing a great job celebrating and rewarding the talent and efforts of our cultures in the UK and Europe,” added JUANES, multi Grammy award winner.

“The Gala night had an incredible ‘ambiente’, the atmosphere felt different to most awards ceremonies and captured the latino groove and of course having my great friend David Gilmour there to present the award to me made it extra special” Phil Manzanera, Guitar legend and Producer The likes of ballet royalty Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta, rock legends David Gilmour and Phil Manzanera, style icons, Bianca Jagger, Vivienne Westwood and Stephan Rolland, and ex-footballers Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricky Villa join join the new Latin generation-from premier league footballers to the UK’s best dancers - and hundreds of London’s culture fans at the Awards ceremony every year.

“It’s incredible to think that we are in our 4thyear,” said founder Amaranta Wright And sponsoring The LUKAS for a 4th consecutive year, Air Europa’s UK Managing Director Colin Stewart s said: ‘As the Latin American Airline of choice for thousands of passengers here in the UK, Air Europa is thrilled to continue its partnership The Air Europa Latin UK Awards’

The LUKAS Gala ceremony takes place at KOKO on May 13th. The public can vote now for their favourite Latin talent at www.thelukas.co.uk

Awards for Contribution to Music For decades Latin music has inspired and influenced mainstream global culture. It continues to seduce audiences around the world with its unique fusion of influences from Europe and Africa and The Americas.

British produced Latin music has brought even more exciting sounds into recording studios and concert halls. Here are the awards recognising the best Latin Music in the UK and around the world.

•Alternative Act of the Year •Brazilian or Portuguese Act of the Year •Classical, Jazz or Folk Act of the Year •Concert of the Year •Concert by International Artist of the Year •Tropical Act of the Year •Musician of the Year •Vocalist of the Year •Urban Act of the Year •International Artist of the Year •Brazilian DJ of the Year •Kizomba DJ of the Year •Tropical DJ of the Year •Crossover DJ of the Year

Awards for Contribution to Dance From village pubs to Saturday night television, Latin dances are captivating UK audiences more than ever before. It’s time to recognise the real stars of the show – from Tango and Salsa to Samba and Flamenco.

Here are the awards for the UK’s best dancers, teachers and schools in each of these world famous genres.

•Brazilian Dance Performers of the Year •Brazilian Dance School of the Year •Brazilian Dance Teacher/s of the Year •Dance Festival of the Year •Flamenco School of the Year

Award cate The Air Euro

Award

•Kizomba Teacher of the Year •Tango Performers of the Year •Tango Teacher/s of the Year •Tropical Dance Teacher/s of the Year •Tropical Dance Performers of the Year •Tropical Dance School of the Year •Zumba Teacher of the Year

Awards for Contribution to Sport Last year’s World Cup confirmed why Latin Americans are considered the best in the world at Football; the inevitable result being another influx of Latin American players to the Premier League. The world’s most watched Football league would not be the same without this influx, which is why we celebrate Latin American, Portuguese and Spanish contribution to British football.

•Sports Personality of the Year •International Sports Personality of the Year

Awards for Contribution to Food Until recently the sophistication and diversity of Latin American and Spanish cuisine was one of the world’s best kept secrets.

This last year in particular we’ve seen an explosion of Latin and Spanish restaurants in the UK, from Michelin Star Peruvian to the plethora of Mexican Burrito bars on the high street. Here are the awards for restaurants that have brought the wonderful and unique flavours and tastes of our cultures to British dining tables.

•Argentine Restaurant of the Year •Brazilian Restaurant of the Year •Colombian or Ecuadorian Restaurant of the Year •Latin Restaurant Outside London of the Year

egories for opa Latin UK

ds 2015

•Latin-Caribbean or Fusion Restaurant of the Year •Mexican Restaurant of the Year •Peruvian Restaurant of the Year •Restaurant Group of the Year •Spanish Restaurant of the Year •Food Stall or Cafe of the Year

Awards for Contribution to Business and Community These awards recognise the unsung heroes, individuals and organisations who carry our their work away from the limelight, either for the good of others in the community or, with equal passion, to build businesses that contribute to British economy and society.

•Entrepreneur of the Year •Personality of the Year •Community Organization of the Year •Community Worker of the Year •Charity or Human Rights Worker of the Year •Charity of Human Rights Organization of the Year •Bar of the Year •Club or Live Music Venue of the Year •Promoter of the Year

Awards for Contribution to The Arts Artistic creativity has long been one the Latin World’s biggest exports. Beyond music and dance, Latin American and Spanish film, theatre and visual arts, offer their unique perspective on the world. Here we celebrate their contribution to the UK’s vibrant artistic environment.

•Arts Festival of the Year •Exhibition of the Year •Theatre Production of the Year •Visual Artist of the Year

Forget the Mexican moment, London is having an officially sanctioned Mexican love-in, with British and Mexican governments having declared 2015 the year of Mexico in the UK and the UK in Mexico. Whether it’s the ‘New Mexican Wave’ movie or the latest ‘Mex Mex’ restaurant opening, people are finally learning to appreciate the difference between California and Baja California (don’t even try explaining that they both used to be in the same country at one point). To celebrate, Elizabeth Mistry seeks out the best of Mexicanidad in London

5 MEXICAN MOVERS AND SHAKERS “when thinking of Mexico, I would like people to think about young, hard-working, creative individuals they would like to do business with.”

THE LAWYER A partner at Nader Hayaux and Goebel, Yves Hayaux moved to London to open the UK’s first permanent office of a Mexican law firm and soon after set up the Mexican Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, he plans to take the Chamber to the UK regions in a bid to “challenge perceptions about Mexico as a place to do business…when people think of Mexico I would like them to think about young, hard-working, creative individuals.” www.mexicanchamberofcommerce.co.uk

ing artists in London in 2014, they had no idea how quickly the project, Shaped In Mexico, would snowball into a week-long event at one of London’s highest profile venues. www.shapedinmexico.com

THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR Not only did she set up her own social enterprise in London, matching young people to apprentice ships, Laura Vanessa Munoz. is co-founder of BritMex, a networking organisation set up to facilitate bi-cultural partnerships between amongst future leaders in Mexico and The UK. www.britmexgb.com

THE ARTS PROMOTER When Daniela Sanchez and her Mexico-based partners decided to showcase a number of up and com-

THE MESCAL AMBASSADOR Ten years ago Eduardo Gomez was drinking “lowgrade mescal” on holiday in the state of Oaxaca. Today he is the UK’s best known Mexican spirit expert whose mission is to educate the British public so they can truly appreciate tequila and its distant relative, mescal.

This year he plans to build on the highly successful London Tequilafest (September 2015) - a two day showcase that brought more than a dozen drinks producers to a curious and increasingly sophisticated audience - by adding an extra date in Liverpool in July. www.tequilafest. co.uk

THE MEGA GROCER In pursuing her mission to share her passion for her Mexican heritage. Katya Torres, developed her online Mexican supermarket into an international brand. Winner of 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year, the Mexican mum is establishing Mexican food as a firm favourite in the UK. Having just have sold thefranchise to Sweden the company is already on course for international domination. www.mexgrocer.co.uk

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5 MEXICAN ARTISTS IN THE UK IN 2015 DANIEL GUZMÁN South London’s Drawing Room is currently exhibiting ‘Chromosome Damage’ the first UK solo show from Daniel Guzman. His earthy-toned sketches of Aztec deities are on show until late February. http://drawingroom.org.uk/exhibitions/ Chromosome-Damage

cymbals and see what happens. 14 March - 6 September 2015. www.turnercontemporary.org

CARLOS AMORALES

DEBORA DEL MAR CORPORATION

When Margate’s Dreamland sold its famous rollercoaster to Mexico it set in motion a cultural exchange that continues with the arrival of Carlos Amorales’ new musical sculpture ‘We Will See How Everything Reverberates’. Visitors are invited to play the

It really is her name. Inspired by the art and ubiquitous branding she sees around her, the artist formerly known as Debora Delmar will make her UK debut with a solo outing at Modern Art Oxford in May. http://deboradelmarcorp.com

Mexican cheese, made in Peckham.

Proudly helping people pretend they are in Oaxaca since 2013. @GringaDairy facebook.com/GringaDairy www.gringadairy.com

17 FRIDA ESCOBEDO Architect Frida Escobedo sees art and architecture as complimentary - her work is perfect example of how the two blend. Now she is set to bring her vision back to the London Design Festival in September. www.londondesignfestival.com

ABRAHAM CRUZVILLEGAS Having previously established himself as artistic recycler with ‘autoconstruccion’ at the Tate in 2011, Cruzvillegas has now bagged the first Hyundai commission for the gallery’s cavernous Turbine Hall. All will be revealed in October. www.tate.org

5 MEXICAN PLACES TO EAT LUPITA With two branches across the capital, Lupita serves London’s best quality Mexico City-style street food. Worth going early as it isn’t unknown for things to be taken off the menu once they sell out. www.lupita.co.uk

WAHACA During the 2015 year of Mexico in the UK, the chain of restaurants started by former masterchef winner Thomasina Miers will be bringing over several big name chefs fromMexico including Alejandro Ruiz from Casa Oaxaca and Enrique Olvera from Pujol.

Branches all over London. www.wahaca.co.uk

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MESTIZO

MEZCAL CANTINA

Mother of three, Marysol Alvarado came to Britain in 1996 and after several years of looking in-vain for traditional Mexican food she opened Mestizo in Euston, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in March. www.mestizomx.com

Well located in Dalston hipsterville, this authentic cantina is a fine establishment with big portions and authentic Mex-Mex. Try the flautas. www.mezcalcantinabar.com

TAQUERIA Born from the success of founder Dodie’s Cool Chile Company, Taqueria reopens in the Spring following a refurbishment. Still churning out tortillas on the premises with the aid of ‘El Monstruo’ this West London spot will have a shiny new look and new ceviche-style dishes. www.taqueria.co.uk

5 MEXICAN THINGS TO DO THIS YEAR WAVE A DAFFODIL Considering Mexico’s fondness for morose British bands, it’s no surprise to learn that ex-Smiths frontman Morissey has a cult following. In April comes Mexrissey – where Mexican musicians give his music their special brand of ranchero melancholy. http://www.comono.co.uk/live/mexrisseymexico-goes-morrissey-2/

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JOIN IN, SIGN ON AND LISTEN UP If you fancy meeting Mexicans making a difference, check out community groups such as www.mexicoamigo.co.uk, or volunteering with www.lovelifehope.com and www.londonmexicosolidarity.org. For all things Mexican log on to themexicanlondoner.co.uk or mexicanwave.com and Hecho in Mexico, a one hour internet radio show every Monday presented by London-based Hortensia Celis at www.radioextra1.com.

LORD MAYOR GOES MEXICAN In November 2015 the 800th anniversary of the event will be celebrated. Therefore, the private sector of Mexico will include a parade float displaying decorations related to the country and the presence of Mexican companies.

PINATAS LONDON Bespoke - traditional - handmade

www.pinatas.co.uk

we em.. e th mak reak b u yo em!! th

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BALLET FOLKLORICO DE MEXICO Mexico’s national dance company return to London for the first time in more than twenty years. Forty dancers and sixteen musicians present this captivating spectacle of live music and dance drawing on Mexico’s rich and varied history. The Ballet Folklórico de México has travelled to more than 60 countries and has been praised universally by the critics and audiences of millions. www.comono.co.uk

GET IMMERSED IN MEXICANIDAD Shaping up to be one of London’s annual September fixtures, Shaped in Mexico is a five-day pop up immersive art show bringing together over 20 talented and award winning artists, designers and musicians living in or inspired by Mexico.

The event is the brainchild of Platform-C, a contemporary pop-up format gallery in London and its sister gallery in Mexico, Distrito 14. This year entails an open call for participation in which artists - Mexican by blood or creative choice - can put themselves forward. Watch this space.

www.shapedinmexico.com Elizabeth Mistry is a freelance journalist and former Mexico correspondent for The Herald.

Follow her on Twitter @ElizabethMistry

Delivering Authentic Mexican Food for Over 25 Years...

www.mxfoods.co.uk

5 NEW CDS TO LISTEN TO Soy lo Que Quiero Ser Juliòn Álvarez y Su Norteña Banda A Mechanical Engineer who left his career following this dream, and always shows the he gives all of him in every song he has recorded.

After a successful season as a coach in the Mexican version of The Voice, and the great work he did with this album best seller album, he had it all last year.

MTV Unplugged Pepe Aguilar When MTV ask you to do an Unplugged, you automatically say yes. This is the dream of most of the musicians in the world. It’s a celebration of their careers and a way to get to new public.

Aguilar did an excellent job in this album showing that mexican artist have what it takes to make more

Raíz Lila Downs, Niña Pastori, Soledad The first album that these three amazing women do, deserves a standing ovation, they did such an excellent work with these sixteen songs that represents them, and it was praised by many in the business. This very colourful and mexican recording debuted fifth place in iTunes.

El Vuelo del Pez Siddhartha

The name (the flying of the fish) describes perfectly the third album of the new mexican rock group Siddhartha, which brings a fresh and magnetic sounds, with compositions so unique that keeps latin youth asking for more. If you haven’t heard them already, it’s a great option to change it up a little bit.

Cómo te voy a olvidar Los Ángeles Azules From Iztapalapa to the world. If this must be defined by a sentence it should be “Mexican music event of the year”. A recording that not only compiled their greatest hits, but also united some of the best musicians in Latin America, such as Ximena Sariñana, Kinky and Álvaro López. This music material should be in every latin collection. Songs to listen to: El listón de tu pelo, Cómo te voy a olvidar and 17 años.

Andrea Ferrer Sánchez

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MEXICAN

MALE SINGERS

Since the days when Mexico was a serious rival to Hollywood in terms of film production and quality, The US’s closest Latin neighbour has been producing most of the biggest selling singers of Latin America. Their imagery of the Charro (cowboy) easily evolved into the modern day crooner in a way that has been hugely appealing to millions of people. Here are ourTop Ten Mexican singers, who happened to be Latin America’s most popular.

VICENTE FERNANDEZ

The King of Ranchera Music and without a doubt the greatest living Mexican singer. Seven Latin Grammys, one Grammy and over 50 million records sold, he has become a cultural icon in Latin America, the quintessential charro (cowboy).

LUIS MIGUEL

The ‘Sun’ of Mexico, as he is often named in Mexico, Luis Miguel is the ultimate heart throb who has sold over 100 million records to date and one of his tours holds the record as the highest grossing ever by a Latino artist. A formidable voice, he is considered one of the best Hispanic singers ever.

JUAN GABRIEL

Another singer with over 100 million records sold, Juan Gabriel, a camp and delicate performer, is the opposite to charro (rumour has it that he is not allowed to wear Mariachi suits). Still his charity work and his catchy style has won over detractors and his popularity is huge all over Latin America.

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JORGE NEGRETE

One of the “Three Mexican Rosters” along with Pedro infante and Javier Solis.

His rendition of “Mexico Lindo y Querido” remains, 50 years after his death, one of the most popular songs in Mexico.

JOSE JOSE

The Prince of Song, Jose Jose’s life has been a long soup opera of tragedy and problems: alcoholism, health issues, bankruptcy…still alive but unable to sing, he is considered one of the most influential singers in Latin America.

ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ

Son of Vicente Fernandez, Alejandro inherited his father’s good looks, charm and some might say talent. First and foremost a Ranchera singer, he adventured into the pop world to great acclaim.

JAVIER SOLIS

The most popular Mexican singer until his death in 1966 at 34. Hi lived a short but very prolific life as a singer and actor.

He remains popular in Soith America.

PEDRO INFANTE

One of the great actors of the Golden era of Mexican Cinema, this guy could sing too. His sudden death in a plane crash at the peak of his popularity only helped inflate the myth. Some said he faked his death (a la Elvis) and lived in hiding for the rest of his life.

HONORARY MENTIONS:

ANTONIO AGUILAR

El Racho de Mexico, Aguilar was, along with many other famous Mexican singers, also an international actor.

He recorded over 150 albums and appeared in more than 100 films. He is the only Latin artist to sell out the Madison Square gardens six nights in a row.

MARCO ANTONIO SOLIS

Singer, musician and producer, Solis was the founding member and lead singer of legendary band “Los Bukis”.

In 2011, Latin Billboard awarded him The Artists of the Decade award for his popularity and quality.

Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Armando Manzanero, Cristian Castro, Pedro Fernandez, Rafael Basurto Lara, El komander.

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MUSIC REVIEWS

CONVOQUE SEU BUDA CRIOLO (STERNS)

The Brazilian star’s third studio album delivers a fantastic production of eclectic sounding Hip hop. His clever social critique will get lost to those who don’t speak Portuguese, still the intensity of his mature voice and the quality of the songs will shine through the language barrier. From Jazz to Funk this is not your usual party album but a rather good one for any occasion.

Top Song: “Convoque Se Buda.”

OYE MANTECA (MANTECA)

Led by Colombian singer Martha Acosta and Argentinian bass guitarist/MD Javier Fioramonti who are veterans of the London latin scene. Their second album brings a danceable blend of Salsa, Funk, Latin jazz, Bomba, Bolero and even some Cumbia riffs, together in a clever and unique way, creating an authentic and fresh Latin London sound.

Top song: “Descarga China” (version salsa).

DE CAMINO PA LA CIMA J ALVAREZ (RELOADED 2.0) Superstar J Alvarez’s latest album is proof that Reggaeton is alive and kicking, maybe not as the hardcore underground grinding genre of the past, but as a more sophisticated pop incarnation. Alvarez has been able to go beyond the one hit wonder novelty and become a household name in radios across Latin America. this is a compilation of his latest releases plus future hits.

OLD LOVE DIES HARD BOOGALOO ASSASSINS

Who would have thought that after all these years, Boogaloo would still be around? The Boogaloo Assassins are the latest band to tap into that vintage sound with a nice Latin soul edge. This is as good as any salsa release of the last few years. A highly recommended album, a mix of hard Salsa, Son Montuno, Funk and Boogaloo, a definitely hot record!

Top song: No No No

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BEYOND

ANDEAN When most people think of Peru, they think of ponchos, llamas and warm hats with ear flaps.

Few think of tropical rainforest or amazing coastline. Peru is in fact 65% jungle and contains 84 of the world’s 117 microclimates. It was this huge biodiversity that Amaranta Wright set out to explore on a wintery London morning, with two children in tow.

Panting our way up one of Cusco’s lovely Incan walled streets to the church of San Blas, famous for its 17th century baroque pulpit, which Inca artisans carved in cedar under the orders of the Conquistadors, I suddenly wondered why I had not thought of taking any precautions against altitude sickness. It was too late now. Within a minute, Manu, my four-year-old, announced an explosion of diarhea and Rafa (eight) that he was about to faint.

tain, rainforest and coast - and the doubts began streaming in. Beyond the problems of altitude or jungle mosquitos, would Inca ruins be wasted on children so young?

Would Machu Picchu live up to its hype?

Was I being completely reckless, taking two occasionally obedient boys to the rainforest, rife with the world’s most dangerous predators?

This was the first day of our quest to explore Peru’s three natural regions - moun-

Over the next couple of days, Belmond’s Palacio Nazarenas, the oasis of serenity that

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we stumbled back to after the ‘incident,’ became our sanctuary as we negotiated sight-seeing with bouts of altitude sickness. Luckily, archaeological sites such as Sacsay Huaman, a massive Stonghenge with its hundreds of giant slabs polished to fit seamlessly into a jigsaw puzzle, doubled up as great playgrounds. We also loved the sacrificial temple at Cuenca with its deathly labrynth, complete with huge butchering slab, drainage system, embalming and mourning chambers. It transported us back in time.

At night the wonderful hotel staff plied us with muña tea. Free yoga at dawn invigorated us for our big trip to the spiritual heart of the Inca kingdom: Machu Picchu. I was apprehensive. Chances are you’ll only have one shot at getting this experience right. Yet I’d put little thought into it, my only decision being the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train, rather than risk the four-day hike with a four-year-old.

“It was breath taking.

No number of photos could have prepared us for the live experience.

No amount of hype could diminish the magnificent creation that lay before us…

It was one of those rare moments when time stood still.”

The train journey was spectacular, however.

Few people talk about the beautiful countryside that accompanies you as you descend from the pastel beiges of the high Andes into the lush cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu. We hung out of the train’s open rear, mesmerised as we followed the tree lined Urubamba river and its surrounding meadows.

When we arrived at the village of Aguas Blancas, lying at the foot of Machu Picchu, we were greeted with ominous torrential rain (yes, rainy season, another factor I had not considered). But I was too busy herding the boys onto the bus to worry and it was only as we walked into the site that realised I could not even see my hands, let alone what we had come to see.

“Just wait,” our guide whispered reassuringly. It was a strange moment of silence.

Then, bit-by-bit, glimpses of the ruins broke through the cloud and, within minutes, the splendid vision of the ancient city that I’d seen so many pictures of, revealed itself.

It was breath taking. No number of photos could have prepared us for the live experience. No amount of hype could diminish the magnificent creation that lay before us, perched on top of the most stunning landscape of jungle peaks. It was one of those rare moments when time stood still.

Not for long. As soon as his path was clear, Manu disappeared down the mountain side, hurtling over the ruins and leaping over terraces. Another perfect playground, complete with exciting vertical precipices on either side, into the thin brown thread of the Urubamba river below. The relatively few tourists (a positive result of rainy season)

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and very relaxed security guards, amplified the kids’ sense of freedom. And they ran about while the guide talked me through the amazing ruins. It was a magical three hours, the nausea long forgotten.

JUNGLE Two days in the Sacred Valley’s Casa Andina spa, surrounded by soothing Andes, was a great way of recuperating from our altitutde sickness. Then it was time to take our anti-malarial tablets in preparation for the next phase of our adventure. The plane ride from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is only a half hour descent into the Amazon Basin, but Rafa was as white as I’d ever seen him by the time we landed in the moist heat of Madre de Dios. “Ditch the tablets,” our jungle guide ordered as he observed the lifeless boy. “There is no malaria here.” I readily took his advice.

“Hanging above us was the most beautiful sloth, slowly crawling down the vine, to just a metre from us, and then slowly up again, leaving us aghast.”

Arriving at Refugio Amazonas lodge, a 3 hour boat ride up the Tambopata river, we were alarmed to find an open wall into the jungle in our luxurious mahogany bedroom.

While we listened to the symphony of shrieks, ticks, croaks and growls all around us I vigorously reassured the children, whilst ifs and buts buzzed around my mind. The next thing I knew I was waking from the most wonderful, deepest sleep I’d had in months. The kids looked refreshed and glowing.

The jungle filled us with energy. The boys collected seeds and searched for caimans with equal enthusiasm, to the delight of

our guide Inés, who was keen to foster an understanding of the jungle in its entirety, not just find big predators on demand.

Animal sightings there was no shortage of; bright red snakes, blue morpho butterflies, tucans, multiple species of monkeys and caimans, and a fleet of thirty or so macaws, who treated us to a spectacular show, as we watched from a hideout. Walking back, our guide stopped dead in her tracks. Hanging above us was the most beautiful sloth, slowly crawling down the vine, to just a metre from us, and then slowly up again, leaving us aghast.

COAST Back in Lima I was prepared for a let-down after our magnificent rainforest adventure.

Not known to be Peru’s greatest attraction, we found a vibrant beach capital embracing the summer. Surfers strolled the streets, roller bladers coasted along the malecón and Manu was never happier than splashing about in the sea and befriending the exceptionally friendly local children on the beach.

In fact, one of the boys’ favourite moments of the entire holiday was just a 30 minute boat ride away to the islands of San Lorenzo which were covered in humbolt penguins and sea lions, who they were allowed to leap in and swim with.

In Paracas, a three hour bus ride down the coast, we were surrounded by even more wonderful coastal wildlife. Flocks of pink

INTRODUCING PEDRO’S NEW WOMEN

On the streets of Madrid, a city pulsing with art, industry, and passion, Pepa’s world is unravelling. Her lover leaves her. And then she meets his wife. And his son. And his new girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Pepa’s best friend is tangled up in her own romantic crisis with a suspected criminal, leaving Pepa with only the taxi driver to help navigate the Gran Vía ahead.

STARRING OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS TAMSIN GREIG (Episodes, Green Wing, Jumpy, God of Carnage), the smart new musical

comedy Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown also stars Haydn Gwynne (The Audience, Billy Elliot), Jérôme Pradon (Les Miserables, Pacific Overtures), Anna Skellern (BBC’s The Interceptor) and Willemijn Verkaik (Wicked). Powered by a live band onstage, music by David Yazbek and a laugh-out-loud book by Jeffrey Lane (writers of the West End hit musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), the colour and chaos of Pepa’s Madrid will light up London.

Directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I), this hilarious and heartfelt musical based on Pedro Almodóvar’s award-winning trailblazing film celebrates women centre stage at the Playhouse Theatre now. Book your taxi now.

‘Tamsin Greig proves

irresistible.

A stylish hoot.

Brilliant.

Magnifico!’

DAILY MAIL

«««« «««« «««« «««« «««« ‘An AbsolutE Joy ‘Almodóvar’s ‘funny OF an evening The DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Independent

and

tender

this show sends you out of the theatre feeling repaired’ THE TIMES

The TIMES

edgy women will lift you up and melt your heart’

DAILY MAIL

FINANCIAL TIMES

built on heartbreak jealousy and tongue-in-cheek verve’ THE telegraph

THE TIMES

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY • PLAYHOUSE THEATRE • WOMENONTHEVERGEMUSICAL.COM • 0844 871 7631

33 flamingos greeted us on our beach walks and, to our delight, dolphins leapt before us as we lay on the beach in such a perfect display, I expected a cameraman to appear

“I clung on petrified while the others screamed in delight, faces pummelled and plastered by the wind as the jeep swirled around the crests of dunes, flew over ridges and dived down precipices at a ninety miles per hour.”

On our last night in Peru, it was time to treat ourselves to a Peruvian haute cuisine experience at Central, considered to be one of the world’s finest restaurants. By now we had traversed Peru’s fantastically rich geography. The 18-dish tasting menu was an ingenious gastronomic expression of this diversity, each morsel representing its altitude.

We were served exquisite reductions of fruits we’d never heard, edible clays, barks and roots. My favourite was Extreme Altitude, a wafer over intense puree of two of Peru’s 3,000 or so potato varieties, sprinkled with a river bank algae found at 4,200 metres that burst in your mouth like vegan caviar. The experience was so absorbing that my husband and I could hardly speak throughout it.

Central synthesised our entire Peruvian experience; both an education and whirl of new sensations revealing to us the country’s rich history and culture and diverse nature.

It was an unforgettable journey that will stay with us all for a long time to come.

Peru’s hauntingly beautiful desert coastline became the setting of a Mad Max roller-coaster jeep ride over the dunes followed by sand surfing. I hung on petrified while the others screamed in delight, faces pummelled and plastered by the wind as the jeep swirled around the crests of dunes, flew over ridges and dived down precipices at a ninety miles per hour. Even my bald husband’s stubble was standing on end by the time we stopped for a breather. But boy joy carried on, crashing down the dunes head first on their surfboards. Then we hurtled back towards the sea into the sun set. This time, with such a vision before me, I couldn’t help but relax into the adrenalin.

Journey Latin America (T.020 8600 1881, www. journeylatinamerica.co.uk) specialises in tailormade travel and small group tours to all of Latin America, including Peru. A 12-day holiday visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Jungle costs from £3,843 per person based on a family of 4 (in two rooms) and includes international flights with Air Europa, domestic flights, transfers, B&B accommodation – staying in the hotels mentioned in the text – Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu, some meals and excursions.

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Till 14th Feb

Flames of Desire Dance Show

Argentine dance company Tango Fire return for another season of their sensual and passionate tango.

The Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT

www.sadlerswells.com 25th February

Pablo Milanes Music

Cuban legend and master of La Nueva Trova returns.

A must-see - you never know if it will be the last.

Barbical, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Till 1st March

Flamenco Festival London Dance and Music Festival

The return of Sadler’s Wells’ annual Flamenco Festival, in collaboration with the Ballet Nacional de España, opens with Ángel Rojas’ Gala Flamenca. Salder’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R www.sadlerswells.com Till 15th March

Don Gil of the Green Breeches Theatre

Tirso de Molina’s work is newly translated to the stage by poet Sean O’Brien as a part of a Golden Age Theatre Season.

Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street Dalston, E8 3DL www.arcolatheatre.com 14th & 15th March

El Llanto Se Mueve (The Cry Moves) Flamenco Dance Show

World premiere of Jairo Barrull Flamenco Company’s new authentically Spanish.Chelmsord City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG www.jairobarrull.com

18th December - 9th May

Till 6th April

Theatre

Exhibition

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown A comedic musical adaptation from Almodovar’s award-winning film, with Tamsin Greig in its leading role.

Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5DE www.playhousetheatrelondon. com 5th April

Orchestra Buena Vista Social Club Adios Tour Live Music

Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore London SW7 2AP Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club come to the Royal Albert Hall as part of their world-wide farewell tour.

Adventures of the Black Square To show the beginnings of geometric abstraction artists including the Spaniards Angela de la Cruz, Àngels Ribé and Ignasi Aballí will be exposed in London.Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, Londo, E1 7QX www.whitechapelgallery.org 23rd April

Plaza Francia Live Music

The UK debut of Plaza Francia.

Eduardo Makaroff and Christoph H. Muller (Gotan Project) have linked up with Catherine Ringer, the iconic french muse of the band Rita Mitsouko to create a brand new progressive tango sound. KOKO, 1a Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE. www.comono.co.uk

ARGENTINA’S HOTTEST DANCE SHOW 36

“A SIZZLING, SENSUAL TASTE OF THE REAL THING” EVENING STANDARD

Tue 27 Jan - Sat 14 Feb

0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Mon 16 Feb Sun 1 Mar

21st April

Jorge Drexler Live Music

Part of La Linea festival, this outstanding Uruguayan singer-songwriter is a must see.

Union Chapel Compton Avenue, London N1 2XD www.comono.co.uk 21st April

Z’ikr

Flamenco Festival London 2015

Dance

Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX. www.comono.co.uk 23rd April

Morgan Szymanski & Alejandro Escuer Live Music

Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. www.comono.co.uk Sadler’s Wells Theatre

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30th April

Ana Tijoux Live Music

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA www.comono.co.uk 14th April - 3rd May

Circolombia Circus show

Columbian circus company comes back to London for an exhilerating performance.

The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH www.roundhouse.org.uk May 13th

Air Europa Latin UK Awards Gala Ceremony Live Music, Clubbing

24th April 2015

27 April 2015

Live Music

Live Music

Mextronica

Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PQ www.comono.co.uk

25 April 2015

Mexrrissey Live Music

In Mexico Morrissey has always been a prophet with honour. His songs of love, loss and longing, chimed with generations raised on rancheras. Now the love can be returned, with a band made in Mexico City reinventing Morrissey’s songs.

Barbican Hall, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS www.comono.co.uk 26 April

Mexacustico Live Music

Each musician from Mexrrissey doing their own repertoire.

Richmix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA www.comono.co.uk

Buika

Blessed with a remarkable voice; raw and smoky but with a tenderness that hits right at the heart, this concert follows the recent release of her book of poetry.

Barbican Hall, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Hosted by Boris Izaguirre and celebrating the best of Latin Culture in the UK, this is ‘The hottest date in the annual Latin Diary’ according to global ballet icon Carlos Acosta. Put simply, the best Latin party of the Year.

KOKO, 1a Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE www.thelukas.co.uk

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SPRING GUIDE 2015

LATIN LONDON LEGENDS Graciela Sánchez Born in Mexico City, a slight and pretty 17-year-old joined the Ballet Folklorico. Fifty years on Grciela is one London’s outstanding Latin citizens, and her LUKAS award-winning cultural consultancy Mexicolore, that she runs with her husband Ian Mursell, a cherished institution.

I had a lovely childhood in Mexico City. We were poor but very happy. When I was 15, I walked into (the concert hall) Bellas Artes and asked to speak to Amalia Hernandez, the director of the ballet company. She auditioned me there and then, sent me to a new teacher - who she paid for - and I joined the company two years later.

The most influential person in my life has been my husband Ian. he’s a beautiful person. We’ve been married for 33 years.

My favourite word is Motherf**ker. I say it a lot at home. People think I am a sweet lady but I am actually quite naughty and rebellious.

The word I most hate is hate itself is a terrible word.

I believe in Courtesy My favourite question is can I help you?

My most treasured possessions are my mother’s cooking pots which I brought to England with me and my grandmother’s molcajete (pre-Colombian pestle and mortar) which I use everyday.

My guiltiest pleasure is the sun - my secret lover - and chocolate. Give me a box and I’ll eat them all.

The most embarrassing thing I’ve done is to have left small children in the caravan while me and my friend popped out to the pub. It was a long time a ago, we were on holiday, but looking back I cringe to think that we did that.

Where would I most like to live? In our home in Battersea, the house we have lived for several decades If not, somewherewarm, the coast of Mexico where I could be with my other great love - the sun.

The song I’d like sung at my funeral is Women in Love sung by Barbara Streisand or Your Tiny Hand is Frozen from the opera La Boheme.

If I could go back in time… I’d go to Tenochtitlan (ancient Mexico City) in its heyday before the Spanish arrived. I’d like to be there, making tortillas.

Interview by Elizabeth Mistry The Ballet Folkórico de México will be returning to London for the first time in more than 20 years to perform at the ENO. For more info go to www.comono. co.uk

39 Two rare concerts with the most celebrated singer-songwriters in the Spanish-speaking world at London’s Barbican this year

Wednesday 25 February

PABLO MILANÉS Renacimiento + Andrés Suárez

Friday 12 June

SERRAT

Antología Desordenada

esip.co.uk