A Musical Collective You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Cervantino Festival’s 53rd edition concluded with one of the most ambitious closing performances in recent history, led by Damon Albarn’s collaborative musical project, Africa Express. This diverse and far-reaching project brought together artists from various genres, creating an unforgettable night on the Explanada de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas stage.
A Parade of Voices
The lineup included Eme Malafe (The Witch of Texcoco), Meme del Real, Baba Sisoko, Instituto Mexicano del Sonido, Django Django, Los Pream, Luisa Almaguer, Nick Zinner, M.anifest, and Abou Diarra, alongside Damon Albarn himself. The project’s unique blend of talents from around the world showcased the power of music as a universal language.
A Discreet Damon
Throughout the nearly three-hour performance, Albarn allowed the music and artists to shine. The setlist featured a delightful succession of various rhythms and intentions, accompanied by psychedelic images and applause for the African continent on the stage’s screen.
Key Moments
- Meme del Real’s Salsa Version of “Eres”: The Mexican artist from Café Tacvba joined the stage, leading a salsa rendition of her hit song with Damon Albarn. This unexpected collaboration resulted in a memorable performance.
- Luisa Almaguer’s Powerful Vocals: The Mexican singer, known for her activism and support of the LGBTQ+ community, delivered powerful performances of “Espejo” and “Pánico.” Her presence was a driving force behind the project’s inclusive spirit.
- Baba Sissoko and Luisa Almaguer’s Collaboration: The Mali musician and Mexican singer’s combined efforts highlighted the project’s unity and diversity, creating a captivating performance.
- Los Pream’s Balkan Brass: This Mexican band from Santa María Tlahuitoltepec brought an energetic blend of rhythms, earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
- Luisa Almaguer’s “Teardrop” Performance: The singer’s dark, powerful rendition of Massive Attack’s classic left the audience in awe.
“Here’s the Trans Resistance”
The essence of Africa Express lies in its ability to bring together diverse artists and create a truly universal musical experience. Luisa Almaguer’s powerful voice and activism exemplified this spirit, making the project a testament to music’s power as a unifying force.
Final Thoughts
Damon Albarn’s Africa Express project proved to be an exceptional closing act for the Cervantino Festival, demonstrating his passion for global music and his role as a unifying force among artists. The collaborative spirit of the project left a lasting impression on attendees, showcasing the beauty and strength of diverse musical voices coming together.
