Celebrating Cumbiafrica’s New Release: A Deep Dive into Their Journey and Music

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic duo of Cumbiafrica—Lina and Leo—to celebrate their latest release under Universal France’s Decca. As they embark on this exciting new chapter, we explored their artistic journey, unique sound, and remarkable collaborations.

Reflecting on the Year So Far

Cumbiafrica has hit the ground running in 2023. “We’ve been working very hard with our label, Producciones Alé Kumá,” Lina shares. They opened the year with the single “Carmelita Adiós,” featuring DJ Dean Mickoski, followed by their EP “Sheel Sheel (Drone Song)” in collaboration with Gaza Birds Singing, a children’s group from Palestine, as part of the broader album “Canciones de Resistencia” (Songs of Resistance). As summer approaches, the duo is ramping up their release schedule, promising new singles every three weeks, all part of an Afro Latin House album expected to debut soon.

The Genesis of Cumbiafrica

The origin story of Cumbiafrica is as vibrant as their music. Leo, already a well-established producer in Colombia, and Lina, who holds a degree in acting and a lifelong passion for singing, met while exploring their artistic pursuits. Their shared journey took a pivotal turn during an artistic residency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that resonates deeply with Colombia’s cultural heritage. It was here that the seeds of Cumbiafrica were sown, blending the rhythms and melodies of two rich musical traditions.

Musical Inspirations and Path

The paths that led Cumbiafrica to their unique sound are layered and profound. Reflecting on their influences, Lina explains, “At that time, Leo was directing an orchestra in Belgium called De Palenque a Matongé.” The orchestra, which included African and Colombian musicians, became a melting pot of musical styles. With the pandemic simplifying their musical format to a DJ set, they retained essential elements like marimba and guitar to preserve their cultural roots.

Their musical palette is enriched by diverse genres such as soukous, champeta, cumbia, soca, amapiano, and classic Afrobeat. Artists including Ginton, Trinix, and the Colombian powerhouse Bomba Estéreo have also left a mark on their artistry. Above all, their admiration for Stromae encapsulates their desire to push musical boundaries.

Reimagining “Batonga”

A shining moment for Cumbiafrica is their reimagining of “Batonga,” originally a classic by the iconic Angélique Kidjo. “It’s not just a song; it’s an anthem of resistance and female strength,” Lina explains, highlighting the song’s essence as a means to establish a dialogue between the two cultures, alternating between Fon (Benin’s language) and Spanish. With original verses penned by Leo, the song reflects themes of identity and empowerment—an homage to Kidjo’s influence, who is celebrated as one of Africa’s quintessential voices.

Collaboration with Decca Records

Cumbiafrica’s collaboration with Decca Records is a testament to their evolving artistic journey. Over the years, Leo’s producer project, Alé Kumá, transitioned from ethnic to contemporary dance music. Decca, seeking to reimagine classical songs, approached him with the idea to reinterpret “Batonga” as the launch pad for what they hope will become a broader collaboration with African artists.

The Influence of Alé Kumá

The dual identity of Cumbiafrica and Alé Kumá allows them to experiment with sound. Leo aimed to infuse a Latin house vibe into “Batonga,” blending Angélique’s classic style with Latin sensibilities. Cumbiafrica’s innovative approach has positioned them as leaders in the Latin house movement, especially through collaborations with acclaimed DJ HUGEL.

Partnership with DJ HUGEL

Cumbiafrica’s relationship with HUGEL blossomed during the pandemic, when he reached out after familiarizing himself with Alé Kumá’s work. Together, they infused new life into their past collaboration, “Morenita.” This initial partnership eventually birthed popular tracks like “El Sueño” and “Águila,” cementing their place in the Latin house revolution.

Memorable Performances

This year has been filled with special moments, but playing at the Carnaval de Vinaròs in Spain stands out as one of the highlights for the group. Performing in front of 10,000 people, the shared experience of singing with an audience that knew their songs by heart was overwhelming for Lina and Leo. The emotion of the connection between them and their fans was palpable, creating a memorable performance that breathed new life into their work.

Inside the Studio

Cumbiafrica’s studio journey has been transformative. After years of recording in a modest home studio, they now boast a well-equipped space with top-notch acoustic conditioning. Yet, they retain a sense of nostalgia for their old recording setup. Remarkably, they still use their first microphone, a t.bone RB 500 ribbon mic, complementing their sophisticated equipment to achieve the unique vocal sound that defines Cumbiafrica.

Advice for Aspiring Producers

Cumbiafrica emphasizes the importance of musical listening. “Listen to musicians, especially traditional ones,” Leo advises. He advocates for producers to learn an instrument or collaborate with musicians who possess a deep understanding of music beyond formal training. Enriching the music-making process through diverse influences can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

What’s Next for Cumbiafrica?

As they look ahead, Cumbiafrica is determined to expand their collaboration with Decca Records and delve deeper into the world of diverse musical expressions. They are committed to exploring ethnic, jazz, and world music influences, with plans for new releases that bring together African artistry. This commitment reflects Cumbiafrica’s core essence—an unyielding desire to blend cultures through music and create a universal language that resonates with all.

Explore their latest single below and dive into their world of rich sounds and cultural fusions!

Stream here and tune into their sound on Spotify!

Connect with Cumbiafrica as they continue to illuminate the music scene, one beat at a time!