The pioneering Afro-Peruvian sound system Novalima returns with Planetario, a new release on Brooklyn’s Wonderwheel Recordings, and an international tour starting in June.
From the press release:
From their humble start, file-sharing musical ideas and producing their first album in separate countries during the dawn of the internet, Novalima is now a live musical force revered worldwide for breaking boundaries and uniting seemingly irreconcilable genres, communities, and generations. They have created an inspiring movement and revolutionized the music scene in their native Peru by bridging a longstanding divide between the mainstream and the minority Afro-Peruvian community, who have struggled against discrimination and cultural dissolution for generations.
Over the last two years, Novalima created their newest offering, Planetario to be released June 16th on Wonderwheel Recordings. The album's name signals Novalima's musical growth and international connections – much of the album was recorded on tour when they collaborated with top local and international musicians. There is a strong connection to Colombia created through a remarkable recording session in Bogota organized by members of La-33 including Sidestepper vocalist Eka Muñoz, Pernett and La Mamba Negra. The album also has offerings from global artists such as Marc de Clive Lowe (UK/NZ), Panko from Ojos de Brujo (Spain), and Kumar (Cuban rapper based in Barcelona).
The album’s debut single, “Como Yo” (to be released May 19th on digital single and 7” vinyl) honors the legendary Peruvian percussionist and longtime band member Mangue Vasquez who passed away in 2014. Not one for sentimentality, Mangue implored his friends to celebrate his life with song and dance when he passed rather than shed any tears. The life affirming lyrics are underscored by rolling percussion, twinkling synths, and a celebratory sing-song chant chorus: Gozen la vida como yo - Enjoy life, like I do.
Novalima has garnered worldwide critical acclaim from mainstream (NPR, UK Guardian, Wall Street Journal, La Presse, Metro, Billboard) and underground media (Giant Step, Remezcla, Nat Geo) alike, delivered legendary performances around the world at festivals such as Roskilde, WOMAD, Pirineos Sur, NYC Central Park, Montreal Jazz Festival and Chicago’s Millennium Park, earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album, and were featured in cult filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s hit Mexploitation movie Machete.
For their upcoming year of international touring Novalima has designed a brand new live show that will debut in Lima as part of the country's celebration of 100 years of Afro-Peruvian culture.
Here is a recording of a live session on KEXP from 2012:
Here are the tour dates for their upcoming North American tour:
JUNE
19 - Chattanooga, TN - Nightfall Concert Series
20 - Chicago, IL - Taste of Randolph
21 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center
25 - Washington, DC - U Street Music Hall
26 - Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory
27 - 2015 Londonderry, VT - Frendly Gathering
28 - 2015 Schenectady, NY - Music Haven Concert Series
30 - Somerville, MA - Johnny D's
JULY
02 - Portsmouth, NH - 3S Artspace
03 - Bethlehem, NH - Colonial Theatre
17 - Hamilton, ON - Hamilton World Music Festival
18 - Toronto, ON - Harbourfront Center
AUGUST
06 - Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge
08 - Tidewater, OR - Beloved
09 - Ashland, OR - Ashland Armory
14 - Oakland, CA - Leo's
15 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
Enjoy a free song from Novalima:
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