Colombian folk singer Toto la Momposina, known for her unique fusion of indigenous and Afrocolombian music styles, sings and features in the new music video for the song “Latinoamerica” by Puerto Rican band Calle 13.
Toto la Momposina will be the first Colombian artist to sing alongside Calle 13 on a studio album.
The iconic Colombian singer performs alongside Brazilian singer Maria Rita and Mexican Culture Minister Susana Baca, who also both appear in the video. The song is the seventh single of the bands fourth studio album, “Entren los que quieran” (enter those who want to.)
Singer and vocalist for the band, Rene Perez (better known as Residente) says of the song, “Latinoamerica is the most important song we have done, it documents who we were, who we are and who we will be as Latin Americans. I think it strengthens our identity, and helps us to remember and to never forget.”
The beautiful video, filmed in Peru, creates a collective image of the continent using shots from Cuzco and the surrounding landscape, and explores what it means to be Latin American.
Residente said, “I wrote this song thinking of a way to connect Puerto Rico with the rest of Latin America. I knew nothing about Latin America, until I completely immersed myself into the heart of it. Years ago the only reference I had was the official story that the United States gives Puerto Rico, as one of its colonies.”
Calle 13, who recently performed in Colombia alongside local band ChocQuibTown, often use their music to make social commentary about Latin American issues and culture. The group has won 10 Latin Grammys and two Grammys.
