Straight from Cuba to the dancefloors of Aotearoa, Jinetero MC is taking his latest music video and his freshest reggaeton beats around the country this July.
Eleven years of soaking up the music, culture and politics of Cuba’s underworld means reggaetón is part of Jinetero MC's blood. Hustling up the sounds of salsa and hip hop with the Jamaican influence of reggae and dancehall, the genre's lyrics typically document global and sexual politics. But Jinetero MC brings something extra to the mix - the love and appreciation for his family and new homeland.
In Cuba, the genre has little official support or air time on state-controlled radio. Reggaeton artists are captivating the country's youth, alarming some authorities who have condemned its occasionally vulgar lyrics. I am more conscious in my lyrics; they are about things important to me - I am more like a storyteller, Jinetero says. I am turning the story of my life into music.
As part of Afro fusion hip hop band Olmecha Supreme and as a solo artist Jinetero MC has performed at various festivals in New Zealand and Australia including Korunda Roots Festival, Parihaka, Phat, Splore, One Love, Jambalaya, Soundsplash, Cuba Street Carnival and the Sevens Parade.
Jinetero MC previously released an innovative video called Wellington, directed by Te Kupu (Kia Kaha Productions/ Upper Hutt Posse). “It’s a song to this city, the musicians who have helped me, the love which I feel here and the stories I have to tell inspired me to make music” says Jinetero MC.
Relocating to Auckland, he is now working on his upcoming album Unity is the Power and introducing his renowned Musica Boom Boom events. Jinetero MC established Musica Boom Boom Productions in 2010 with the purpose of uniting and facilitating collaboration between local, underground musicians producing original work in Wellington. It has since developed into larger scale, more professional shows featuring many well known musicians and dancers. Jinetero MC also co-hosts the Bold Fusion show on Radio Ponsonby on Monday afternoons where he plays his latest selections of the freshest Latin beats.
Dime Release Tour:
Wednesday 4th July, 1pm at Arthur St Cafe, Timaru
Thursday 5th July, 10pm at Copa Bar, Dunedin with DJ JungleFari
Saturday 7th July, 9pm at Alvarado's Mexican Cantina, Christchurch
Saturday 14th July, 9pm at The Mighty Mighty, Wellington featuring Jinetero MC's live reggaeton band Los Jineteros & original dance performances by Venus Starr & Neha
Thanks to http://havana.co.nz/ and http://jail.co.nz/
