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Latin Roots #4 - Festejo, Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima - February 23, 2012

Explore the roots of Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima in this segment of Latin Roots from World Cafe. Originating in coastal Peru and comprised of contributions from African, Spanish, and South American cultures, festejo takes its name from 'fiesta', the Spanish word for festival. It is often accompanied by a competitive and lively dancing, as well as call-and-response vocals, a celebration put to music and tied to historical roots. In this interview, David Dye talks with Novalima members Grimaldo Del Solar (arranger, artwork, composer, programming) and Alfonso Montesinos (bass) about this 100-year-old style of festejo, and the several different forms it can take through varying rhythms. Festejo has influenced their live improvisations, and inspired Novalima to become less like a studio project and more spontaneous.

The title of Novalima's latest single, "Festejo," takes it's name from this popular form of celebratory Peruvian music. Check out the Spotify Playlist for Festejo. Listen to the archived session on WorldCafe.NPR.org.


Session Playlist

  • Show Tracks:
    • Novalima - "El Negrito Chinchivi"
    • Novalima - "Festejo"
  • Listen to the Playlist: