Back in April 2021, Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, erupted in protest. They’d finally had enough, after years of austerity, inequality, and official corruption, and took to the streets. The demonstrations continue, even after a change in government, and the city’s residents – the Santafereños continue to let those in power know that they’re being watched, and further oppression won’t be tolerated.
The voices of the Colombians travelled 3000 miles north, and found an ally in rapper Nemesis, of the hip-hop group Pure Order. Seeing in Bogotá much of the same challenges faced by Los Angeles, namely abuses of power, poverty, discrimination, lack of opportunity, and a lack of love, she composed her verse for ‘Mi Fiesta’, and collaborated with Niclasz and Rapsodika of the Colombian rap group Voces del Silencio.
The one-off single that resulted is a party song that’s certainly part of the sustained revolution, and is designed to stir up the pulses of protesters around the world. With some verses in English and some in Spanish, it carries the message of solidarity, self-respect, and belief in people power.
Produced by Yodaroc, ‘Mi Fiesta’ fuses the celebratory sound of Colombian pop with the drive of Los Angeles underground rap. It serves as a testimony to their willingness to find common ground with each other, and this is reflected in Dro Smoke’s explosive animated clip for the track. It could just as easily be set in Colombia, in Oxnard, California; a beautiful sun-filled day, with brass bands blaring, flags and banners are waving, everyone having a great time – while the rappers are onstage speaking truth to power. Nothing is going to stop them, least of all any authorities.
Watch the gorgeous music video for ‘Mi Fiesta’ below and find out more about Nemesis and her music online on Bandcamp, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
