Autobiog-riffy: Tales Straight from the music source
Are YOU ready to Fiesta? Well, good! Because La Descarga, Oz pioneers of Latin-tropical grooves, are bringing their Fiesta de Corazón to the capital with a high-energy performance (Live at the Polo, 29 March) and an interactive cumbia workshop at (Belco Arts, 29 March arvo). Let’s hear their story:
“We are La Descarga, Australia’s leading Latin-tropical party starters, and we’re here to ignite Canberra/Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country with rhythm, colour, and dance.
If you’ve never experienced the full force of a Colombian street carnival, now’s your chance. Besides performing great tropical music, we engage audiences in an immersive journey of call-and-response, limbo contests, conga lines, and dance-offs. Every show into an unforgettable, fun time.
Since forming in Melbourne in 2010, we have been dedicated to blending the rich traditions of Colombian and Afro-Caribbean music with contemporary global sounds. You won’t find a richer mix of musicians from every corner of the world in one place like you do here in Australia, and we embrace this to create a cultural conversation in sound.
We believe in the power of music to connect, uplift, and celebrate humanity. In a divided world, we create a space where rhythm brings people together.
This year, we are taking our debut album, Fiesta de Corazón, across Australia, thanks to the support of Creative Australia’s Contemporary Music Touring Program.
It’s a massive achievement in a post-COVID world, where the live music sector has fought hard to survive. Touring isn’t easy, but it’s doable, and we’re happy to show that we can still bring live music to the people. We’re living proof that the music fiesta isn’t over.
Our Fiesta de Corazón album features 10 original tracks blending Afro-Colombian traditions with contemporary sounds like funk and dub, featuring over 30 artists from four continents including notable musicians such as Ajak Kwai, and mixed by renowned Colombian producer Diego Gomez.
Launched in November last year, thanks to the incredible support from Regional Arts Victoria, Creative Victoria, and more than 250+ crowdfunders, it was quickly recognised and highlighted as PBS FM’s Feature Album of the Week, with hit single Cumbia de Corazón landing on PBS FM’s Top 10 Favourite Tracks.
As Australia’s capital, political and educational centre, Canberra is a hub for world music and cultural experiences, making it the perfect place to celebrate Fiesta de Corazón.
We have crafted two unforgettable experiences for our Canberra debut: a complete, high-energy Colombian fiesta at Live at the Polo on Saturday, 29 March, from 8pm, where we are joined by local maestros of party, Los Chavos, and Carnaval boneshakers, Raio de Sol!. Think bold brass, pulsating drums, and an urgent invitation to dance.
Family-friendly? Cumbia Workshop @ Belco Arts (29 March) – Want to feel your body’s rhythm? We’ll teach you the rhythm, steps, spins, and soul of cumbia, the dance that fuels our music.
So, whether you’re a Latin music lover, a World music enthusiast, or just want to have fun and feel alive, come be part of something special.
La Descarga Fiesta de Corazón Australia Tour
Saturday, 29 March, Live at the Polo
Doors open at 8pm. Tickets start at $30 via Humanitix
Earlier in the Day: Cumbia Workshop @ Belco Arts! La Descarga will run a special Cumbia workshop at Belco Arts Centre at 2pm. Learn from the best and immerse yourself in the rich rhythms of Colombian cumbia. Workshop details: https://bit.ly/cumbia_workshop