La Mambanegra

La Mambanegra

La Mambanegra is a Colombian salsa group formed in 2012. It builds a sound from 1970s New York salsa alongside Jamaican and Colombian music, funk and hip hop. The group draws on the story of a mythical figure from Barrio Obrero, a neighbourhood in Cali, and imagines his adventures in Cali, Havana and New York as part of its concept.

Style and approach

The band works with a horn-led, polyrhythmic sound that updates salsa for a contemporary setting. Its music combines the force of salsa and Latin music with elements associated with Bronx hip hop and Kingston dancehall. The group is led by Jacobo Velez, who is also known for his work with La Mojarra Electrica.

Releases and recognition

Its first album, El Callegüeso y su Malamaña, is self-produced in Latin America and receives a European release through Movimientos Records. The album is selected as one of the year’s ten best by Semana, a Colombian weekly newspaper. The band is also highlighted by Billboard as one of the Colombian bands to know.

Performances and membership

La Mambanegra performs at major events in Colombia and abroad, including WOMADelaide, WOMAD NZ, the Perth International Arts Festival, the Adelaide Festival, the Feria Internacional del Libro in Guadalajara, Tempo Latino in France, WOMAD in Charlton Park, the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá, the Festival Toque in Buenos Aires, the Bogota Music Market and the Festival Internacional de los 7 Mares in Lima. It also performs alongside acts including Bomba Estéreo, ChocQuibTown, Pedrina y Rio and Monsieur Periné.

The group consists of Jacobo Velez on musical direction; Julia Diaz on voice and chorus; Fabio Lucumi on trombone; Sergio Orobio on güiro and voice; Harold Orozco on drums; Juan Carlos Arrechea on congas; Daniel Gutierrez on keyboard; Roger Torres on trumpet; Carlos Peralta on guitar; and Jeffry Obando on bass.