“From Zombies to Harmony: How Astropical, the Latin Supergroup, is Reviving Our Connections and Healing Our Minds”

The collaboration between Colombia’s Bomba Estéreo and Venezuela’s Rawayana, now known as Astropical, feels like destiny. Li Saumet of Bomba Estéreo describes a moment when she sensed it was time to create music with Rawayana’s Beto Montenegro. Their connection is palpable, highlighted by their easy camaraderie as they prepare for a performance at the Estéreo Picnic festival.

Their self-titled debut album is a joyful blend of sounds, reflecting their mission to reconnect people in today’s world, where many feel increasingly isolated. Montenegro, having accepted a Grammy last year, spoke about the resilience of Venezuelans facing a humanitarian crisis. His song "Veneka" stirred controversy when the Venezuelan president condemned it, claiming it belittled women. Montenegro responded with bemusement, feeling targeted for achieving recognition in a tough political landscape.

Bomba Estéreo rose to fame in 2008 with their unique electro-cumbia sound, while Rawayana has made waves in Venezuela for two decades with their reggae influences. The two met when Saumet sent a demo to Montenegro, sparking an instant musical chemistry that led to several tracks being produced in just a few days.

Their album’s tracks draw inspiration from zodiac signs, reflecting Saumet’s cosmic interests. Amidst the music-making, a vibrant studio atmosphere filled with tarot cards and incense helped create a space that felt both personal and energetic.

Colombia and Venezuela share rich cultural ties, from food to music, yet they also have their conflicts. The debate over the origins of beloved dishes like arepas showcases their intertwined history. Montenegro light-heartedly describes their relationship as one of sibling rivalry.

Astropical’s music is a counter to growing digital detachment. Saumet recalls witnessing a young girl lost in a world of TikTok videos, underscoring how technology can distance us from real connections. "We were once connected to nature and to each other," she says, highlighting the joy that can be found in shared experiences.

Venezuela’s socio-political crisis since 2010 has pushed millions to flee. Rawayana’s music, while satirical, also serves as a tool of pride. The complexities of crafting messages amidst a tumultuous backdrop have led the duo to focus less on direct political commentary in their current work.

Montenegro and Saumet express their exhaustion with political narratives, preferring to channel their creativity into more uplifting themes. Montenegro stresses that their music aims to touch hearts and foster hope. "The world can be a beautiful place," he states, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond current hardships.

This perspective resonates with many artists who continue to emerge from Venezuela despite the challenges. Yet, there’s concern around the next generation being pulled into political discussions that could endanger them. Montenegro urges others to let artists create freely, away from heavy political scrutiny.

With Astropical, the duo hopes to share a message of love and togetherness. "We can be together to dance, laugh, and enjoy life," Saumet says, emphasizing the beauty that can emerge even amid chaos.

For those interested in the full experience, their album Astropical is now available, and they are set to embark on a North American tour starting May 24.

For more insights on their journey and the context of their music, you can explore reputable sources like Billboard for updates on the Latin music scene and its evolving narratives.

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