Systema Solar is an audio-visual dance collective from Barranquilla, Colombia that processes traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms through the sound system DJ culture of the Caribbean. They are one of the pioneers of the electro-cumbia sound.
Systema Solar plays SummerStage at Queensbridge Park in Queensbridge, Queens on Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 5 – 10 pm.
Since they are Colombian, the band also has strong Native American influences such as the Andean gaita.
The collective formed to play the opening ceremony of the art biennale in Medellín, Colombia in 2006. Like art-damaged musicians everywhere, they put on a good show.
Systema Solar’s sound is based on Colombian folkloric forms like cumbia, fandango, champeta, and bullerengue. The band reinvents these forms with electronic hip hop, house and techo elements and visuals. In a way, they are Caribbean ravers.
In the studio, band members speak with upper-class accents, but their communal vibe is very pueblo (of the common people). Like many Latin American artists, Systema Solar sings about social issues and in particular the environment.
Sound System DJs
Sound system DJs play music for neighborhood parties through giant sound systems called picós that are often mounted on trucks. The musical form originated in Kingston, Jamaica in the 1950s. It is associated with reggae, ska, rocksteady and dub.
Since Jamaica was last a British colony, sound system DJs brought the form to the UK where it mixed into Europe’s rave scene.
Systema Solar Albums
Systema Solar (2016)
This is a collection of recordings previously released in 2010 and 2013. It was originally released on Chusma Records, but rereleased in an expanded version by Nacional Records in Los Angeles, the leading music label for latin alternative music.
Rumbo a Tierra (2017)
“Direction to Earth” is a cumbia-EDM blend with a little protest. Aquazero is about water issues that are hurting Colombia’s indigenous people in favor of foreign mining interests.
Rumbera is a great song and video about women on the margin who live well anyway. It’s true that you don’t need a bigger television to be happy.
Systema Solar in New York City
Love this song, Yo voy ganao with its Native Americans flute. Notice how Asian the indigenous flute player looks. We Native Americans came from Asia and Polynesia..
Systema Solar plays SummerStage at Queensbridge Park in Queensbridge, Queens on Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 5 – 10 pm. FREE