Berlin has many faces: the West, the former East, Kreuzberg, Mitte, the doner kebab stands, the Sony Center. Germans, Turks, Africans, Albanians, Italians, Poles, Russians, Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Sinti, Romanies they all play a role in comprising the image of Berlin, an image which was always good for this or that clich. Because despite everything, even if people peacefully live side by side, this does not mean that it is really about togetherness, about true intercultural communication. Unfortunately, one remains among ones kind. At any rate, musically.At least until two years ago when seven free spirits started tearing down the fictive walls of prejudices and misunderstandings. Through music. In the desire for change, freedom, respect and a positive approach to life, or to put it simply: a good time! Because Culcha Candela stands for all this (in English: heated or fiery culture).Six vocalists (Itchyban, Don Cali, Johnny Strange, Larsito, Lafrotino, Mr. Reedoo) and one DJ (DJ Chino) with roots in five countries and four continents (Korea, Uganda, Columbia, Poland and Germany). Lyrics in German, English and Spanish, along with a unique sound comprised of straight hip-hop grooves, passionate Latino rhythms and relaxed reggae vibes. Those are the ingredients for their very own Culcha flava, which is so much more intense than the dull aftertaste left by the umpteenth casting accident. Culcha Candela stands for authenticity. At any rate, one is light years away from anything that resembles the product of a marketing meeting where within 10 minutes the next super-hip multiculti act for the pulsating city has to be on the flip chart. What should I say? This is the way we are. Our sound, our attitude, it developed in a completely natural way, says Itchyban. And precisely because this approach to life, this cultural togetherness, is so self-evident for the seven friends, they abstain from overdoing the topic in their songs. In the end, their visual presence alone already communicates this cultural togetherness. A statement can hardly be any more alive, right? Thats why we consciously decided against these anti-racism songs. People who party with us have already understood the most important aspect, says Reedoo, getting to the heart of the matter.Partying with them? In fact, its not a few people who do this. In the past two summers Culcha Candela gained the reputation of being one of the most charismatic live acts in the whole republic. They shared the tour bus with the Saian Supa Crew, Frances most successful hip-hop collective. And then theres also the monthly Culcha Night in the Kurvenstar in Berlin, a club which in 24 months grew into a cosmopolitan meeting place for the scene, a powerful alternative to Berlins battle-rap scene. Its no wonder since Culcha Candela keeps on giving newcomers of the most diverse musical colors the possibility to play for an enthusiastic audience. One has already heard roots reggae, rap, salsa, as well as rock n roll and electronic music at our parties. But actually whats really special is that in a city like Berlin all these scenes can peacefully party together, says Reedoo. And Itchyban adds, it probably has to do with the fact that from the start we distanced ourselves from the type of attitude that says only my crew and I, forget the rest. Our goal is connecting people, not excluding minorities or insulting people. A conviction the group likes to stand up for, even if the rest of the nation only all too much likes putting the unity thought in a category with the red-green-yellow sweatbands. But thats why the approach that walks through town with a raised pointer finger is wrong. And then all that awkward political stuff Were not saying that life is just a party, but we can also laugh and mellow out.August 22 nd the band will release its sophmore album The Next Generation, a definite progression for the band. We tried to work more consequent, so the structure is right. The Culcha sound and thought is still the same, just with a lilttle bit more quality., says Larsito. Indeed The Next Generation shows a step forward: Musically a bit more minimalistic, focussing on the diverse musical essence that Culcha Candela stands for. Each track digs up a versatile facet: Whether the group puts their reggea root down (Next Generation) or if they groove into our conciousness with catchy piano loops and a hip hop beat (More Peace) Culcha manage to take us along on their journey with no boundaries, you can leave the passport at home.
Open Flair-Auftritt von Culcha Candela
Friday August 8th, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Check it out
Culcha Candela - Hamma!/Fiah! (Internationale Version) NEU!!!
