Colombian superstar Shakira made her move into the U.S. market during the so-called Latin Invasion at the beginning of the century, followed not long thereafter by singer-songwriter Juanes. Then urbano compatriots J Balvin and Maluma made the leap in the past few years. Now it's ChocQuibTown's turn. The hip-hop trio consists of Gloria "Goyo" Martínez, her brother Miguel "Slow" Martínez, and her husband Carlos "Tostao" Valencia.
The band behind hits such as "De Donde Vengo Yo" and "Pa' Olvidarte" is attempting to follow in the footsteps of its fellow countrymen to become the latest Colombian act to cross over into the American market. ChocQuibTown will soon head out on its first official U.S. tour, kicking off the six-city trip in Miami August 2 at Flamingo Theater Bar.
Differentiating ChocQuibTown from the majority of mainstream Colombian acts is the fact its members are Afro-Colombian — a demographic that has long been underrepresented in Colombia's entertainment industry despite making up more than 10 percent of the population. The band hails from the department of Choco and reps the predominantly Afro-Colombian area with pride, as evidenced by its folk sound and the name ChocQuibTown (a combination of "Choco" and its capital, "Quibdo").
ChocQuibTown has already broken down barriers and picked up Latin Grammy and Grammy nominations along the way. The group has also collaborated with Latin music heavy-hitters such as Nicky Jam, Farruko, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Becky G. The last artist is featured on the band's latest single, "Que Me Baile," a banger whose music video is African-centric and carries a message of female empowerment. And as Goyo told New Times over the phone while in New York to perform at LAMC's SummerStage in Central Park, the members are ready for more collaborations of a different variety.
The following interview was translated from Spanish to English and edited for clarity.
New Times: You guys have been releasing albums since 2006. Why did you decide now is the time for an official U.S. tour?
Goyo: It was our dream. We’ve toured Europe and are interested in crossing more borders. We’re going to be able to spread our music in the U.S. We also want to collaborate with North American artists. That means we have to put in the work here. Touring the U.S. isn’t easy, but after all these years, we wanted to give it a shot.
Which American artists would you most like to collaborate with?
I’d love to record with Pharrell Williams, Timbaland. I like Lizzo a lot — lots of artists. We’re fans of the music in the U.S. But sometimes it’s not about who you want to work with but who you connect with. We’ve started having a few of these conversations with producers.
Did any American artists have an influence on you growing up?
I really liked what Lauryn Hill did as a singer, production-wise and conceptually. I could identify with her. Nina Simone is another artist who influenced me — her style, her voice.
Speaking of Hill, how do you feel about people frequently comparing ChocQuibTown to the Fugees?
They’re an emblematic group in hip-hop. There are few artists like them. But the comparisons have more to do with the fact that we also have two men and one woman in the group.
You said in an interview with Colombia's Canal 13 that you were a huge fan of Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" when you were younger. What was it about the song that appealed to you?
I listened to it a lot. I liked seeing someone from the hood speaking his mind and talking about issues specific to where he’s from but also that the whole world could connect with. I’m passionate about that — stories that are different and tell a story of the world. That’s what ChocQuibTown does with where we’re from in the Choco in Colombia. We’re proud of where we’re from. When you talk about ChocQuibTown, you’re talking about the sound of the jungle and urban music. We’re three Afro-Colombians talking about our experience and inviting you to dance. We try to carry that energy. Here’s ChocQuibTown: We’re urban, and we’re doing our own thing.
Did you have trouble understanding the lyrics to "Gangsta's Paradise"?
I would try to imitate what he said, but I didn’t know what he was saying. Lots of people where I’m from spoke English, so they would tell me what the lyrics meant — friends, cousins.
Are you doing press only in Spanish to promote the tour, or are you also doing English interviews as well?
I did my first interview in English with Genius, which was a challenge. I wanted to make that effort and practice. But the truth is I was nervous. I get scared that I’m going to make a mistake. It can be embarrassing to speak in another language.
You won't have to worry about speaking English in Miami.
We’ve played a couple shows there — mostly for award shows. It’s a special place in the United States. I love Wynwood, the way the city celebrates Art Basel.
There are several artists from Latin America who now call Miami home. Have you given any thought to moving here one day?
I feel really comfortable in Miami. I get why Latin artists move there. When you’re in your own country, it can be hard to go to a mall [if you're famous]. Sometimes you want to be somewhere where you’re unknown. I could see myself moving to Miami or Europe — but probably Miami first. It’s something I’ve thought about.
Have you been getting recognized in New York?
It’s happened a lot on this trip. I’ve been recognized in restaurants. I think people in the U.S. are getting to know Colombian culture and artists better. It’s not just Colombians recognizing us — African-Americans as well. I love that. It feels great to cross over and expand our audience.
ChocQuibTown. 8 p.m. Friday, August 2, at Flamingo Theater Bar, 801 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami; 786-803-8194; flamingotheaterbar.com. Tickets cost $55 to $90 via cqtustour.com.