Canadian Indigenous Artists Akawui, Nelson Tagoona, and Naskapi Release Powerful Bilingual New Single and Video – “Nueva Era”
Chilean-Canadian singer-songwriter Akawui is a multi-dimensional musical artist who is rooted in honouring his Mapuche Indigenous origin through his powerful and socially conscious music. Most often performing in Spanish, the
Chilean-Canadian singer-songwriter Akawui is a multi-dimensional musical artist who is rooted in honouring his Mapuche Indigenous origin through his powerful and socially conscious music. Most often performing in Spanish, the quadrilingual (English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) musician found his sound in Latin Hip-Hop with elements of electronic, bass, and traditional Andean Folk throughout. Immensely talented and creative, Akawui combines a multitude of seemingly opposing sounds in his music, creating an exciting and powerful musical experience for all listeners. As he gears up to release his debut solo album in May of this year, Akawui has just released a brand new version of his incredibly powerful single “Nueva Era” meaning New Era – a socially conscious song and powerful video about empowerment, rising up and ending white supremacy. An earlier version of the song was recently shared on social media by the Chilean President himself, and has grown into a new, collaborative project between three Canadian Indigenous artists – Akawui himself, groundbreaking Inuit throat singer Nelson Tagoona (the art form is most often performed by women), and Rap group Naskapi (Violent Ground). “Nueva Era” is out now!
Watch – Nueva Era:
Akawui, Nelson Tagoona, Naskapi
In his debut role as a director, Akawui has created an incredibly powerful and moving visual aspect to the already deeply meaningful song. Featuring dancers from the Nyata Nyata African dance studio in Montreal, and Akawui, Nelson, and Naskapi performing the song, the visuals continuously pivot to show men counting money at a table held up on the backs of women and men who are visual minorities, including Akawui. Representing the turning of the tables through powerful imagery where those oppressed regain their power, the immensely powerful visual is so captivating that it is impossible to turn off.
About “Nueva Era”:
The first single off of Akawui’s debut album “The Future is Tribal”, “Nueva Era” is a moving anthem of hope, perseverance, and the need for change. With elements of Rock, Hip-Hop, Alternative, and Alternative Latin, “Nueva Era” also features numerous organic elements, including live electric guitar, bass, and flute. Combined with its tremendously powerful lyrics regarding the need for a shift to a new, inclusive, and equal society, “Nueva Era” is a song that packs an incredible musical and lyrical punch, aimed at reminding all listeners that it is time for a change by shattering the patriarchy and eliminating racism, misogony, xenophobia, and homophobia. Featuring three Canadian, Indigenous artists – Akawui himself, Inuit beatbox throat singer Nelson Tagoona, and rap group Naskapi (formerly Violent Ground), the song was written from the artists personal perspectives, and experiences.
Delivered with an incredibly powerful video that combines perfectly with the lyrical content of the song, Akawui was inspired to step into his debut directing role from a photo he saw on the internet saying “if the people stand, it’s game over”. Breathing new, artistic life into the quote, the video for “Nueva Era” starts out with the powerful visual of Akawui and others having a table on their backs, on top of which businessmen are counting their money. The oppressed later stand, liberating them from the weight of their oppressors, and changing the dynamic to where the businessmen watch them perform.
Quote:
Nueva Era talks about a shift of consciousness and the birth of a New Era where minorities around the world (Indigenous people, women, the black community, LGBTQ) who had their voices and rights taken away by the white patriarch movement will now stand and walk freely. – Akawui
Biography:
AKAWUI is a singer-songwriter of Quebec and Chilean and Mapuche Indigenous origin. His father introduced him to South American folk music at the young age of three and from then on, he spent his childhood busking in the streets of Montreal and Vancouver with his father`s band, playing Andean music. These experiences along with his deep connection
with his Amerindian-Chilean heritage have inspired AKAWUI`s unique musical blend.
For urban alternative music lovers of the world, AKAWUI merges many tribal musical genres,including; Cumbia, First Nations and Andean music along with the contemporary sounds of EDM and Hip-Hop, blendind tribal and modern together. His sound is rich in percussion, carrying an electronic punch while being anchored in folkloric tradition. His lyrics convey an awakened and uplifting message with an energetic presence and at other times with a round, romantic sound. His primary goal with his art is to break down psychological barriers and prove that it is through union that one grows as an individual.
Connect with Akawui:
Website http://akawui.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/akawui/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akawui/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/akawuimusic
Twitter https://twitter.com/akawuir
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/akawui
