Afro-Andean Funk, following their recent nomination for the Latin Grammys 2022, will release their second album ‘Flower on Fire’ on May 30th.
The Peruvian-American duo, formed by vocalist Araceli Poma and bassist/composer Matt Geraghty, breaks cultural barriers creating a powerful and distinct sound that fuses Andean roots music with American funk, rock, electronica and pop; highlighting stories of social struggle, shamanic rituals, the healing power of ayahuasca.
‘Flower on Fire’, has on its cover the Cantuta, a flower from the Peruvian Andes, symbolic of the resilience of millions of indigenous women committed to preserving their cultural identity, their traditions and their native languages.
The album begins with a song titled, ‘Kukama’, sung by Poma, composed by Geraghty and featuring the voice of indigenous community leader Semira from the Amazon singing in the language ‘Kukama’ — an endangered Amazonian native language, spoken by only 1500
Kukama-speakers in the world.
Poma also sings in Quechua on the album – another endangered language she learned from her Grandmother from the indigenous Andean communities of South America.
"Our new music is deeply connected to my story and experience of moving to NYC from Peru to pursue my dreams in music as well. Moving to NYC and starting my life here has been full of challenges. Yet, I am inspired by all of the many indigenous women that I’ve met here in NYC
who through their resilience are preserving our cultural identity and traditions.”
While directly inspired by the stories within Poma’s own culture and traditions, Afro-Andean Funk reflects the diversity of New York City’s international music scene too.
Between American bassist Geraghty and Poma, ‘Flower on Fire’ unites funk, electronica, rock and world music with the sensibility of music from Peru for a completely unique sound.
"This new music we composed is a blend of modern musical styles with heart-felt deep lyricism, memorable melodies, funky grooves and rich harmonies,” comments bassist, composer and producer, Matt Geraghty.
Afro-Andean Funk's second album, ‘Flower on Fire’, features 11 original compositions addressing themes of bullying, personal healing and social justice.
“The world needs to know about the injustices against our people in Peru and South America that have taken place for years specifically against minority indigenous communities. I will not stay silent about the atrocities against them, and through our song ‘Somos LatinoAmerica’ we
wanted to show unity with them in their fight for justice and equality,” says Poma.
Featured guest artists include Vox Sambou and Manno Beats from Haiti and Grammy Award Winning Accordion player Gil Goldstein.
Afro-Andean Funk will be performing their Album release event at Lincoln Center July 9th.
The Peruvian-American duo Afro-Andean Funk, formed by vocalist Araceli Poma and bassist /
composer Matt
Geraghty, breaks cultural barriers creating a powerful and distinct sound that fuses
Andean roots music with electronica, funk and world music — showing solidarity with communities
in Latin America by bringing visibility to voices and cultures under threat of extinction....more
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