Nu Cumbia Essentials

Nu Cumbia Essentials

In the hands of innovative contemporary artists, electronics have breathed new life into the tropical sounds of cumbia, bridging the gap between the folk of yesteryear and forward-thinking experimentalism. The fusion of electronic music and cumbia originated in the ‘90s—known then as "techno cumbia"—thanks to the mission statement put forth by Tejano legend Selena. The hybrid eventually known as nu cumbia reached an apex in the ‘00s courtesy of Buenos Aires’ pioneering label ZZK Records. In Mexico, Celso Piña earned a reputation as the rebel of the accordion by daring to step outside the limits of traditionalism, inviting an eccentric cohort of hip-hop and electronic beatmakers into the mix. Shortly after, feisty Colombian duo Bomba Estéreo introduced the world to their cumbia punk brilliance and kicked off an electro-cumbia craze. Peruvian producers Dengue Dengue Dengue followed suit, as did a colorful cast of Argentinean electro-folklorists that includes Chancha Via Circuito, La Yegros, and El Remolón.

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