Repeating Islands

Primera Hora reports that Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 is presently in Bolivia. They offered concerts in several cities, including Santa Cruz and La Paz.

The brothers—René Pérez (aka Residente) and Eduardo Cabra (aka Visitante)—met with Bolivian President Evo Morales, who gave them copies of the diaries written by Ernesto “Che” Guevara during his campaign in Bolivia. He also presented replicas of the morral [rucksack] that Che Guevara carried during his stay in Bolivia, colorful Andean ponchos, and a mask used by dancers of the “Diablada,” the main dance of the Carnival of Oruro.

During their meeting, Morales said, “It is a surprise for Bolivians to receive this great group Calle 13. Their songs, their performances represent the people of Bolivia and Latin America. With their songs they defend Latin America, they advocate against foreign domination.” Thanking the president for Bolivia’s hospitality, Pérez added, “We will always continue the struggle for those who have less; that is what Calle 13 is all about. Long live the indigenous struggle in all sectors of South America.”

Pérez and President Morales danced to the rhythms of Bolivian indigenous tunes performed by a local band and shared an “apthapi”—a traditional communal meal.

[Many thanks to Larry La Fountain for bringing this item to our attention.]

For full article (in Spanish), see http://www.primerahora.com/evomoralesrecibeacalle13enelpalaciodegobierno-584304.html