The Systema Solar story began in earlier 2006 when the French visual artist Vanessa Gocksh and the Colombians musicians, Walter Hernández and Juan Carlos Pellegrino started recording the documentary Frekuensia Kolombiana (2008), which researched the diverse hip-hop scenes in Colombia. However, the official creation as an artistic collective subsequently arrived during an Art Biennial festival in Medellín, when Goscksh, offered some artists from the documentary to perform together as a musical act. [1] At that time, they met part of Systema's current members, such as John Primera and DJ Corpas. Soon afterward, the hastily assembled musicians and artists made their debut performance in front of an audience of several thousand people as Systema Solar. The band's name was inspired by the sound system concept (Systema) and the meeting point where some traditional communities in the Caribbean Colombian make parties or dance events, often called "solar" (Solar). [2]
In 2009, Systema released their eponymous album in Colombia with Inter Mundos Records, their independent music label. [3] But in late 2010, Chusma Records, [4] a German imprint that specializes in Latin alternative musical acts, released internationally Systema Solar and soon received positive reviews from international music critics. Among the reviews, Chris Nickson of AllMusic describes their debut album as an "excellent mixing", with "plenty of cumbia and ample hip-hop". [5] Meanwhile, Mark Hudson from The Telegraph wrote that the band seems "mash a whole gamut of gritty indigenous sounds into an invigoratingly positive neighborhood party vibe". [6] By this year, the band received a nomination for the Premios Nuestra Tierra for Best Rock, Alternative, or Electronic Artist that year. [7]
2010–present: International success
In 2009, Systema Solar released their self-titled debut album, which blended elements of cumbia, hip-hop, house and traditional Colombian rhythms. The following year, it was re-released on Chusma Records, gaining traction within Colombia’s alternative music scene. In March 2016, an expanded edition of the album was issued by Nacional Records, featuring additional tracks from their 2013 release La Revancha del Burro. [8] [9]
In January 2017, the group released Rumbo a Tierra through Nacional Records. [10] The album’s lead single, “Rumbera,” achieved international attention after being included on the soundtrack for the video game FIFA 17. The term “rumbera” comes from Colombian slang derived from “rumbero” (party animal), here used in the feminine form to describe a woman who enjoys partying. The track and its accompanying music video challenge gender stereotypes by portraying women of different ages, gender identities, body types and ethnic backgrounds. This theme was reinforced through the group’s #DaleLaVueltaMama campaign, aimed at promoting diversity and rejecting restrictive expectations of women. [11]
Following the international re-release of their self-titled debut album, Systema Solar expanded their touring presence, appearing at festivals such as Vive Latino, SXSW, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, WOMAD and various European gatherings. Their energetic live shows marked by visual projections and performance art-have solidified their reputation as one of Colombia’s most innovative musical exports. [12] [13] [14] [15]
