Live Review: Nicola Cruz remixes Rio Mira's tribal 'Adios Morena' with a twist

Since UNESCO added the marimba to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, deeming the instrument and cultural chants and dance of people of African descent integral to the community of the Colombian South Pacific region and Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador, Ivis Flies and Ivan Benavides created the RIO MIRA project.

With an aim of strengthening the cultural landscape and ties between either side of the Colombia-Ecuador border, as well as marrying up sounds and eras from Afro Music and the Pacific, Rio Mira have crafted Marimba del Pacifico - a complete record made up of a number of collaborations from acclaimed Cali and Esmeraldena artists. Due for release sometime this year, they've revealed its leading track, 'Adios Morena', that has since been officially remixed by South American artist, NICOLA CRUZ.

Encompassing the link that Rio Mira wish to emit, Nicola Cruz has married up elements of Afro beat with a Westernised twist. Restraining the pace to that of calamity, authentic beats and natural body percussions play with subtle electronic sequences, and at times wear filtered jackets to add further texture what the original version has to offer.

Keeping the marimba present is traditional; it's genuine nature is idolised, and travels through the track as if placed on a pedestal. Aligning the passionate vocals with the additive elements that the musician has carefully incorporated to create this appropriation, Nicola Cruz's take on Rio Mira's 'Adios Morena' is both refreshing and culturally respectful.

'Adios Morena' is the first single taken from Rio Mira's debut record, Marimba del Pacifico. Remixed by Nicola Cruz, Kaleema & Chancha Via Circuito, Midnight Ravers and M. Rux, stream all versions HERE, via AYA Records.

Words by Hannah Galvin.

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