Ana Gabriel at Wembley Arena, London

London's Latin American community were out in force at Wembley on Friday, July 7, to welcome popular Mexican singer Ana Gabriel to the capital.
by Adrian Peel
Image

With many dressed to impress and armed with their nations' flags, it seemed as though almost every country south of the border was being represented, turning the packed space into a sea of colour.

Although I'd spent the days leading up to the gig listening to Ana Gabriel's music, I can't say I'm as familiar with it as I am with that of certain other Mexican singers.

That said, it was a real pleasure to see a vocalist of this talent, charisma and career longevity (she announced during the show that she's now been making music for 49 years) in London, and I wish more Mexican artists who often sing accompanied by mariachis would make the trip to the UK.

Beginning with a 10-piece band, which included two female backing singers, on stage and a countdown, Ana, looking good in a white suit with sparkly lapels and a white tie, then came out from the back of the stage to a thunderous reception. 

The first song in the set was the exhilarating Esta Noche, with the singer announcing afterwards, "Estoy tan ilusionada como ustedes," as she addressed the fervent and very appreciative crowd. She looked quite emotional and added, "No se si tengo ganas de llorar."

The likeable entertainer, who sang brilliantly throughout, her voice never faltering, commented on the number of flags being held aloft, giving 'shout-outs' to the various countries whose national symbols were proudly on display.

As well as people from Mexico and some of the larger nations of South America, including Argentina and Brazil, there were also audience members present from smaller countries in the region at large such as Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. 

I think it's safe to say, however, that there were more people there from Colombia - which Ana referred to as her "segunda patria" - than anywhere else. "CO-LOM-BIA, CO-LOM-BIA!" they chanted enthusiastically while waving their large flags.

More great songs were given an airing - Mar y ArenaNo a Pedir Perdon, the emotive Y Aqui Estoy and the very catchy Baila el Reggae to name but four - before the mariachis came out (hooray!) to back Ana on rousing versions of Mexico Lindo y Querido and Cielito Lindo.

During these two crowd-pleasing numbers, some of Mexico's top tourist destinations, including Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, were shown on the giant screen behind in all their breathtaking glory.

Thankfully, the men and women that made up the London-based mariachi band remained on stage for a lengthy period, adding that special touch to songs such as No EntiendoEs Demasiado Tarde and La Reina.

Although I enjoyed some - but not all - of the various pop songs, it was when the mariachis were on stage that tonight's performance, which lasted an impressive two and a half hours, really hit the heights.

Ana spoke of her pride at being from the Spanish-speaking world and described the people of Latin America as being "un equipo", imploring the audience to defend their roots, saying, "es lo unico que pido".

She commented on the Latinos who have left their homelands for a better life and said she probably wouldn't have done this European tour were it not for all the Latin Americans living in Europe.

The star also thanked the fans for their ongoing support, saying that they're the only reason she's still standing and still doing what she's doing at nearly 68 years of age. She bowed her head in appreciation and could be seen wiping away a tear. 

By this point, the crowd, who had been energetically singing along to pretty much every song, were starting to chant "Luna, Luna!" Ana obliged by singing the delightful Luna, one of her best-known hits.

The chant was then "Amigos, amigos!", meaning, I later learned, Simplemente Amigos, another Ana Gabriel classic.

She pretended not to hear the chants and joked, "Si canto esa, me voy - todavia no se acaba la fiesta!" But then added, "Ustedes pagan, ustedes mandan!"

There were still a few more songs to go before we reached it, however - there were more than 30 tunes played during the show - but when it did come, Ana implored the audience to hold their phones aloft and also got them singing along to it.

The final song of the show was the euphoric Ay Amor, which had the revellers joining in as they had done all night - and well into the night, no doubt, if the happy hordes still singing it as they exited the venue was anything to go by.

Passion, warmth, music, fun and nostalgia - this gig had all that and more. 

 

 

Related Articles

Image
andres
True Romantic

We talk to four-time Latin Grammy winner Andrés Cepeda about how girls inspired him to start writing music, his secret shot of…

Image
Remembering...Pablo Milanés (1943-2022)

Where Poetry and patriotism meet sublime musicality. Any Latin American will know the angelic voice of one of Cuba's most…

Image
10 Love Songs to play your Valentine

To be honest, we could make a hundred lists of Latino love songs, indeed we have, so this year we decided to put it out to the…

Latest Content

Image
jessica
Film & Theatre
Jessica Maria Gilhooley, actor, filmmaker

Since graduating from the prestigious Drama Centre this British-Colombian Actor has appeared in…

Image
gabriela
Arts and Culture
CRASHING THE BALL: Gabriela Garcia. Actor. Writer

Born in Mexico, Gabriela García was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as…

Image
cenote
Food
El Cenote: Mexican Food Done Incredibly Well

Calling all Mexican food enthuisaists! Think deliciously fresh guacamole paired perfectly with the…

Logo

Instagram

 

Most Viewed

Image
Top 10 Argentine Footballers

As one of the biggest football teams in South America and the world, the Argentine Football…

Image
Top 10 Mexican Boxers

Globally, Mexico is known as a boxing powerhouse, boasting some of the greatest champions in the…

Image
Ballads and Boleros
LatinoLife's Favourite Mexican Male Singers of all Time

Since the days when Mexico was a serious rival to Hollywood in terms of film production and quality…