'Leave to Remain' by Wara

'Leave to Remain'
by Charlotte Mackenzie
Image
The melting pot that make up Wara's 9 piece London based band adds 'sabor' and injects soul into their unique style of Latin Jazz. The members from: Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Ghana, Spain, the UK and Congo create songs in which the UK and Cuba collide head on. Urban reggae and soul meet Cuban timba and rumba, providing a backdrop against which their bilingual lyrics touch on life in London vs immigration and identity. The group formed in 2009 and have been successful in creating their own soulful music with cleverly mastered Latin touches and blends of styles and rhythms. 'Leave to Remain' is a definite nod to heady summer nights in Havana Cuba. 'Pide a Yemaya' features Cuban bata drumming and a backdrop of santeria vocals that makes hairs stand on end. 'Leave to Remain' and 'Somewhereland' document fitting in here in London, whilst still infusing sexy Latin riffs. The funky, hectic 'Caprichoso' is a great track featuring diva-esque commentaries and effortless beats. As Eliana Correa, the band's keyboard player and MD puts it 'We reinterpret what has already been done (in Cuban music) so it applies to young people living here in the UK in 2013,'. The album certainly projects the group well into 2013 and beyond, making Latin styles accessible and 'cool' for UK ears. Wara are energetic and emit a palpable energy live in concert. If you aren't lucky enough to be going to the Secret Garden party festival then catch them in London on the 7th August at the Jazz Cafe and prepare to be greeted by an infectious, cool, fresh Latin music for 2013.

Related Articles

Image
The August Reggaeton Recap
THE AUGUST REGGAETON RECAP

As we enjoy the last few days of sunshine and blue skies, artists have been dropping some upbeat melodies that are catchy enough…

Image
THE JULY REGGAETON RECAP

In the true spirit of summer, it seems every single artist has taken the opportunity to venture outside and team up with one…

Image
THE JUNE REGGAETON RECAP
THE JUNE REGGAETON RECAP

Karol G surprised everyone by announcing a new album while the second half of this reggaeton power couple, Feid, also decided to…

Latest Content

Image
Mate drinks 1
Food
Alcoholic drinks from Maté tea? Is this possible or too far-fetched?

A fine liqueur ‘YERBA SPIRIT, and a smooth ‘LONDON MATE DRY GIN’, both made with Maté tea, have…

Image
Forastera (2025) Zoe Stein & Lluis Homar
Film & Theatre
FORASTERA (2025), Catalan writer/ director Lucía Aleñar Iglesias’ debut…

Developed into a full- length feature film from her successful multi-nominated short of the same…

Image
The August Reggaeton Recap
Music
THE AUGUST REGGAETON RECAP

As we enjoy the last few days of sunshine and blue skies, artists have been dropping some upbeat…

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…