Mexican Milk
Indigenous culture is used to market the country at home and abroad, so why is it that only white faces appear on Mexican adverts?
Latin America's Real Heroines
Women human rights defenders challenge the traditional gender roles that keep women in the domestic sphere. They often suffer the worst kind of smear campaigns, accusing them of neglecting their family or of being in search of…
Favela Aesthetics: From the periphery to global fashion reference
Brazilian culture is a dazzling celebration of life, bringing together music, dance, and vibrant community spirit. At the heart of this energy lies the favela aesthetic — unexpected beauty blossoming in urban neighbourhoods,…
Peru's World Cup Fever Begins
As Peru qualifies for the World Cup finals for the first time in 36 years, David Wright reports from Lima, where the sniff of glory has uplifted a population
VAN VAN Tracks That Rock the Dancefloor
Call it Salsa or Songo, Los Van Van is the most iconic post-revolution Cuban band. They combine that high-octane, adrenaline-fuelling energy driven by their salsa cum funk rythmns, and the sweetness of their melodies provided by…
The Taste of Colombia
London's most celebrated Latin American chef and owner of one of London's finest Latin American restaurants describes his passion for the cuisine of his homeland, Colombia. Can we sense a touch of nostalgia, Esnayder?
“Fenix” Nicky Jam (Sony Music)
Reggaetón pioneer who sprung to global fame with his first album “Diferente a Los Demás” and consolidated his success in 2015 with “El Perdón” ("Forgiveness"), delivers another classic.
Ingratos hermosos
Over a career spanning nearly 30 years Mexico City’s Cafe Tacvba have experimented with a sombrero full of musical genres including rock, pop, jazz, tropical, electronica, and traditional Mexican tunes that they have melded into…
Order Within Chaos
Desorden Publico is arguably Venezuela’s most loved band. A kind of Rolling Stones meets Madness with a tropical vibe that has been rocking generations in Latin America. Jose Luis Seijas meets the legendary band in Caracas on…
Latin Pop's Feminine Side
Bomba Estéreo has paid its ‘derecho de piso’ and proved that it’s not just another ‘alternative’ Latin band adding funk beats to folklore. With a 20 year trajectory writing and producing innovative songs, founder and bassist of…
Bar Esteban
As a local to the area, Bar Esteban is my go-to for tapas. Deceptively spacious and simply but elegantly decorated, this spot screams Crouch End, with Aesop soap in the bathroom and stylish Salvador Dalí business cards. With a…
Percussion Prince
Venezuela is known for producing outstanding percussionists, who are scouted by the world’s biggest artists, from jazz to pop. Headed by the famous Quinteros family, Venezuela’s percussion royalty has planted its roots firmly…
Minimalist vampire movie with a twist: ‘MY HEART CAN ONLY BEAT WHEN YOU TELL IT TO” .
Colombian-American Jonathan Cuartas has hit the ground running with his debut feature, ‘MY HEART CAN ONLY BEAT WHEN YOU TELL IT TO’, a moving tale of two dysfunctional siblings trying to protect their frail little brother against…
THE FEBRUARY REGGAETON RECAP
In the month of love, Anitta professes her love for Romeo Santos while ROA and Hades66 name drop Rosalía. A power duo brag about how hypnotising their ‘culos' are while a rising rapper gets hypnotised by the eyes of someone…
White Flowers - When Santos met London's Colombian Community
For the UK’s Colombian community, one of the world’s largest Colombian diasporas, President Juan Manuel Santos’ state visit was a historic event. Following the international media spotlight on Colombia, the recent rejection of…
The VIA Art Prize celebrates its 4th year.
Latino Life talks to Ting Tong Chang, who’s work ‘Peng’s Journey to the Southern Darkness’ won the VIA Art Prize in 2016. Now Chang is a juror for the up- and- coming VIA Art Prize, inviting candidates to offer their work for…
Machu Picchu: So Near Yet So Far (part 1)
Apparently, the top chosen place to be when the end is nigh is the sacred site of Machu Picchu. Well here I am, having arrived at one of the last places on my bucket list, just a stone's throw away, when Armageddon happens…
“Through Love we can Link”
Brazilian superstar, Emicida, talks about his rise from the Sao Paulo favela to headlining world festivals, and impresses Arden Farrow with his message of love, positivity and hope, which is what we all need to hear right now.
This Latino Week
Timochenko Assassination Attempt, Haiti Rule By Decree, Mexico Aztec Gold Bar, Giammattei Guatemala Asylum Dilemma, Venezuela Parra Sanctions, Argentina IMF Renegotiation Date
Brazil: Facebook Enables Landgrabbing
In a new TV documentary, BBC Brasil penetrated deep within criminal networks illegally selling and deforesting conserved lands — even within an Indigenous reserve - to find some land grabbers are posting the plots they’re selling…
A Film Festival for All Londoners
At this year’s London Film festival, the Latin American presence is stronger than ever, with Guillermo del Toro’s new film, ‘The Shape of Water’, ‘A fantastic Woman’ by [Argentine-Chilean] Sebastian Lelio and ‘ZAMA’ by Lucrecia…
Brumadinho – One Year On
With the company stalling and no lessons learned, the risk of another tailings dam collapse are high. Tom Gatehouse talks to those affected by recent tailings dams disasters in Brazil
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 another. Each of the songs in this month’s recap capture contrasting emotions. From bold-bouncy…
THE OUTSIDER
Few people thought that Reggaetón - the famous “Dembow” beat with the Latino twist that exploded 15 years ago – would stand the test of time. Yet today almost every big artist, from Shakira and Enrique Iglesias to Drake, Sia and…
United Migrations?
Walk around London and it’s hard to avoid the Spanish vowels swirling around the air. The recent influx of Spaniards and Latin Americans arriving through Spain adds yet another layer to the original Spanish speaking communities.…
Freedom Control
Whilst the dazzling visual impact of muscular control and freedom can be startling and seductive, Tam Davidson peels away the mysticism of Capoeira to reveal its’ development through one people’s struggle against slavery.
Latino Olympics Heroes of 2012
Paisa girl's BMX gold helps make 2012 Colombia's best Olympics ever, Felix Sanchez can't control tears at 2nd gold, Surprise gold for Brazilian gymnast, Guatemala's Erick Barrondo wins silver in 20km men'…
Argentina's Bi-Centenary: Something to Celebrate?
As several South American countries celebrate 200 years of independence, Nick Caistor gives a view from Argentina.
For As Long As It Takes
The story of the men who have been camped on Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo for two and a half years
Family Atlantica
Spanning Latin America, Africa and Europe in a single record is no mean feat. But Family Atlantica absolutely pull it off.
Seven Things To Do In..... Cuba, Before It Changes
Cuba is one of the hottest travel destinations right now and many travel publications have rushed to come up with their lists of what to do and see in Cuba. As a Cuban-born travel expert living in London, Susana Corona lists her…
Music Speaks
At only 46, Vicente Amigo is already considered a Flamenco legend and the greatest Spanish guitarist of his generation. Currently touring with his new album “Tierra” Vicente Amigo talks to Latino Life.
Things That Matter to...Al Roc
Al Roc (pictured left) is a member of Asilo 38, one of the biggest names on the burgeoning Colombian hip-hop scene, featured in the soundtrack to the film ‘Maria Full of Grace’. They come from "Aguas Blancas", one of…
It Takes Two…
Love comes in many forms, but music never lies when it comes to harmony...so we bring you the best in North-South Harmony? From Frank Sinatra and Tom Jobim when mutual admiration looked so cool (I mean, the legs crossed and fag…