Interview DJ Silvao
We speak to the Latin music supremo about his Reggaeton Con Flow night, which takes place every month at Bar 4
Interview: DJ Silvao
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How would you describe reggaeton music and where are its roots?
Reggaeton is a form of dance music which blends the Jamaican music influences of reggae and dancehall with those of Latin America, such as bomba and plena, as well as that of hip-hop. The music is also combined with rapping in Spanish. Reggaeton started in Panama where it was called “reggae en Espanol”; it was soon picked up by the Puerto Ricans where it gradually evolved into what is reggaeton today.
Who are the major artists to look out for on the reggaeton scene?
Daddy Yankee is still one of the most popular reggaeton artists. He brought it into the mainstream with ‘Gasolina’. Now we have people like Don Omar, Tego Calderon, Tito El Bambino, Wisin y Yandel, Ivy Queen and even Shakira - her last two albums have had some popular reggaeton tracks, ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ being a major worldwide hit.
What kind of people have attended the Reggaeton Con Flow nights so far?
The night is quite popular with students as well as a cross-section of Leeds’ international community. We also have regular clubbers who are looking for something different. So a mixed bag of interesting and fun people.
As a Brazilian, how did you end up in Leeds?
I came here to study English. My aunt and cousins are out here, so it made the transition easy.
How does life in Leeds compare with back in Brazil?
Life here is completely different: first of all there’s the language, the weather and the food! It was a bit of a culture shock at first but I’ve gotten used to it and I am enjoying myself. I feel privileged to be able to bring my Latin culture in the form of music to Leeds and the UK.
Do you play mixes of well-known UK and US music as well as Latin music?
Yes, I play a lot of mixes. In fact, I love to mix music. I find that a lot of the UK and US chart music have similar rhythms to Latin and Brazilian rhythms, which makes it very easy for me to mix. These mixes have become my trademark style. It gives the non-Spanish and Portuguese speaking clubbers the benefit of enjoying the Latin sounds to a tune they know and love. My Beyonce ‘Single Ladies’ salsa remix has been all the rage on the salsa circuit, also my Lady Gaga ‘Poker Face’ baile funk mix goes down really well at my regular club nights.
Do you have other hobbies outside music?
I do the gym - I’m trying to keep the pounds off as I’m getting older. Football of course; I’m looking forward to Brazil winning the World Cup this year. I also enjoy watching action movies and a bit of salsa and samba dancing, of course.
18 February, Bar 4, 4 Sovereign Place, LS1 4SP, 0113 391 2651, 10pm-2am, £5
Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2010
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