>> Blanquito Man on the many musical genres that make up King Changó

Mariachi: “It is one of the most popular styles of music worldwide. My grandma, for anniversaries or her birthday, just bring her a mariachi band. People don’t serenade anymore, but mariachi keeps that love alive.”

Mambo: “It’s going through some great changes. Systema Local, a sound system in Mexico, are at the forefront, producing some nice, electronic hard-step mambo.”

Dub: “It makes me feel like I am high without the necessity of any drugs.”

Cumbia: “Cumbia has two sides, like a coin, Indian style and African style. And they have accordions, which is European. My favourite part is all of it together. The origin of the dance—which is very close, just moving to the left and then straight, in circles—is incredible. It is so close because the slaves danced the cumbia wearing balls and chains.”

Salsa: “We play hyper-salsa. I love Fania salsa and Oscar DeLeon, but I don’t like salsa today, with its production. They all sound the same. Very formulaic.

Punk: “It lets you grab an instrument without knowing what the fuck you are doing. Without that attitude I don’t think I would have ever had the balls to get on stage.”

Ska: “Ska music, man, is like the big bang to me. It feels like punk these days, but more musical. It represents youth, it makes you feel good, makes you feel Irie. Monkey man!” :