North London-based Imperio Bamba perform psychedelic, funked up immigrant songs using guitars, synths, catchy lyrics and Afro-Peruvian percussion to express why freedom of movement is essential for every individual.

Imperio Bamba’s influences span their Latin American roots and beyond, with chicha, cumbia, salsa, psychedelia and Afro-Peruvian rhythms colouring their unpredictable sound. Their wholehearted advocacy of freedom of movement is not just a statement about migration, but about self-expression and dance too.

Imperio Bamba – loosely translated as “Fake Empire” from the Peruvian ‘bamba’ meaning fake, a cheap copy, and with Latin musical connotations – came together as a band in 2016. Led by songwriter and producer Jules Drade, the band comprises Chilean singer and güiro player Javiera Limari, Argentine guitarist and synth whisperer Titi Damasso, Peruvian percussionist Kieffer Santander, and Chilean bassist Yuri Betancourt.

They’ll solidify your allegiance in the self-titled track “Imperio Bamba”, a message of resilience and celebration. Titi Damasso’s twangy guitar riffs rise beneath Javiera Limari’s soaring vocals, cut through by eruptive, addictive güiro rhythms. She sings: “In this upside-down world / where some feel they are above / those of us who’re put down / sneak into the cracks / taking over the ruins of their fake empire.”

The debut EP’s uplifting titular track, “My Favourite Things”, is a bilingual Afro-Peruvian reimagining of the classic tune with a chicha-infused samba twist. Opening track “Summer”, is a warm, sunny groover, inviting you to shake off your troubles and see the light inside yourself. “The sun is shining inside of you / don’t wait for summer to feel good,” they urge, traversing from Tame Impala-esque sliding acid guitar, to a rocky breakdown and into an elevated cumbia beat interspersed with a reaching guitar solo and liberating vocals imploring you to give in and “feel good”.

“Los Amantes”, a romantic, psychedelic poem-song inspired by the Julio Cortázar poem of the same name, sings of migrant lovers in the city finding each other through desire. The song is a musical journey, with spoken word narration, climbing electric guitar riffs and rhythms travelling from the trippy to the bailable. The video, filmed in some of London’s more colourful streets, features local performers throwing shapes in varied styles. The band perform, clad in multicoloured outfits and with trippy neon visual FX overlaid.

Mis Cosas Favoritas is available on Bandcamp

Also, check out Imperio Bamba’s video covers of their favourite things – songs which have inspired them – recorded from home in Chile, Peru and London.

Follow Sounds and Colours: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mixcloud / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Subscribe to the Sounds and Colours Newsletter for regular updates, news and competitions bringing the best of Latin American culture direct to your Inbox.

Share: