Afro-latin Night Fiesta helps connect Memphis’ culture, music
Gathered on the dance floor, it was impossible to categorize the crowd to a specific culture, race, language or religion. That’s the way the event was always intended.
Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group hosted Afro-latino Night Fiesta at the Memphis Music Room Friday to celebrate Black History Month, the first of many events from Cazateatro throughout the year to highlight Memphis’ Latin culture.
“We are only one community,” said Dorimar Ferrer, executive director of Cazateatro. “That’s why we’ve celebrated this for the last five years — in celebration of the Black History Month and the connection with our Latino and the African root, celebrating the Afro-latinos.”
Afro-latin Night Fiesta featured Latin music by DJ Xander, the all-female ensemble “Las Bompleneras” from Chicago with Afro-puerto Rican Bomba music, as well as sounds and music by Ekpe Abioto with a variety of African musical instruments.
“We’re super grateful to have the space to bring Puerto Rican, Afro-puerto Rican music,” said Ivelisse Diaz, director of Las Bompleneras. “When we talk about Afro-latinidad, it does not mean to divide. It is just bringing visibility to Black folks all over the world and how they show up. Eso es Afro-latinidad.”
While Afro-latin Night Fiesta was meant to honor and bring to light the history of one culture, it was recognized as a way to bring all cultures around Memphis together in one place.
“Black history is Latino history. It’s our history” Ferrer said. “It’s not only one month, it’s every day. We need to know each other, and so after Black History Month, after Hispanic Heritage Month, we need to go out and ask questions.
Ferrer invites Memphians to learn about the different cultures that make up Memphis — to understand who lives in the area and how they can support one another.
Afro-latino night was a way to bring cultures together under one roof, to show that it doesn’t matter where someone’s from or what languages they speak, but to mix and enjoy each other’s company through music and dance.
“All of this is about education,” Abioto said. “So this about bridging worlds, connecting dots, connecting sound.”
Throughout Abioto’s performance he would quiz and taught the audience about Black History, African culture, and his musical instruments — providing more connections that are otherwise not recognized or forgotten in American history.
The event doubled as a fundraiser to kick start donations for future events as well. The plan is to invest every dollar back into the community, so every person in Memphis can participate, learn and enjoy the Latin culture.
Events created by Cazateatro this year include Latin Fest, the Día De Los Muertos Parade, a Christmas Fiesta and shows like “So You Are Dating a Latino. Now What?”
“You don’t need to speak Spanish; you don’t need to speak English to be a part of Cazateatro. Everyone is welcome,” Ferrer said. “Only, my message is try to do something different tomorrow.”
Ray Padilla is the digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Ray_padilla_.