On Thursday, June 20, the murgueros and the public who like this widespread popular genre have an event of honor in Mamadera, where two leading groups of the genre in the province, each one with its particularity, will win the scene. The fact is that the rhythm fans, within the framework of the celebrations for their 13 years, invited their colleagues from La Pericana for a day where they promise to sing the 40 to various current topics, with the characteristic sarcasm and irony.
“We are a happy murga, but we say what we have to say,” Rodrigo “Bubu” Ascurra, one of the oldest members of “Lxs Fanáticxos…”, defined in dialogue with DIARIO DE CUYO, who displays a River Plate or Argentine style, like he likes to say more, since the murga took root in the provinces and has its mark depending on the place it lives. “We don’t keep quiet about anything. As we are an independent, self-managed group, we do not marry anyone. Although each one may have their own political color, the murga has its own hallmark, which is to rebel against injustice, no matter who is in government. “The murga does not compromise,” said Bebu, who explained in general terms the development of the show, where – in his case – there is no lack of dancing, unlike the Uruguayan style that his friends from La Pericana cultivate, for example, as he pointed out.
“There are several moments throughout the show, which lasts about an hour. There is the Presentation Song, where we tell who we are and the Criticism Song, where we say what we think about some topics. Afterwards there is a Tribute and also the Matanza, which is the demonstration of dance and rhythm. It begins with a heavier style, which symbolizes the slaves who were chained and then there are three jumps where the murgueros kick, it is like breaking the chains, it represents the freedom of the murguero. It is a kind of ritual and although there is choreography, here everyone dances freely. And in the Song of Retirement, one is grateful and promises to return,” said Bubu, for whom the San Juan public has managed to understand, value and enjoy this expression, previously persecuted, which – he considered – has a common spirit with freestyle. In fact, there is hip hop in the new material they are preparing.
“Without a doubt, the murga is a tool for social transformation, because it teaches values such as respect for others or the importance of grouping. The issue of violence is worked on, it takes kids out of problematic situations and contains them,” Ascurra assured, without leaving aside the artistic value. “People think that it is something simple, but it is very complex as an art, because it has theater, singing, poetry, dance, music, costumes, makeup… it combines many artistic branches. Add to that the social aspect… If you have a little sensitivity, you will fall in love with the murga, it is very pretty, that is why we continue to hold it, with the flag high up,” she said.
The show, which will also feature the presence of DJ Ranking, will begin at 11 p.m. Tickets cost $2,500 and are available at entranceweb.com.ar
