Concert Review: Zona Marginal - Parker Place Bar, London - Saturday 12 February 2005

Writer : Tom Pitchon

Zona Marginal are the real deal. Latin ghetto superstars in the making. After being talent-spotted by a humanitarian delegation touring Colombia last summer, they were literally plucked out of the notorious shanty towns of Agua Blanca in Cali, and flown off to Europe to begin a three month tour of musical duty, courtesy of the Colombia Solidarity Campaign and Amnesty International. Having won over audiences and press across the UK, Switzerland and Spain with their emotive political lyrics and their smooth blend of Latin melodies and hip hop breaks, it was clear that they wouldn’t be going home quietly.

This show kicked of with a raunchy warm up set from KTL's very own Pablo N and Marcos Ledge. The Parker Place Bar was jammed to capacity - an army of expectant clubbers, activists and journalists of all ages waiting impatiently for this one last hit of authentic Colombian hip hop, Cali style. Then Zona Marginal took over the stage and delivered. Bass beats bounced off the walls, steam dripped from the ceiling, and crowds bopped till they dropped. With some damn tasty Colombian culinary goodies thrown into the mix and a collection of stalls and stands for those wanting to know what's going on in South America, this was an authentic Latin night not to be missed. A worthy launch party for their forthcoming debut album - De Talla Internacional - and a fitting climax to an inspiring tour.

But it’s not just about the music with these guys. Inside their sonic kaleidoscope lies a powerful wake-up call, urging us Europeans to put down our pints for a sec and remember that there is a US and UK backed war grinding on in Colombia, quietly and brutally claiming the lives of countless innocent civilians. The message: be aware of where your taxes are going and, if you don’t like it, then speak up and try to do something about it. To find out more or to get involved visit www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk and if you want to get hold of a copy of Zona Marginal’s forthcoming debut album email mariloli81@yahoo.com. Alternatively, if you missed the gig and are feeling gutted, you could always hop on the next flight to Cali.