La Cumbia Chicharra (France)
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La Cumbia Chicharra first formed in Marseille, France almost 25 years ago, inspired by classic Colombian cumbia artists like Lucho Bermúdez, Los Corraleros de Majagual, and Andrés Landero. Chicharra means cicada in Spanish, and the band named themselves after the chirping of the cicadas that can heard along the Mediterranean coast. The group crystallized around 2007 behind Chilean vocalist Patricia Gajardo and singer-songwriter Romain Davidico, growing into an eleven-piece ensemble known for high-energy, trance-like live shows; several members have also played with groups including Diabloson, Salsafon, and Samenakoa. The band retains traditional instruments such as the tambor alegre, tambora, and diatonic accordion, while folding in afrobeat, dub, and Balkan influences.
Featured Song:
“El Gusto” (Pleasure) appears on La Cumbia Chicharra’s fifth album, Quinto Mundo (2025), recorded near Marseille and mixed collectively by the band. Written by all eight members, the song’s accordion lines pay homage to Colombian cumbia masters while carrying the flavor of Marseille’s streets, part of an album built from small shared steps and interactions. The lyrics turn on simple, mutual affection: “When I see that you like it then I like it too / What I like, you like too, and that I really like / With you I’m happy to share those little things / That fill my life and push us to dance.”
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