Intercultural Student Affairs Bringing Colombian Hip-Hop Group Kombilesa Mí to Emerson

By Allison Armijo

The Colombian hip-hop group Kombilesa Mí is coming to Emerson on July 20 for a one-day event of their international tour, Alchemy of Change.

Bringing Kombilesa Mí to Emerson was the idea of tamia jordan, Director of Intercultural Student Affairs at Emerson. After a trip to Palenque, Colombia, she was inspired by the band’s music, specifically their unique instrumentation and lyrical fusion. Upon learning that the group was planning an international tour, she wanted to make sure they came by Emerson.

The event will feature a creative workshop with the group followed by a live performance held in the Student Performance Center.

The group embraces the musical and historical heritage of San Basilio de Palenque, a town formed by runaway slaves. Their music blends elements of hip-hop and traditional instruments, incorporating Spanish and the Palenquera language, which blends together African Bantu, Portuguese, English, and French.

“We rarely have events like these and wanted to be able to share with our community a little slice of Colombian culture…” said Clarisa Carillo ’24, a student employee of the Intercultural Student Affairs Center. “We hope people will be able to enjoy their music and get a glimpse of what culture and community looks like in Latin America, specifically in a town like Palenque.”

The event will be open to the public, and Emerson students can RSVP through EmConnect. For more information, please contact: intercultural@emerson.edu.