Kali Boom This
(Early Bluefields Sound System Recording)
With a rich distinctive voice, Kali Boom is without doubt one of the most naturally gifted artists in Nicaragua. Born Newl Owen Hodgson to a poor Creole family in Bluefields, during the civil war Kali fled on foot to Costa Rica, where he spent nearly a decade in exile. While he was separated from his roots, Kali never lost his love for the traditional music that surrounded him as a boy. Since his return, Kali has gained national prominence as a popular contestant on the reality television show Otra Onda.
Mad Angels This
(Recorded live on Bluefields radio)
Hailing from one of Bluefield's roughest neighborhoods, Mad Angels are a shining example of the way music gives a focus to the impoverished and alienated youth of the region. The duo, Alen Ghart and Alex Downs, have been singing together since their early teens and call on their experience of living in an area blighted by alcoholism and drug use to create insightful, hard-edged lyrics with an uplifting message. The pair are passionate about live music and love to organize live events around the city.
Kila B
This
(Self recorded in his house)
A new arrival on the Bluefields music scene, Boyd Moses Allen, or Kila B, has rapidly gained a name for himself with his youthful energy and sharp songwriting skills. His songs, which include Natural Beauty and the anthemic Nicaraguan Man, are rooted in Costeño identity and reflect the many challenges facing young people living in a region with rampant unemployment and high levels of poverty.
