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The Evolution of Perrozompopo
Charles Darwin had it right… the strong survive and adapt to their ever-changing surroundings, while the weak ones become mere memories. And Darwin’s Theory can be witnessed in action in Managua, Nicaragua with the rock star Perrozompopo. Even the stage name that he chose is indicative of his tenacity. Loosely translated, “perrozompopo”, is a colloquialism for "street smart" although the nickname was actually first given to a species of gecko that stowed onboard in crates of goods that Castro had sent from Cuba to aid the Sandinista uprising in the 1970s. These non-indigenous lizards, easily identified by the red marking on their foreheads, quickly took over, running out all the local geckos… and a nickname was born.
Now, in the Twenty-first Century, the musician Perrozompopo (aka Ramon Mejia) has delivered another classic example of evolution. His first album, "Romper el Silencio", established his voice and style as a rocker with a message. The music is straightforward Rock, and the lyrics are about being politically and socially active in working towards beneficial change. The album caught the attention of Papaya Music, Costa Rica's major music label, who signed on to distribute the CD. The second Perrozompopo CD, "Quiero Que Sepas", took on a varied look from the first. The lyrics kept his initial theme, concentrating on the plight of Central American women. For half of his new songs, he continued to employ his Nicaraguan urban rock band to accompany him. For the other half, Papaya Music brought him into their San Jose recording studios and surrounded him with talented, successful Costa Rican musicians, including members of the popular band Malpais and the three-time Grammy winners Editus. Another subtle change was printing the liner notes and lyrics in English as well as Spanish. The result was a more marketable, palatable product that allowed for a wider audience, further enhancing their evolution.
The new Perrozompopo album, "Canciones Populares Contestatarias", sees the artist reunite with his Managuan band, including new lead guitarist, Federico Miranda, who adds a little more punch and distinctive style than his predecessor. This entire album was recorded in Nicaragua and was funded by the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development – another feather in the cap of the street-wise survivor, who is rapidly being portrayed as the voice of a Nicaraguan generation. The twelve-song CD kicks off with "9 Dias", a song written a year ago about the trials and tribulations of living in a poverty-stricken country. In fact, four of the songs were written more than a year ago, as if the author was waiting for the right time to release them. Other standouts include "Cancion Toxica", "Mirando al Sur", and the final cut, "Angel del Cielo", a beautiful ballad and a fitting close to the album. Perrozompopo seems more comfortable in his own urban setting, no matter how volatile it might be, as this is the theme for the bulk of his songs. And he always seems to be bent on positive change and survival. Darwin (and Sandino) would be proud of him!
All of Perrozompopo's CDs are available at the Jaime Peligro bookstores in Playa Tamarindo, Tilaran and Quepos, where they will gladly sample the music for their customers.
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