Slum Cumbia/Cumbia Villera

Cumbia Villera loosely translates into “Slum Cumbia.”  Essentially, it is a form of Cumbia born out of the slums of Argentina.  For the most part, the lyrics speak of the daily struggles with crime and drug abuse, and are notoriously misogynistic.  There are many parallels between Cumbia Villera and other music from the streets like Gangsta Rap and Reggaeton.  The following images are from one night on tour with Damas Gratis (Ladies Night or Ladies for Free) and their mega-celebrity Pablo Lescano.  From 1:00 am to 9:00 am, DG played 8 different clubs throughout greater Buenos Aires.  Many credit Lescano with inventing the genre.  He was te first to play on stage in sneakers and soccer jerseys – the style of the streets.  He has become a blue-collar hero to thousands of fans in Argentina, and just recently, throughout the world with his songs and his hatred for chetos (preppies).