Quilombolas

Quilombolas is a multicultural Twin Cities based world-fusion band combining diverse musical influences from around the globe with strong African roots such as hip-hop, reggae, samba, salsa, rock, funk, and other styles to produce a unique multiethnic groove. The members, including Eric S.B., Levitt8, and Papi Umar Malik, draw inspiration from Zumbi and the Quilombos of old as a sign of unity in the face of the many forms of oppression that still exist today. Politically charged lyrics add to...

Quilombolas is a multicultural Twin Cities based world-fusion band combining diverse musical influences from around the globe with strong African roots such as hip-hop, reggae, samba, salsa, rock, funk, and other styles to produce a unique multiethnic groove. The members, including Eric S.B., Levitt8, and Papi Umar Malik, draw inspiration from Zumbi and the Quilombos of old as a sign of unity in the face of the many forms of oppression that still exist today. Politically charged lyrics add to the fire of their musical activism, while a constant vibe of unity and celebration abounds. In addition, lyrics are sung and rapped in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hebrew, and some African tongues like Yoruba. The band combines all of these elements with the belief that all people are multiethnic and mutlicultural mixes and should celebrate the diversity that unites and strengthens the quilombo. Quilombolas have also been compared to and are heavily influenced by the bands Ozomatli and Chico Science & Nacao Zumbi.Steadily building an audience over the last several years, they have been featured at the Twin Cities' Afrifest, the Earthfusion Festival, on Fox 9 Morning News, in addition to collaborating with noted Twin Cities artists Maria Isa, Truthmaze, spoken word artist e.g. bailey, Rodrigo Sanchez-Chavarria, and others. Tru Ruts/Speakeasy Records will release their debut album, The Common Past, in the Spring. For more information: myspace.com/truruts, myspace.com/quilombolas or contact info@truruts.com.