Latin American reggae has an appointment in the north — and ends in the capital.
When Alika and Semáforo Reggae share the stage, it is no coincidence. It is convergence: two proposals that bring the genre from different latitudes, one from the Argentine Caribbean, another from the arid north of Mexico, with the same fire at its roots and the same real bond with its community. This July, that convergence becomes tour.
Three dates, three cities, one movement.
Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez and CDMX: the itinerary
The tour starts onFriday, July 3 in Chihuahua, in theDon Burro Cultural Forum. Semáforo Reggae returns home — literally — and does so accompanied by Alika ft. Ángel Zambrano, in what promises to be a genuine reunion with the massive venue. The type of night that the northern scene has been needing for months.
The next day,Saturday July 4, the caravan moves toCiudad Juarez. TheCentennial Annexreceives both proposals at 9 PM, on a night that represents exactly what reggae does well: cross internal borders, connect communities that share a language and vibrate even if miles of desert separate them.
And the closure, as appropriate, reaches the capital. TheSunday, July 5in theHilvana Cultural Forum, CDMX, Alika performs in full band backed byConquering Lion— its most complete format. Added to that is Semáforo Reggae and the selection ofDJ Johky ft. Erick Tepexicuapanto set the atmosphere before and between acts. Event for all ages, tickets through Passline. An evening that starts at 5 PM and doesn't have to end soon.
Alika in Mexico: why this return matters
For those who have been following the scene for years, Alika's name needs no introduction. The Argentine artist has built a career that transcends borders without losing the roots weight, with lyrics that speak from within and a presence on stage that connects with any generation of the massive. Together with Ángel Zambrano — his usual stage partner — they make up a duo that knows exactly what to say and how to say it.
That Mexico is part of their agenda is nothing new, but that this visit travels north before closing in the capital says something: the reggae scene in cities like Chihuahua and Juárez exists, has a massive presence and deserves activations of this level. Not everything happens in the DF.
Traffic Light Reggae: the north also has something to say
Semáforo Reggae is one of the most genuine projects that Mexican reggae has produced in recent years. From Chihuahua — a city that does not appear in the mainstream circuits but has its own, firm and conscious scene — they have built a proposal that mixes northern identity with the fundamental values of the genre: consciousness, community, roots.
That they are the ones who co-headline this tour with Alika is not a minor detail. It is a recognition of the work that is done far from the media spotlight, in cities where the scene depends on the genuine effort of its creators.
How to get there: dates, venues and tickets
Friday July 3— Chihuahua — Don Burro Cultural Forum — startickets.mx
Saturday July 4— Ciudad Juárez — Centenario Annex — 9:00 PM — startickets.mx
Sunday July 5— CDMX — Hilvana Cultural Forum — 5:00 PM — Passline
The CDMX date is for all ages, which makes it a real option to bring those who are starting to connect with reggae. That's part of the job too.
If you are in any of these cities or nearby, you already know where it is. Share the info, lead to the broder, lead to the nose.
A circuit worth following
This tour is not the product of a multinational record label or a mass entertainment promoter. It is the result of the work of artists who believe in direct contact with their community, of the Latin American reggae scene functioning as a network, as a family.
At Pull It Up Radio we follow it closely — as always. If you want to be aware of what's moving the reggae scene in Mexico and Latin America, you know where to find us.