MUTEK | RICO X PARIA Ensemble, heritage and radical futurism

Last night, at l’Esplanade Tranquille, I attended the premiere of RICO X PARIA Ensemble and was struck by its contrasts and intensity! The set opened in a dark, almost punk atmosphere, where the haunting voice of RICO RICA carried a raw energy, filled with tension and character. The electronic textures of Bclip accentuated this sense of urgency, as if we were witnessing a liberating cry from the margins.

Then everything changed. When accordionist Jose Daniel Rico Nieves and percussionist Elias Musiak joined the stage, a whole new dimension unfolded. The traditional Colombian sounds brought a vibrant softness that suspended time. It was as if the memory of a carnival or village festival had suddenly filled the space, reminding us of the enduring power of a living musical heritage.The encounter between these instruments and Bclip’s electronic manipulations gave the impression of a fragile but powerful dialogue, where each note resonated with depth.

The final part blew everyone away. The rhythms quickened, the bass thickened, and RICO RICA projected her voice in an irresistible electro-Latin frenzy. Guaracha, champeta, and mutant reggaeton—all fused into a collective energy that filled the crowd with exhilaration. This powerful, vibrant, and danceable finale was not just a musical celebration, but a liberation, a moment when tradition and queer futurism came together in a single incandescent breath.

Photo: Bruno Aïello-Destombes