Rio Mira (Ecuador / Colombia)

 Rio Mira takes its name from the Mira River, which flows between Ecuador and Colombia. Based in the Ecuadoran town of Esmeraldas, this group’s music navigates a similar path. In particular, Rio Mira celebrates music that connects the region’s Pacific Coast and its strong retentions from Africa. This was an area that escaped slaves (often called cimarrones) had made their hideout since 1700s. Percussion drives much of the ensemble’s music: usually two wooden marimbas (similar to xylophones) are performed alongside an array of drums and shakers. Its amazing vocals—which are sometimes a cappella or feature stirring call-and-response patterns—are emphasized just as much. Lead singer Karla Kanora’s wide range and dramatic delivery usually becomes the focus. Rio Mira released its debut disc, Marimba Del Pacifico, in 2017. The album contains the ensemble’s versions of religious and ritual music, as well as Ecuadoran poet Jalisco González’s “Agrandao,” which describes connecting with his ancestors.

• https://www.facebook.com/pg/RioMiraMarimba/