Latinx Band Las Cafeteras Release Spanglish Cover of ‘Georgia on My Mind’ in Support of Black & Brown Unity, Voter Participation in GA Runoffs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 18, 2020
CONTACTS:
New Georgia Project: Nicole Henderson | (404) 939-1594 | nicole@newgeorgiaproject.org
Poder Latinx: Fernanda Durand | (214) 402-0186 | fernanda@communicationsshop.us
Latinx Band Las Cafeteras Release Spanglish Cover of ‘Georgia on My Mind’ in Support of Black and Brown Unity, Voter Participation in Georgia U.S. Senate Runoffs
Watch the video of the new rendition of the classic Georgia song here
LOS ANGELES - In a unique blend of cultures, genres, and generations, the Latinx LA band Las Cafeteras released a Spanglish version of ‘Georgia on My Mind’ today, as a joyous way to unite communities, and get voters to the polls in Georgia.
With early voting for the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia opening on Dec. 14, the members of Las Cafeteras recorded the new rendition of the classic song, famously associated with the legendary musician Ray Charles, to provide an electoral anthem for solidarity among Black and Brown communities. Joining in support of the song are the organizations New Georgia Project and Poder Latinx, both of which are focusing attention on young voters of color in the state.
The song itself is another collaborative mash-up of genres, featuring artist QVLN and Sergio Mendoza utilizing Afro-Colombia rhythms of cumbia, electronica, and elements of trap music, which was born in Atlanta. Aside from the classic chorus in English, there are new lyrics that speak to a sense of determination and empowerment to its listeners via Spanish-language rap.
The Las Cafeteras' version also speaks to the changing demographics in Georgia, and the U.S. South overall, which has experienced the fastest-growing Latinx population in the country over the past 10 years. The cumbia rendition of 'Georgia on My Mind' emphasizes the rich cultural exchange currently occurring in the region, both evoking the nostalgia experienced by new Latino immigrants, while also featuring hip-hop and trap elements native to the state and popular among first and second-generation immigrant youth.
The song and its accompanying music video - which depicts a cross-country, cross-cultural trip to Georgia made by Las Cafeteras to join the movement for social justice and civic participation to create a New Georgia - are being released two weeks before the early voting deadline of Dec. 31 in Georgia.
“There’s so much at stake, we wanted to demonstrate solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Georgia,” said Hector Flores, of Las Cafeteras.
“We are delighted to support this beautiful song and the truth that it tells. We know that young people of culture can impact the outcome of this runoff election, so original and creative approaches like this will reach a wide range of voters. Georgia’s voters are a diverse blend of ethnicities and cultures. Any effort to reach them should reflect this,” said Nse Ufot, CEO of New Georgia Project.
“We are excited to partner again with Las Cafeteras, Black and Brown people in Georgia have the power to determine our nation’s future by ensuring we have a Senate that moves forward the issues that matter to us,” said Yadira Sanchez, co-executive director of Poder Latinx.
Born and raised east of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras are remixing roots music and telling modern-day stories. Their Afro-Mexican beats, rhythms, and rhymes deliver inspiring lyrics that document stories of Immigrant and BIPOC communities.
The effort was organized by Big Bowl of Ideas, a black-owned creative agency that works for social change.
“We knew this would be a hot idea. The band, the organizations involved, it's a great fusion of common values and culture,” said Wyatt Closs, principal at BBOI.
Early polling for the Jan. 5 runoff suggests the election results could be extremely close, and the final result will depend on voter turnout numbers. In specific, young people, who in the past have not regularly participated in runoff elections, have the potential to cast decisive votes in this tight race.
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About New Georgia Project
The New Georgia Project is a nonpartisan effort to register and civically engaged Georgians. To date, the NGP has registered nearly 500,000 people from underrepresented communities to vote in Georgia. In addition to registering voters, NGP also advocates for civil and human rights causes and works to advance justice on behalf of historically marginalized communities. www.newgeorgiaproject.org.
About Poder Latinx
Poder Latinx’s mission is to build a political wave of voters where the Latinx community, immigrants, and people of color play a key role in the transformation of the country and become decision-makers in our democracy. Through innovative partnerships, issue-based organizing, and leadership development, Poder Latinx is rapidly expanding the U.S electorate with new and low propensity Latinx voters. In its first six months, Poder Latinx registered 30,000 voters, building a foundation poised to create change starting with the 2020 Presidential elections and beyond.