Two different pioneers - from two different continents - are at the heart of this episode of new music. Since the late 1980s, Gipsy Kings have been infusing Catalan rumba flamenca with a pop sensibility that defies the purists. Their new single "Historia," from an upcoming album of the same name, shows they've still got that punchy danceability forty years on. And across the pond, Mexican rocker and songwriter Julieta Venegas explores the musical roots of her norteña heritage on a new album, playing with the biculturalism that defines so much of life along the border.
Plus, Las Añez brings twin harmonies to Andean folk-pop, Helado Negro teams up with Reyna Tropical, Mexican upstart Esteesgarcia confounds Ana and Felix, and more!
Artists & songs featured in this episode:
- Las Añez - "Cebolla", "Libéralo"
- Helado Tropical - "Tocando"
- Esteesgarcia - "south kids", "Okupa"
- Gipsy Kings - "Historia"
- Julieta Venegas ft. Yahritza y Su Esencia - "La Línea"
- bpuntito - "colitaderana", "después"
- Ana Moura & MARO - "Era de Aquário/Deixa o Sol Entrar"
This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.
Copyright 2026 NPR
