VIP No.52 Interview with Esteban Copete

In this edition of Backstage, we speak with Esteban Copete, leader of Kinteto Pacífico and a cultural promoter in that region of Colombia, to delve into the reasons behind his latest songs, his film experience (his first and last), and some recommended artists such as Kirk Franklin and Pericles from Brazil, among others.

1. “Yo quería la paz” (I Wanted Peace) is one of your latest releases. A chirimía (a traditional Andean folk music ensemble) with Dino Manuelle. What is it like to sing about reconciliation and dialogue at a time of such social tension?

It's called “Yo quería la paz” because I believe that in this moment of such social tension, and for a long time now, what we need is to come together more. Political divisions have contributed to this tension. We're taking this defense of one political leader or another very seriously, and in the end, it's us, the people, who bear the brunt of it. The title comes from a slip of the tongue by the President that went viral and sparked a lot of ridicule. Since social media has become a tool for mockery or attacking people, my invitation with this song is to stop focusing on how to tear each other down, but rather on how we can all help each other move forward. I wrote “Yo querí la paz” (I Wanted Peace) to turn that mocking discourse on its head.

2. In June, he also released the video for “Sensaciones” (Sensations) with Alexis Play. Another audiovisual piece that features nature as the protagonist. What is the intention behind the importance of the Pacific landscapes in the videography of Esteban Copete and his Kinteto Pacífico?

Alexis is from Chocó, like me, and we always want to show where we come from. The beautiful landscapes of our Pacific region. It's a song with an aguabajo rhythm, a chirimía style, fused with R&B and hip hop to give it a sense of identity. The video showcases all the beauty and diversity of our Pacific region.

3. In 2012, you starred in Chocó, Johnny Hendrix Hinestroza's film. What did that acting experience teach you about your career as a musician?

It was a very pleasant experience that I didn't expect since I'm not an actor. Johnny needed a natural actor, someone who played the marimba and understood the musical and social codes of the region, and for him, I was that person. He invited me, and I gladly accepted. The film denounces the scourge of domestic violence that affects all countries and also the problem of illegal mining that affects many areas of our country. It was a great experience, but it has been my only acting experience.

4. Saxophonist and marimba player. How does the mind and spirit adapt to playing each of these instruments with different origins?

Because of my family background—my father was from Chocó, and my mother is the daughter of Petronio (Álvarez), whose entire family is from Buenaventura—I grew up very close to the culture of the chirimía and the marimba. My whole life has been linked to those two formats. It's a coincidence, having been born into this musical family with influences from the North and South Pacific, and that's where the connection with these two instruments comes from.

5. We've gone more than a year without concerts, festivals, and large-scale shows. How do you think the logic of live events should change to adapt to the new realities?

It's been a long time since we've played, but life must go on, and we must adapt. With the vaccines, I think shows will gradually reopen. The important thing is to understand that this virus is here to stay, and we must adapt. Artists are among the most affected, so it's important that local authorities carefully consider how we can return to performing for audiences.

6. Which artists have you discovered during this pandemic period that you would like to recommend?

I discovered Kirk Franklin, the director of a gospel band, through his TinyDesk concert in that beautiful format. That show is amazing. There are many others like Adonis and Osain of the Mountain, I love Pericles of Brazil.