No one knows how to rock like the Tucanes de Tijuana (legend has it that’s Spanish for Toucans of Tijuana), the Norteño band that are part of the Coachella 2019 lineup. If you don’t know who they are, have a quick glance at their website where their story is encarved as if a prophecy given unto us from the Gods of music. “They set off from Sinaloa. They were headed to the border. Four friends and a big dream. The hopefulness… may it never die.” That’s deep, man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=watch
Fun fact, Los Tucanes de Tijuana are originally from the Mexican Northern state of Sinaloa but later embraced Tijuana as their adoptive city, since it’s where they finally settled and their career took off. Their story embodies that of many dreamers which set on a quest for a better tomorrow. Before, a dream; behind, a history.
It didn’t take long before their uncles gave them their first instruments and passed unto them the passion for Norteño music, which are known for heavily featuring accordions, catchy tunes and stories about local heroes (some of which are famous drug dealers).
They had the music and they had the outfit. All they needed was a mascot. Add a lovely, exotic animal and you’ve got everything you’ve always been looking for. But still, the love they shared for Tijuana led them to make it part of the band name. Also, alliteration.
This line up has come under fire by people who consider the greatest music festival in Southern California to be exclusively about Rock. But Rock is about sticking it to those people as well. Let’s not forget how Los Angeles Azules overshadowed virtually every other artist last year. The question isn’t why artists like Tucanes de Tijuana were booked for Coachella. The question is: what took them so long?
Los Tucanes de Tijuana is the most important Latin musical group of the decade, according to themselves, so is it any wonder they’ve been booked for Coachella 2019?
This is their motto, this is their cry: “A new Norteño feeling. A new way of expression. A people experience and for the people. Their success is shown on their millionaire record sales and the massive attendance to their presentations. Unique…Authentic…Without Comparison…these are their most outstanding achievements of Los Tucanes de Tijuana” (sic).
Ever since that day on April 13th, 1987 at the Bar Razza’s Club in Tijuana, where they were baptized with their current name, they’ve garnered critical acclaim, love from the people and did I mention a total of twelve Grammy nominations?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHrPicT5dfE
Then, 2018 came with what can be safely called the greatest honor of all: they had their own challenge which went completely viral. People all over the place were getting out of a moving car to dance to their most iconic tune: “La Chona”. Yes, this is the latino version of the #inmyfeelingschallenge, aka #KekeChallenge. Thalía, Chiquis Rivera, Snoop Dogg, they were all doing it and killing it.
Fly, #LaChonachallenge, fly.
Look forward to seeing history in the making on April 12th and 19th. All hail Tucanes de Tijuana, the greatest band you’ll see this year’s Coachella.
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Don’t forget to click on these links:
Latinos Have Conquered the Music Industry And Coachella Is Proving It
Reggaeton: The Music That Liberates You One Sexy Song At A Time
10 Lessons We Learned From Beyoncé’s Vogue September Issue
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