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Rating: The concert was already anticipated as one of those rare events that only a few thousand lucky people get to attend: Manu Chao & Radio Bemba for three dates in Italy. In itself, nothing particularly special, given that the Clandestino has made headlines during the European dates of his world tour (then in conjunction with the G8 in Genoa).
But Radio Bemba, the sound system that Manu forms ad hoc before each tour (only to inevitably dissolve it at the end) this time includes among the musicians, in addition to figures who have been his regular companions for years (e.g., Gambit on bass, and the young Madjid Fahem on guitars), also such Fermin Muguruza. A name almost hidden among the others on websites promoting the initiative, in press releases, etc...
In reality, Fermin Muguruza is a musician who has managed to channel the sentiments of independence of the Basque people into music, presenting punk versions of popular song chants. He was the frontman first of Kortatu, then of Negu Gorriak. After a brief pause, he returned in 2001 as “Fermin Muguruza & Dub Manifest,” an exceptional group that brought together artists from the Italian reggae ska scene from groups like Ramiccia and Radici nel Cemento, as well as Brazilian, African, and Cuban musicians.
Having Muguruza together with Manu Chao for a short Italian tour (August 2 in Piacenza, 4 in Pescara, 6 in Volterra) could not help but attract attention. Official sources speak of 8,000 attendees at the Arena Daturi in Piacenza; according to others, the number of attendees was around 10,000, and some even claim 15,000, many coming from other northern cities: Lodi, Milan, Verona, Padua, and even a small group from Bolzano ;-).
The Radio Bemba concert starts around 10:30 PM and immediately highlights that the group is eager to play. Pure adrenaline that flows straight into the music of Radio Bemba. The audience responds quickly and well: a relationship that ends with maximum satisfaction only at the end of more than two hours of music.
Interesting is the choice to break the concert into segments. Every 25-30 minutes, the group disappears behind the stage, probably to take a breather, especially to let the audience catch their breath. It's August, and the heat spares not even Piacenza.
Practically impossible for me to remember the setlist. The most striking fact is that Manu Chao (especially in Italy), so acclaimed as a spokesperson for the anti-global movement, primarily delivers music, a mix of sounds from different world cultures, often South American, but also raggamuffin and at times very intense, also to facilitate the entrance of Muguruza, who becomes the absolute protagonist in at least 2 of the 5 sets.
Even in this, Manu Chao's greatness is evident, this stepping back to give voice and space to his friend and companion of many concerts.
Music from Clandestino and Proxima Estacion Esperanza for Manu, more intense rhythms for Fermin, a true crowd-puller with an enviable stage presence: a leader who got the audience to sing along with “Dub Manifest” “Hitz Egin” and the anthem “Gora Herria.”
Brief appearance, in perfect Negu Gorriak style, of a rapper (I think anon to almost everyone) (short, hoodie pulled up, large sunglasses but what an impact!!!) in a song. Spectacular, I'd be grateful if someone could tell me WHO he is.
Hero of the evening was guitarist Madjid, constantly shirtless, in a truly inspired evening, to whom Manu Chao gave plenty of space. Certainly one of the most acclaimed musicians of the evening.
In all this narrative, it might seem that Manu Chao was only a co-protagonist. Far from it: he was the concert's soul and, at the same time, the conductor.
It's difficult to sum up the concert objectively. It wasn't one of those concerts that you just listen to but one of those you live through, all together passionately.
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