By José Gandue @Gandour
Cumbia never dies. It's constantly renewing its essence, its flavor, its spirit. And there are artists who know how to approach it intelligently and with a sincere desire for revitalization without betraying its core. Humberto Pernett He could have taken easier, more commercial routes, but the Barranquilla musician approached cumbia with the awareness that, although we know and are happy that the rhythm is universal, and can be interpreted with the freedom assumed by an Argentinian, a Mexican, a Chilean or a Peruvian, Its main hallmark comes from Colombia and it is appropriate to embrace it while respecting its original rules. Yes, Pernett clearly draws on current electronic elements, but he embraces the history of the genre as his own and relies on its Caribbean rhythms to craft his songs. More mainstream artists have successfully incorporated textures from EDM or other contemporary styles into cumbia. Pernett prefers to base his work primarily on folklore. And then add touches that, instead of hiding, enhance the original sound.
Pernett presents The Little Bird, a preview of his new album Sow Only Love. This track is a celebration of the sound of bagpipes, and the air of the mangroves permeates the four-minute recording. It may not have the structure required by the most seasoned DJs in the global dance scene, but it can work at any popular party. That, for sure, is what matters to the artist at this moment.