In the midst of the scenic French Alps, Rawayana’s Beto Montenegro sips tea in a ski locker room, reflecting on an era of transformative artistry and political upheaval. As the lead vocalist of a band known for crafting musical sanctuaries amid Venezuela’s turbulent waters, Montenegro keenly examines the changes that have shaped both his sound and his homeland.
Navigating a New Chapter: The Band’s Journey
Formed by Beto Montenegro, Andrés “Fofo” Story, Alejandro “Abeja” Abeijón, and Antonio “Tony” Casas, Rawayana emerged from Caracas with their debut album, Licencia Para Ser Libre, in 2011. The growing crises in Venezuela forced much of the group into the diaspora along with millions of compatriots, embedding these experiences in their 2021 release, Cuando Los Acéfalos Predominan. Their art is a reflection of resilience and adaptation in the face of socio-political challenges.
Their ascent continued with a Grammy-winning album, ¿Quién Trae Las Cornetas?, and a vibrant Coachella set. But it wasn’t just accolades that defined their journey; contentious political landscapes, including conflicts with President Nicolás Maduro, have also punctuated their path. Montenegro found himself deeply contemplating the future, leading to their innovative album, ¿Dónde Es El After?.
A Dance Towards the Future: ¿Dónde Es El After?
Released with the dawn of a new year, ¿Dónde Es El After? emerges as Rawayana’s most dynamic album yet, featuring collaborations with reggaeton icons Jowell & Randy and Justin Quiles, among others. It introduces "venetón," a fresh blend of contemporary urban and tropical sounds, challenging the boundaries of Latin music.
Conceptually, the 23-track album poses critical questions about life and existence, veiled with buoyant rhythms and witty lyrics that make you dance and think. Montenegro, the creative mind behind this exploration, leverages vibrant soundscapes to frame a deeper narrative about the Venezuelan condition and universal human experience.
Cultural Intersections and Innovations
Rawayana’s willingness to blend genres is evident in the collaborations on this album. Tracks like “Como De Sol A Sol,” produced with Carín León and Grupo Frontera, exhibit a rich cultural exchange. Meanwhile, “Amor De Contrabando” with Magic Juan nods to the rhythm of merenguetón, underscoring the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Puerto Rico’s cultural influence is palpable in the band’s music, a testament to the island’s impact on Montenegro’s songwriting. This album further showcases Venezuela’s heritage, as Rawayana crafts a sonic tapestry that is at once rooted and exploratory.
Embracing Change and Shaping a New Reality
The album’s title track reinforces a desire to reshape narratives: "Rawa wishes you a happy New Year, and may the sons of bitches finally leave." Shortly after the release, significant political changes unfolded in Venezuela, adding prophetic weight to their music. This album isn’t just escapism; it’s a call to reimagine Venezuela’s future.
The Emotional Core of ¿Dónde Es El After?
Tying the album’s sonic exploration to its emotional resonance is “Tonada Por Ella,” co-written by Montenegro and Servando Primera. This heartfelt song, embraced by Venezuelans as a comforting anthem, captures the bittersweet reality of diasporic life—a love letter to their lost country.
Montenegro reflects, “There’s a lot to gain amidst the pain.” For Rawayana, the music isn’t just art—it’s a medium of connection and a vehicle for cultural reflection. By living in the present with intent, Montenegro and his band continue to chart an innovative course, inviting listeners to join them in their introspective journey.