Río Mira

Cultural traditions. Modern energy.

Taking its name from the river, which runs from Ecuador into Colombia, Río Mira brings together marimba masters Esteban Copete and Larry Preciado, Ecuadorian singer Karla Kanora, and an incredible ensemble of Afro Latino folkloric musicians. With a cultural identity rooted in the East African diaspora traditions, Río Mira specializes in blending contemporary music with traditional sounds that date back hundreds of years. Both their folk sound and electro-cumbia remixes are founded on the mastery and artistry of great musicians and producers from both countries.

The story of the marimba is closely intertwined with the rebel slaves who made the region their home from the early 16th century onward. In 2015, UNESCO declared the marimba music of South Pacific Colombia and Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador to be Intangible Cultural Heritage. Recalling the history of the Pacific, Rio Mira’s music is a reminder of the unity that binds together a region divided by state borders.

This engagement of Río Mira is made possible through Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America, a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.