Mexican artists revive Indigenous languages through rap
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Indigenous artists in Mexico are using rap music to preserve their languages and share their cultures, performing at the second edition of the Indigenous Hip Hop Festival in Mexico City.
The festival, held on Indigenous Resistance Day, featured concerts, exhibitions, and an open mic session where artists rapped in languages including Zapotec, Mayan, and Mazatec.
Rappers like Mare Advertencias, with 23 years of experience, see hip-hop as a versatile genre that responds to the needs of its community, allowing artists to connect with audiences beyond traditional settings. Artists also addressed the discrimination they face within the music industry, with Mayan rapper Pat Boy noting that Indigenous hip-hop artists are often separated from their peers.
Mazatec rapper Xéti NdáJnió explained that performing in her native language allows her to connect with audiences on a deeper level, showcasing the power of rap to reach diverse communities. Organizers like Ángeles Solís emphasized the importance of creating independent platforms for Indigenous voices and languages.
The festival builds on a growing movement, following a similar event in the Bronx and with a future event planned for Lima, Peru, on October 17, as artists across the continent work to raise awareness and preserve Indigenous cultures.
