Fantastic Negrito, the modern bluesman who came out of a difficult neighborhood, with drug trafficking and murders on the streets

If there is anyone who currently perfectly represents the concept of modern bluesman is the artist known as Fantastic negrito.

Beyond a colorful and attitude-rich musical offering that combines distorted blues with funk, rock and soul, He is an extremely attractive character thanks to his life story. Almost to quote a few key words from his story, we can say that he was born in a radically Muslim home, then earned a living by selling drugs, failed a contract with a multinational and then fell into a coma after a very serious accident. on public roads and has been able to reincarnate into what it is today, a point of reference of its kind.

To give a new twist to an agenda full of international concerts, the charismatic Massachusetts-born singer will return to Buenos Aires to perform at Saturday 26th at the Vorterix Theater October, where he will present his brand new album Son of a broken man. Tickets are obtained from the system All access and the show will have rocker Walter Domínguez as a guest.

The South American connection

In a short break from his frenetic activity, the singer gets busy Clarion with that privileged voice for singing and captivating for telling stories.

-Your show at La Trastienda five years ago was unforgettable. What are your memories of that visit to Buenos Aires?

-My memories of there are always warm and welcoming. People connect incredibly with music and other ways of life. Also the beauty and architecture of the city, wow, amazing!

-Your first mention in South American media was in an Argentine music blog after winning the Tiny Desk award in 2015. How important was it for you to get that recognition almost 10 years ago?

-Well, “recognition” is a word I prefer to keep a distance from, I like “connection” more in this sense. Because music is made to connect us as human beings as we are. And being able to have that connection is amazing because it fundamentally defines the reason for existence. I mean, it means everything to me, but connection, not recognition.

-Why do you think black roots music connects so well with South American audiences?

-I believe that people who open their hearts and minds and have the will to live, not simply exist, find a deep sense of belonging in the music that comes from struggle. This happens in South America, in Italy, in France, people live surrounded by art and a great desire to enjoy life. They wanna try something, man! Something. Love, hate. pain, joy, they want to feel it.

A Muslim bluesman

-You grew up in a Muslim family, how were your first approaches to music?

-I didn’t have a conscious approach to music, but rather it was music that approached me. I like not knowing what the hell is going on, and when I don’t know what I’m listening to is when I like music the most; It gives me a lot of satisfaction. I avoided getting close, but at the same time the music saved my life.

I grew up in a tough neighborhood, with drug trafficking and murders on the streets, there you had to do something to survive. I feel like the spirit of music saved my life and still continues to save it.

-What was the first thing you thought when you realized that you were saved from your serious accident?

The first thing I thought about was whether my penis was okay. (laugh) No, no, seriously, it’s not a joke, those were my first words (whispers) “Is my dick okay?” This embarrasses me a little, but it’s the truth.

-Your music is, in some way, the product of what happened to you in life. Have you thought about the possibility of writing a book or making a documentary?

-Yes, I thought about it. I also realized that my life is similar to everyone else’s. We all experience trauma and the question is what to do with it so that it works in our favor. So I never thought in terms of “my” life, but rather how “our” lives are connected.

-Why did you decide to re-record some of your songs in acoustic versions?

-Simply because I felt inspired and I do everything that inspires me. I think everyone is my teacher, I try to always keep that in mind. If it inspires me I’ll do it, otherwise I won’t. That’s why I’m poor (laughs)

The scene in Oakland

-From outside the United States, Oakland is kind of a small city near San Francisco. How would you define Oakland’s importance in your country’s musical culture?

-Oakland is a small city with a giant footprint. He’s like the short guy but with a huge gun. (laughs)

You understand? The things that come out of that area are incredible. I like the idea that it’s a city that people continually underestimate but culturally and musically it’s a monster. His contribution to the national scene is truly remarkable from Santana to E40 to Digital Underground, Green Day, Metallica, Sly Stone… it’s crazy!

-Your collaboration with Sting, “Undefeated eyes”, was finally released, how do you remember the experience?

-We met in New Mexico at a festival. While I was playing I realized that he was listening to me on the side of the stage. I thought “Wow, he’s amazing, he’s one of the greatest artists in history!”

In my opinion Sting is an incredible songwriter and I was paying attention to what I was doing; there was a connection. I told him I had a song he could sing on and also help me finish it, which he eagerly agreed to. It’s really nice to be able to share this moment with someone who has made so much incredible music. When you are there he becomes your teacher and you are totally grateful to him. I loved that experience.

-You are a politically engaged person, so I would like to know: how do you currently see the political landscape in your country?

-It makes me think about history books all the time. I’m a fan of the story and I realize it’s nothing new. Humans repeat a lot of their own bullshit and that’s disappointing because as artists we have to compose, collaborate, produce, make films and protest, but all with love, for things to get better. As I told you before, it’s about learning, always.