Simón Martínez: “A world where everyone can belong and be ourselves is possible”

Los Guachinangos, De Tierra Caliente and Suena Cimarrón came together for the first time, blending Latin American music to support Gaza Soup Kitchen and celebrate unity within Philadelphia’s Latine community.

By Némesis Mora

Los Guachinangos, De Tierra Caliente and Suena Cimarrón are vibrant Philadelphia-based bands known for diverse cultural influences and irresistible rhythms that inspire everyone to dance, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. 

Each of these three bands is already a burst of rhythms on their own, so imagine the energy when they perform together. That’s what happened Oct. 14 at FringeArts during Mano a Mano, Corazón a Corazón. For the first time, the three bands shared the stage with two main goals: to support Gaza Soup Kitchen and bring together the city’s Latine community.

Through their music, they promote unity, identity, and a cultural fusion that reflects how Latin Americans are not monolithic, especially in Philadelphia, a city renowned for its cultural and linguistic mix. 

Los Guachinangos kicked off the show with its distinct combination of maracas, güiro, violin, congas, and signature marimba. Instantly, the audience formed a circle on the dance floor, moving to the rhythms of cumbia and Mexican jarocho. 

For Simón Martínez, the drummer with Suena Cimarrón and one of the event organizers, the night was a reminder that “a world where everyone can belong and be ourselves is possible.”

“Many people come to this country to work and are now being persecuted,” Martinez said. “This is a first effort to bring together people from our countries with those who are not. A little piece of your country is here tonight. Latin America is made up of over 20 countries; we are not just a rhythm or the caricature that they say we are.” 

He stressed the importance of unity at a time when immigration policies are putting the Latine community at risk.

Elvira Bustamante, a member of Los Guachinangos, echoed Martínez’s concerns about stereotypes faced by the immigrant community and said the event showed the power that arises when the Latine community unites for a good cause.

“We are not bad or harmful. On the contrary, we come to bring happiness, culture, life, peace, and energy to everyone’s hearts,” Bustamante said. “This event is beautiful because it highlights life. And culture is part of life, of our humanity and daily living. Culture is what guides us, and music is what moves us.”

For De Tierra Caliente founder Bronson Tennis, nothing beats “playing at home.” He describes the Mano a Mano, Corazón a Corazón event as a celebration of Philadelphia’s rich cultural diversity. 

“Having the option here in Philly to see such a diverse concert with all local groups is really great because we’re united; we’re not here to compete but to work together,” Tennis said. 

Statistics support the cultural diversity Tennis highlights. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphians speak 41 languages, with Spanish being the second most spoken language in local households, as reported by Pew Charitable Trusts.

De Tierra Caliente blends English, Spanish and Portuguese songs into an energetic fusion, drawing from its members’ roots in Philadelphia, Puerto Rico and Colombia. The band is known for its Caribbean, Brazilian and North American rhythms, using drums, bells, flutes and acoustic instruments that add up to a lively, danceable groove.

Suena Cimarrón closed the concert, lighting up the stage with traditional chonta marimba and the African rhythms of the cununos, infused with a modern twist, leaving the crowd energized.

The three bands highlight an innovative era in Latine music, blending traditional styles with modern influences and showing that Latin American rhythms encompass far more than just reggaeton, salsa, or bachata — they represent a rich diversity across the continent. Band members believe the future of the Latine music scene depends on integrating both the first Latine generations and younger, contemporary artists. 

Their call to action was clear: Philadelphia’s Latine music community deserves to grow in this city full of talent.

“It’s a movement that must continue to be nurtured,” said Suena Cimarrón guitarist Daniel Acevedo. 

According to poet David Acosta, another organizer of the event, there is no better way to promote social activism than through the arts. 

“Artists have always been at the forefront of social change movements,” Acosta said.

All proceeds from Mano a Mano, Corazón a Corazón were donated to Gaza Soup Kitchen, which provides daily meals, food packages, and assistance programs to families in Gaza.