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Episode details

World Service,18 Jul 2023,40 mins

The Mexican family band and the magic of the wooden monster

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Available for over a year

Mexican marimba band Son Rompe Pera are three boys, their dad, and the special power of one instrument, the marimba. From the day their dad lugged its giant wooden frame through the doors of their humble home on the outskirts of Mexico City, their lives changed. It gave them everything: a livelihood, an education and most of all a love of making music together. But bands, like families, famously have their own quarrels, and this group was no exception. The boys' decision to take their music in a new, punk direction, lead to a rift with their dad. Later, when they found themselves lost in addiction, struggling to stay united, an unexpected encounter in the street would be their way back together and catapult them onto the world stage. Presenter: India Rakusen Producer: Louise Morris Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Brothers Mongo, Kilos and Kacho Gama of Son Rompe Pera. Credit: Son Rompe Pera

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