FabrikaLink brings you once again an exclusive interview with artists we admire and respect. For awhile now, we have been following their career and been very supportive throughout their trajectory. However, this is the first time we interview Puerto Rico's finest, Cultura Profetica and it is an honor!
by Jessica Roiz
Today I had quite an unexpected Tuesday morning. I received a text that I was going to interview Cultura Profetica at 10:30am. With such a short notice, I rushed out of my house and mind you, I got lost in the process. Nerves kicking in and driving 15 minutes in circles, I finally ended up at the lobby, where I had the great opportunity to meet the five members that make up Cultura Profetica.
The Q&A session began with the grand curiosity of the evolution of Cultura Profetica.
Cultura Profetica: In May of next year we will be 15 years of being together. The original members are four and now we have Juanqui whose first work appears in our latest album, "La Dulzura". The evolutions have been very different since our first album. We lived the experience from our first album and were more prepared for our other albums. There's so many influences in Puerto Rico and each of us have different styles, which in the end we combine our 'sazon' and ideas. I feel that our lyrics and music have matured since our first work. We have more knowledge and clear concept on what it is to do a project, as you can observe in "La Dulzura".
FabrikaLink: Speaking of, I have read that some fans are disappointed with this production prior to your previous work because it left out the social and political side of Cultura that we are used to.
Cultura Profetica: Those fans have not heard the album twice, in every verse there's a message, it is more poetic. We already made songs that are considered intentionally "in your face", we don't need more song like those. Our new songs were made with sincerity and it is time to show a new side of the band and reflect that 'chispa de amor'. Those things help you deal with the difficulties of the world, like economy and politics, realize that there are beautiful things in life. We haven't abandoned our ideas and social opinions but this is part of our evolution, if we keep talking about the same thing, we will never grow.
When asked about their personal favorite track in the album, the answers were "En La Oscuridad", "Del Tope Al Fondo", and "Para Estar" due to the musical arrangements, the process, and the overall feeling and vibe. In "La Dulzura" they experimented with new genres such as tango and bolero and out of curiosity I wanted to know what other sounds they would like to infuse in their music, some stated AfroCuban and others would like to try electronic or dub, just because it's big in this generation.
FabrikaLink: How does it feel taking your music outside of Puerto Rico and sharing it with other countries?
Cultura Profetica: Grateful, it’s a sign that we have many followers and listeners. You feel on another spiritual level when people recognize your work. That compromises us with the public to give more. Every trip and everything we do inspires the group.
As for their upcoming presentation at Bayfront Park, they will be sharing stage with famous reggae artists such as Bunny Wailer and Steel Pulse.
FabrikaLink: Tell us about the experience of being the only Latin reggae band going to perform at the “Woodstock of Reggae” festival.
Cultura Profetica: It’s an honor being the only Spanish reggae band; we are representing all the Hispanic people and legend bands that exist in our genre. We have made previous presentations in Miami but this is our first festival with bands that influence us and we are going to give it our all. We are counting with our Miami fans and will present our new album. We are charged with energy and because of our influences mixed with reggae roots, we are ready to give reggae fans new alternatives.
As for future plans, Cultura Profetica will travel to Europe to keep promoting the album and promised that their next album will not take five years to make. Approaching the end, the down to earth members of Cultura sent a greeting to our readers and this concluded FabrikaLink’s exclusive first interview with Cultura Profetica.
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