Boomers who grew up listening to Top 40 radio regularly heard songs that were not in English: Remember “Sukiyaki” and “”Al Di La?” “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu?”
In addition to “La Bamba,” Latin inspired songs were, and still are, especially popular: In 1974, Spanish band Mocedades’s “Eres Tu” was a sensation, the “Macarena” was a hit song and a dance craze, and in 2017 “Despacito” exploded the airwaves.
The bilingual song du jour is “Telepatia” by Colombian/American singer/songwriter Kali Uchis: it’s captivating and her voice is dreamy: a magical combo. Helped along by BIG buzz on Tik Tok, “Telepatia” surged on radio, already charting #16 on Rhythmic Top 40 and #23 on Top 40.
The song’s video, also directed by Uchis, is sensual, louche and tres sexy and looks like a cross between a fashion show and a travelogue. Lots of vamping.
Kali Uchis
•. 26 years old. Born in Virginia. Her father is from Colombia.
•. Her style is a mix of R&B, Latin and Latin Pop influenced by the 60s soul and doo-wop
.•. Numerous music awards and nominations, including the 2018 Grammy for “Best R&B Performance” and a Latin Grammy in 2017 for “Record of the Year.”
*Henry Wadsworth Longfellow