6 Latino artists talk climate change - Front Page Live

6 Latino artists talk climate change

  • 10/21/2020 3:33 pm ET • George Duval
Side by side photos of Bad Bunny, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, and Shakira

Wikimedia

The Hispanic and Latino community is now the largest non-white voting bloc in the country, changing the political landscape, and consequently, the results of elections nationwide.

As issues affecting Latino voters have been brought to the forefront of American politics, artists and musicians from within the community are speaking up, encouraging their fans to get out and exercise their right to vote.

During this 2020 election season, there has been an avalanche of messaging to remind people to vote and to vote early.

Adding its voice to the message is the movement called Vote Like A Madre.  Thousands of mothers have taken the Pinky Promise to give their vote to their children. This means they are choosing candidates who have bold plans to fight climate change, so their kids have a chance at an economically stable life, to breathe fresh air,  and to live in a world filled with natural beauty.

Here’s a list of Hispanic and Latino artists who’ve also been vocal about social causes and encouraging their fans to get active.

Maná

The group Mana on a stage

Wikimedia

Mexican pop-rock band Maná were the first to break out in the rock en español genre in the 1990s, and have become icons over the years, even outside the Latino community. They have always been deeply rooted in activism and social justice, which is often the overall theme in their music.

The band founded the Selva Negra Foundation in 1995, aimed at funding causes dedicated to environmental protection.

Fueled by the rising anti-immigrant sentiment, ICE raids, and the El Paso shooting which targeted Hispanic immigrants, Maná is made sure that their fans are reminded to vote while out on their latest tour, the Rayando El Sol tour, named after their first hit song.

Lila Downs

Lila Downs performing on stage

Flickr / Mario

Lila Downs has always been a social activist. Before she became a well-known singer, she spent her days as a traveling hippie, when she spent her time chasing the Grateful Dead from city to city, living in communes, and making jewelry.

Lila grew up around artists in a multicultural household; her mother was a Mixtec singer and her father a Scottish American art professor. She fuses traditional Mixtec folk with a variety of genres, and makes social justice a major focus in her music, emphasizing the hardships faced by Mexico’s indigenous community in her home state of Oaxaca.

We are so excited to have Grammy award-winning artist Lila Downs at our 2020 SVREP Virtual Gala on Wednesday, September 16th! Join us in mobilizing the Latino vote by registering at svrep.org/virtual-gala.

Posted by Su Voto Es Su Voz SVREP.org on Saturday, September 12, 2020

 

She’s now putting her strength behind the election, as she urges her fans to get registered and vote. 

Shakira

Shakira speaking at an event

Flickr / World Economic Forum

Since her crossover onto the American pop charts with 2001’s “Whenever, Wherever”, Shakira has become a world-renowned pop star and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Early on in her career, she used her platform to further advance social and humanitarian causes, creating the Barefoot Foundation in 1997. The foundation serves to fight poverty by providing food, education, and job opportunities to underprivileged children around the world.

Recently, Shakira has been using social media to speak about climate change, and encourage the Latino community to vote. She’s a part of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize council, a series of 5 monetary prizes to be awarded to those who have the greatest ideas to tackle climate change and the environmental crisis.

View this post on Instagram

A bit more of my chat with Prince William @kensingtonroyal about the @earthshotprize -inspired by his passion and commitment towards combating climate change and repairing our planet, not to mention his contagious enthusiasm-and so humbled and happy to be a part of this Prize Council. It was a real pleasure getting to spend some time chatting with him about this incredible initiative-can’t wait to see the results! Aquí les comparto un poquito más de mi conversación con el Príncipe William sobre el premio Earthshot – Su entusiasmo, pasión y compromiso en la lucha contra el cambio climático han sido una inspiración. Fue un placer compartir unos minutos hablando con él y estoy muy feliz y honrada de formar parte de este proyecto para ayudar a reparar nuestro planeta!

A post shared by Shakira (@shakira) on

She’s also teaming up with Sony Music, as well as a slew of other artists, on the Your Voice, Your Power, Your Vote campaign, to encourage eligible voters to head to the polls.

Residente

Residente performing on stage

Wikimedia

Once part of the rap group Calle 13, Puerto Rican born reggaeton artist Residente has become well known for his activism. He has spoken out against various causes, from natural gas pipelines to human trafficking, to poverty. He’s also been extremely outspoken on issues of education in Latin America, participating in protest marches and school strikes across the region.

Since breaking off from his Calle 13 in 2016, Residente has embarked on a spiritual journey, traveling around the globe to find his ancestral roots, and using his travels as inspiration for his music.

Recently, Residente has been encouraging the Latino youth to vote and has been vocal on issues concerning the relationship between the US government and Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny paid tribute to the resilience of Puerto Rico in a surprise virtual concert in NYC

Screenshot / Youtube

Puerto Rican trap artist Bad Bunny has taken the world by storm. After being featured on songs with artists like Drake and Cardi B, Bad Bunny’s career skyrocketed, achieving international success. He even performed alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

Bad Bunny has been using his newfound platform to bring awareness to social issues. He has been vocal about the lack of aid for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, and has taken a strong stance against LGBTQ and gender-based violence on the island.

Recently, Bad Bunny has taken to social media to encourage his fans to vote in the upcoming election.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez speaking at an event

Flickr / Sno-Isle Libraries

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, also known as Roske, is a rapper and climate activist of Indigenous Mexican descent. He was also a former youth director of Earth Guardians.

While he may be the least known artist on this list, he is by far the most politically active. Xiuhtezcatl began his career in activism at a young age, speaking and performing at TEDx Youth at just 14-years-old.

As an activist, he’s taken on fracking and fossil fuel companies by leading campaigns and speaking at rallies, as well as taking on the U.S. government in a youth led lawsuit. Now 20-years-old, Xiuhtezcatl is taking on the injustices at the border through his music. He was recently featured on TIME magazine’s 100 Next.

Join the cause

Even if you aren’t a chart-topping celebrity, you can still help in the fight for the planet. You already have a powerful weapon in your arsenal: your vote!

Join the movement of Latina madres making a pinky promise to their kids to vote for candidates with science-based plans to tackle the climate crisis. The Vote Like A Madre movement has been sweeping across social media — even garnering a few celebrity promises.

It is time to vote for a better future for the children of today and tomorrow. Vote Like A Madre this election!

Disclaimer: This sponsored article was produced and distributed in partnership with Latino Victory Project, in support of the Vote Like a Madre campaign.

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