Learning About The Evolution of Urbano Music and Culture Through the Docuseries ‘De La Calle’
‘De La Calle’ is a docu-series hosted by Nick Barili, an Argentine-American and award-winning journalist. Throughout the series, he visits various countries to explore the development of Urbano music and cultures that have contributed to the spark of the musical revolution. From Bachata and Cumbia to Hip Hop, Latin trap, and Reggaeton.
I was able to watch De La Calle: Mexico at the world premiere that took place on LALIFF’s last day. Seeing Barili immerse himself in Mexican culture and connect with the people was inspiring. The documentary shows Santa Fe Klan, Aleman, Yoss Bones, Rosa Pistola, Doma, Aczino, and Mare Advertencia Lirika.
He started by visiting Mexico City, where he participated as a judge in a freestyle competition with locals—had conversations at restaurants while listening to bandas playing music and watching people dance. He even drank a michelada in El Tepito, one of Mexico’s most dangerous neighborhoods that even locals tend to avoid.
After traveling to other states where he met female artists, these women highlighted the importance of addressing the issues women face in Mexico. They talked about the high rates of assassinations and kidnappings and how women are silenced in the country. These artists shared how facing these challenges has encouraged them to write about their experiences and hope people listen and can maybe even relate to their thoughts. I’m glad these scenes were shown in the documentary because, unfortunately, these issues play a significant role in the country, especially for women.
As a Mexican-American, this film helped me learn more about my culture. It taught me more about different states in Mexico and their diverse environments. It introduced me to more women, specifically Mexican women, that I can look up to because their music brings awareness to issues.
I was able to speak with Barili after the screening. I asked him how he felt about drinking a beer in one of Mexico’s most dangerous neighborhoods. His response went along the lines of he knew it was a dangerous place, but he felt that locals knew what he was there for, to learn about their culture, and even that well-known neighborhood El Teptio, should be explored because it’s a part of Mexican culture.
Alexandra Posada has directed several series for major channels such as BBC World and NatGeo and was an integral part of the development and director of photography for the feature documentary film Residente selected for SXSW and Havana, amongst other festivals. Her experience on the field witnessing solutions and obstacles that prevent developing countries from thriving, has led her to go beyond the screen and create projects that strive to create resilient communities, especially in her native Colombia.
Nick Barili (formerly Huff) is an Argentinian-American award-winning journalist, executive producer, director, and writer. He is best known as the founder and host of Hard Knock TV, the creator/host/show-runner for De La Calle on MTV and Paramount+, and the executive producer and host of SEEN for The Academy. A first-generation immigrant and life long advocate for more Latinx representation, Nick co-funded the Latinos In Media & Arts Coalition.
