The Second single from Eljuri’s forthcoming album, Asi es el Mundo
is a U.S. Latina immigrant’s plea and decree
The breezy Brazilian samba rhythms of Eljuri’s new single KARMA are irresistibly and infectiously danceable, a perfect sound for summer – but the bright vocals, beats, and rich instrumentation belie the actual gravity of its message. The song — from one of the most boldly outspoken immigrant voices in the U.S. today — could not be more timely as an urgent response to the escalating violence, misguided hyperbolic uber-nationalism, and systemic oppression unfolding in America, as well as the instability shaking the globe in these intensely dark, chaotic, and crisis-ridden times.
The lyrics, in Spanish, deliver a grim admonition that the crossing of moral lines will inevitably lead to inescapable retribution, with the refrain, “The soul is not for sale,”proclaiming a relentless insistence on justice and the paramount pricelessness of decency and integrity.
Eljuri – Cecilia Villar Eljuri – is a New Yorker, an immigrant Latina born in Ecuador to Spanish and Lebanese parents, a singer, composer, guitarist, and social activist – or “artivist,” as she calls herself. Her greatest passions are songwriting and activism, serving as a conduit for the voices of the marginalized she encounters while touring internationally with her NYC-based trio. Her original music fuses elements of Latin, reggae, and global rhythms with a solid foundation in rock and funk, while her lyrics tackle human rights and other critical global issues with outspoken courage and eloquence. Dead serious in her activism, Eljuri is a courageous American voice who has never shied from committed political engagement; she co-founded the momentous Women’s Marches in New York City over several years and spearheaded the Eljuri Concerts for Democracy last year, enlisting new voter registration in various U.S. cities in partnership with national voting rights organizations Headcount, Spread the Vote, and Every Vote Counts in what was a crucial (and ultimately crushing) election year.
On KARMA, Eljuri performs an evocative solo on a guitar of her design: an electric tres. Her lead vocals are passionate, heartfelt, and more compelling than ever. Guests Steve Sandberg (Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz), contributing sparkling keyboards, and Brazil’s Cyro Baptista (Paul Simon, Sting), lending tropical vibes with traditional instruments such as pandeiro, surdo, and caxixi, join bassist Winston Roye and drummer Alex Alexander in laying down deeply funky grooves.
KARMA is now available through Manovill Records and Six Degrees Music, with the new album “Asi es el Mundo” set for release on August 22.
Eljuri will tour this summer in support of the new music https://www.eljurimusic.com/tour
Tues. 22 July – Drom Taberna, Toronto ON
Sat. 19 July – Concert of Colors, Detroit MI
Mon. 11 August – Rockford Park, Wilmington DE
Sun. 20 July – Hillside Festival, Guelph ON
Wed. 3 September – Joe’s Pub, New York NY
Mon. 21 July – Hotel Wolfe Island, Wolfe Island ON
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