Cumbia, a genre deeply rooted in tradition, finds a new expression through La Nueva Ola de Cumbia, who breaks away from the conventional and infuses their music with a refreshing twist. This musical ensemble, whose name translates to “the new wave of cumbia,” plays an alternative sound that resonates with traditional Latin music and contemporary L.A. flair. Their mission: to “cumbialize” the modern and modernize the cumbia.
The latest addition to their repertoire includes their rendition of the Spanish hit song “Dr. Psiquiatra,” reimagined in their distinctive cumbia style and performed by their new female leader, Pánfila Ochoa Prieto, who just joined the group this year. Their fresh take on this song by Gloria Trevi celebrates the infusion of feminine energy into the band, marking a new chapter in the group’s musical journey.
La Nueva Ola’s signature is wearing “luchador” or wrestling masks in their performances. Much like the enigmatic masked luchadores in Mexico’s wrestling folklore, La Nueva Ola arrives cloaked in their iconic Luchador masks, performing and continuing the party with these masks on, keeping their true identities concealed—a thrilling mystery that adds to the band’s allure.
Wearing the masks is a nod to heritage, paying homage to the iconic wrestling tradition embedded in Mexican culture. Their unique blend of traditional wrestling masks and punk-rock attitude sets the stage for an exhilarating musical experience.
The band creates a non-stop party atmosphere, infusing their high-octane cumbia with a renewed image, a fresh lineup, and revitalized presentations. They consider themselves the masked desmadrosos, or troublemakers, transforming any gathering into an explosive celebration.
La Nueva Ola de Cumbia, with their fusion of tradition, modernity, and contagious energy, continue to push boundaries, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and innovative musical style. As they unveil new sounds in the world of cumbia, their contribution to the evolving landscape of the genre demonstrates their significant impact on culture and their remarkable musical talent.
Catch La Nueva Ola de Cumbia on Dec. 9th as they takes center stage at the International Tamale Festival at Long Beach City College (Pacific Coast Campus). Come dance to a new rhythm of cumbia that electrifies the stage with a rock-and-roll energy.
